The bastide and the mas embody Provençal living at its finest, in local stone, under round tiles, in the shade of plane trees. BARNES Provence Littoral gathers their finest expressions, from restored Luberon farmhouses to the character residences of the Alpilles.
Mas or bastide, what is the difference
The mas is a former Provençal farmhouse, built on one or two levels, with thick walls and openings facing south to shelter from the mistral. The bastide, later, is a bourgeois country residence, often symmetrical and more imposing, set within a park or an estate. The mas often keeps its outbuildings, its terracotta floors and its fireplace, the legacy of an estate of olive trees, vines or silkworm farming. The former comes from farming, the latter from prestige.
The market for bastides and mas in Provence
A traditional mas sells from 1 to 1.5 million euros, a bastide or a large property from 1.5 to 3 million and beyond depending on the land. Per square metre, the Gordes area is around 3,400 euros and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence 4,600 euros. A restored mas sells for markedly more than one to renovate, as work on old stone is long and costly.
Where to find a bastide or a mas, area by area
The Luberon remains the heartland of the mas, around Gordes, Bonnieux and Ménerbes. The Alpilles, from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to Eygalières, concentrate bastides surrounded by olive trees.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and the countryside of the Pays d’Aix complete the map, with character residences a few minutes from the towns.
A style, not only a setting
Bastide and mas describe an architecture, recognisable by its stone and its volumes, where a simple country property can adopt any style, including contemporary. Choosing a bastide or a mas means choosing heritage as much as a way of life.
Buying or selling a bastide or a mas with BARNES
Restoring or maintaining an old building means checking the state of the roof, the quality of the original materials and the energy performance of the stone. Our consultants assess these points, which weigh heavily on the budget. They steer you towards homes whose restoration respects authenticity.
You are selling a bastide or a mas. Its character and history attract buyers attached to Provençal heritage, French and foreign. A precise valuation and a showcase of the stone and the grounds make the difference.
Frequently asked questions about bastides and mas
What is the difference between a mas and a bastide?
The mas is a former Provençal farmhouse of agricultural tradition. The bastide is a bourgeois country residence, more imposing and often set within a park.
What budget for a bastide or a mas in Provence?
From 1 to 1.5 million euros for a traditional mas, from 1.5 to 3 million and beyond for a bastide or a large property.
Where to find the finest mas and bastides?
The Luberon around Gordes and Bonnieux, the Alpilles from Saint-Rémy to Eygalières, and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
What to check before buying an old building?
The state of the roof, the authenticity of the materials and the energy performance of the stone, decisive for the restoration.
Should you buy a mas to renovate or already restored?
A restored mas costs more but avoids long, costly work on old stone. A property to renovate leaves more room to personalise, provided the refurbishment is precisely costed.
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