Our house
Our house is all about encounters...
Firstly, there’s Avignon... Avignon is an extraordinary place, a former Papal city, a UNESCO World heritage site, a city teeming with history and unique cultural and architectural riches, and it boasts the perfect location on the fringes of Provence, a region of radiant beauty which is the envy of the world.
We fell in love with the city and we met here.
So we decided to settle here and invite you into this house for a stopover or a relaxing break.
And that’s how we came across the amazing place that is the Jardins de Baracane... Did we choose the house or did it choose us? Who knows...
Where we are
All the beauty that the city of Avignon and Provence have to offer... right on the doorstep
“Les Jardins de Baracane” is a charming 17th-century guest house right at the heart of the captivating city of Avignon. You don’t need a car because you can get around the medieval quarter easily on foot or by bike. You can come back after a conference at the Palais des Papes, or return to your haven of peace and tranquillity after a day spent visiting the Pont d’Avignon, the banks of the Rhône, the picturesque alleyways and the bustling shopping streets, and then head back out to enjoy a meal in one of the fine local restaurants or an event during one of the city’s many festivals.
A little further afield from “Les Jardins de Baracane” lie wonderful places with evocative names: Provence, the Luberon, the Alpilles, the Pont du Gard... From the lavender fields to Mont Ventoux, from the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains to the Camargue, from farmers’ markets to Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its famous vineyards - you won’t want to leave!
The premises
Behind the great stone façade, in the vestibule, the doors open out onto a lush garden and secluded swimming pool. People say it’s like a Moroccan riad... It is a haven of peace and tranquillity which accentuates the intimacy of this unexpected garden right in the heart of the city. It’s the perfect place to dream, take quiet walks on the shady paths, or enjoy an aperitif under the arbour or croissants at the breakfast bar.
The garden exudes a touch of Japanese Zen, colonial warmth, romantic charm and a certain je ne sais quoi which we hope you will love.
The fully renovated 17th-century residence is laid out around a huge staircase. Full of light and warmth, the house is south-facing and all rooms overlook the garden. It exudes a certain elegance and offers both homely comfort and a peaceful atmosphere.
Some history
Originally known as the “Rue des Amoulaires” (grinders), the street was re-baptised the “Baracane”.
Baracane is a thick woollen fabric made from goat hair. We are in what was once the taffeta-makers quarter. Avignon was once famous for its silk, producing precious fabrics such as Florentines, a type of shiny, plain-woven taffeta, or Indiennes, brightly coloured fabrics dyed with local madder, washed in the waters of the River Sorgue.
It was here, at number 12, that a group of young taffeta-makers set up business in the 18th century, in premises belonging to the Society of Jesus, Mary, Joseph and Saint Bruno.