In 2012, Olivier and Caroline discovered the beautiful area around Montclus, about an hour’s drive north of Avignon. On their travels, they found an old stone house, which they bought and lovingly renovated over two years. To be precise, they rebuilt it from the ground up into a delightful ensemble of stone houses, originally with five guest rooms and a duplex apartment in a separate building.
As with most such projects, it was a labor of love from the start. The idea: Every guest should experience the beauty they themselves found in this place. Today, La Maison Papillons is a truly charming retreat that has nothing in common with the hyped Provence hotels you know from glossy magazines. (A small side note: Montclus is not in Provence but already in the Occitanie region, which stretches south all the way to Montpellier.)
Everything here has grown slowly. It is a sanctuary for anyone seeking peace and serenity, just as Caroline and Olivier found it here with their two daughters.
This creative family makes you fall in love with the place instantly. It is hard to put into words, but it probably comes down to the understated luxury, the subtle decor, the vintage furniture, the magical garden with its cypresses and an atmosphere that never feels contrived. It certainly helps that Olivier, a painter, made many of the tables, paintings and artworks himself, and that both hosts have fully embraced this perfectly imperfect style.
When we arrived, we went straight for a swim in the refreshing pool. Then Caroline served a cool glass of local white wine in the garden while the sun shimmered through the cast-iron gate. What a treat.
The Rooms
La Maison Papillons now has nine units: five double rooms of 30 to 45 square meters, three suites of 35 to 70 square meters and the duplex apartment with a small kitchen next to the pool (don’t expect a villa; it sleeps two). Some of the rooms are more secluded, true retreats.
Room No. 3 even has an art studio, along with a desk overlooking the courtyard and a coffee machine for your afternoon cup. We would start writing that first novel here.
The largest of the three new suites is No. 9, opened in 2026, with 70 square meters (750 square feet) of space. You could basically spend the whole summer here.
Food
Every morning, the owners serve a magnificent breakfast of homemade organic granola, jams, local goat cheese, bread, coffee and other fresh specialties of the region.
Lunch and dinner are not included, but in summer La Maison Papillons teams up with local chefs for a traditional table d’hôtes. During our visit, we had one of those dreamy evenings, sitting with other guests at a big table and losing all track of time over a bottle of wine. As they say, the best parties are the spontaneous ones, at Maison Papillons, too.
Children
Because it is a true retreat, Maison Papillons does not accept children under 8; the house simply isn’t designed for them. It is ideal for couples on a romantic vacation, families with older children and solo travelers seeking a truly dreamy, peaceful place to stay.
The Surroundings
The area around Montclus, one of France’s most beautiful villages, is known for picturesque historic villages with old stone houses and local restaurants. P.S.: Just a short drive away is Barjac, where Anselm Kiefer’s former studio estate, La Ribaute, is open to visitors.
Special
If you are a fan of road cycling, talk to Olivier. He loves to ride himself, knows wonderful routes and is happy to share them, and if the timing works out, he might even join you.
Season
Open from spring to late October.
Prices
Doubles from 170 to 320 euros per night, including breakfast.
Booking & Contact
La Maison Papillons
Hameau de Monteil
178 Rue des Micocouliers
30630 Montclus
France
All photos by our dear ambassador Nesrine / L’Escale Voyage: www.lescale-voyage.com
