Overview

This is a beautiful 18th Century house and estate situated in Aix en Provence. It's quirky, charming and a very Aix experience and I loved staying here in this apartment. Firstly though, to be clear, the apartment I stayed in was not completely accessible and it would not be suitable for everyone which is why I have given an overall score of 4. I would have given the gardens alone 5 and the host could not have tried to accomodate me any more, even physically building temporary ramps into the apartment for my arrival and building a further ramp into the beautiful gardens. I couldn't access the bathroom in my wheelchair as there is a step into it, however, the host Emery realises the bathroom is not wheelchair accessible and plans to knock through a wall to build an accessible bathroom in September; he also has later plans for a lift to the top floor and ramped access to an amazing viewpoint overlooking the river. I'll definitely be back to check it out when the accessible bathroom is complete. I can't say enough good things about the host Emery or the gardens, there is also a pool and lots to keep children busy including a treehouse, fountains and carp. It's a Provençal dream garden with lots of places to sit and admire the view and I felt very welcome there; you would think that you were in the countryside rather than on the edge of a city, it's a must for a re-charge but is close enough to access the centre of Aix at the same time. I wish I could move in.....

Transport & Parking

The Domaine Bellefontaine is located 1.2 miles from Aix centre but there are frequent accessible buses a few minutes walk away and there are also buses stopping even closer to the Domaine but I'm unsure if they are accessible or not. There is free on-site parking available in front of the house and the estate is accessed through secure locked gates behind a student residence. Parking in Aix centre is difficult but there are a few disabled spaces in town; we used the ones at the train station when we needed to.

Access

As described above, parts of the venue are definitely not wheelchair accessible yet but the host says that this will be addressed in September and as it stands, I could access the majority of the apartment and gardens thanks to the ramps. At night, when I came back in, the ramps and walkways were always lit up for me. The windows inside the apartment were at a good height for me to view the garden.

Toilets

The bathroom was not accessible (see above) but soon will be after September.

Staff

The staff were lovely and the host Emery was very friendly, interesting and helpful.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I can't wait to go back, if I make it, I'll post an updated review re. the accessible bathroom.

Photos