Mas De La Forge 

“This place is like its own universe.” These were the last words we heard from Florence, the proprietor and hostess of Mas de la Forge, a gorgeous 3-room guesthouse situated in the lush farmland of France’s Camargue region, roughly 15 minutes from the ancient city of Arles. The property itself has been in Florence’s family for at least 6 generations, and beautifully renovated for visitors. Our room had stone floors and high-beamed ceilings, a large and comfortable bed, and air conditioning. The shuttered windows opened onto a private patio, and the property itself is quiet and enclosed, strewn with rose bushes, trees and vines. A path from the farmhouse leads you to La Telline, the excellent 5-table restaurant also run by Florence and her husband Jean-Luc where they serve fresh fish, grilled meats, vegetables and the rice farmed from the region’s ubiquitous marshy paddies. Included in our stay was a generous and delicious breakfast - fresh eggs and yogurt, ham, juice, fruit and breads. Florence is a warm and obliging hostess. She speaks very limited English, but if you come equipped with a little French, you will likely be able to communicate. She mapped out the Camargue for us, called cabs, offered time-saving routes to secluded beaches, and arranged visits for horseback riding and to the exceptional vineyard Mas de Valeriole, both a short drive down the road. As the farmhouse is secluded, you will want to rent a car for your stay. In the morning we were greeted by a chorus of birds, and at night, because there is no light pollution, the sky is lively with stars. Its own universe, indeed.