18th-Century Monastic Estate on a Private Rhône Island — Near Avignon · ref. AV1

A former Carthusian monastery built in the 18th century and later occupied by the Knights of Malta, the Domaine de Villette sits on a private island in the Rhône, just outside Avignon. Its history of monastic and chivalric occupation lends the estate an exceptional serenity — felt across its 25 hectares of orchards, open fields, century-old tree-lined allées and manicured lawns.

The main manor offers five en-suite double bedrooms — one with a double bed, two with king-size beds, and two with twin beds — each with air conditioning and private bathroom. Furnishings throughout combine Provençal antiques with comfortable beds imported from the United States. The independent guest house accommodates a further two bedrooms, providing privacy and flexibility for larger groups.

A fully enclosed swimming pool (7.5 x 16.5 m) sits within the grounds, which are maintained daily by a full-time gardener. The estate is professionally staffed year-round with two full-time housekeepers and a gastronomic chef, ensuring an effortless stay for up to 14 guests.

Avignon and Orange are just 15 minutes away, with their architectural heritage, music and theatre festivals. Within 30 minutes lie two golf courses and eight Michelin-starred restaurants — three of them in Avignon alone. The Pont du Gard, Uzès, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and its 200 antique dealers, and the perched villages of the Alpilles and Luberon are all within easy reach.