Les Oliviers des Baux is a stunning property, the manifestation in real stone, tile and marble of every Provence-lover's dream of a perfectly appointed luxury home in this blessed region of France. After a three-year renovation that left little of the 18th-century mas standing except its four walls, the artisans, stone cutters, landscape architects and appliance installers are mercifully gone, and once again this idyllic enclave of peace and tranquility is available for rental to discriminating guests.

While this would be an extraordinary property in any setting, it is also the more striking for its lovely gardens, beautifully maintained lawns and spectacular views over the rugged green-and-brown slopes of the Alpilles. There is completely privacy, away from noise and almost completely out of sight of any other house. And since it is tucked into a rocky hillside that faces south, the property is well protected against the mistral, the strong wind that sometimes sweeps down from the north, cleansing the skies and bending cane fields and slender pines toward the earth.

The ground floor consists of a generous entry foyer, living room, formal dining room, enormous Provençal-style kitchen, powder room and office-sitting room. The furnishings are all period antiques, the floors terra cotta tile or polished stone, and the wall and trim colors bright but soft and warm. These motifs are all in keeping with the light-hearted Provençal ambiance that was the object of the decorative scheme. Along the front facade of the ground floor is a broad stone terrace, surrounded by gardens and shaded by ancient trees, that is oriented south and has views of the mountains and bauxite cliffs surrounding Les Baux.

The four bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bath, are on the upper level. The master bedroom is especially spacious, and its stunning bathroom, with an over-sized tub and deep stall shower, is larger than most Parisian hotel rooms. The views from all bedrooms are south across the Alpilles, with hardly another house in sight.

All four bedrooms have king-sized beds (180cm, 71" across) that can be divided into two twin beds. In addition to the master bath, one bath has a tub and stall shower; another has a tub and overhead shower with a large sunflower-shaped showerhead. One bathroom, which is ensuite with the smallest bedroom, has a stall shower only. All bathrooms have a WC.

The pool (12M X 6M, 39' x 19.5') is surrounded by a broad flagstone deck and beautifully landscaped gardens. The property's situation on a steep hillside assures total privacy from the north, as well as protection from the mistral that sometimes blows in Provence; with the ground sloping sharply away to lavender fields and vineyards that lie directly below to the south, and no houses immediately to the east or west, the pool enjoys total privacy, and should they choose guests can sunbathe at the pool in a total state of nature. To guard against rude surprises a device has been installed at the entrance to the driveway that issues a gentle alarm when visitors arrive. The pool and gardens can be illuminated at night by an elaborate outdoor lighting system, and in the evening the floodlights playing off the surrounding limestone hills produces an extraordinary visual effect.

Amenities at Les Oliviers des Baux include high-speed Internet access, a fax machine on a separate line, satellite TV reception with a full selection of French, American and English channels; American-style washing machine and separate dryer; and a barbecue. A public tennis court, perfectly maintained by the commune of Les Baux, is a 10-minute walk along an untraveled country road.

Les Oliviers des Baux is situated in the southern foothills of the Alpilles mountain chain that lies just below Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It is about a four-minute drive from the famed L'Oustaù de Beaumanière at Les Baux, and less than 10 minutes from Maussane-les-Alpilles, an enchanting Provençal village that attracts throngs to its Thursday open-air market.

The property is also conveniently located for business people who need to be within easy reach of international transportation hubs. Marseille-Marignane Airport, with connections to Paris, London and other international destinations, is about 40 minutes. For high-speed rail service, the TGV Route Mediterranée is at Avignon, about 30 minutes to the north. Les Oliviers des Baux is a 30-40 minute drive from the Cavaillon or Salon-de-Provence exits of the Autoroute, the impeccably maintained superhighway system that connects Paris with the Provence, the Côte d'Azur and all other regions of France.