10/10 Excellent
craig w.
21 May 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
A wonderful place to stay
Our group (5 active adults, all in our 60's) loved our stay at l'Atelier Maillol. When not exploring the region and its attractions, we spent much of our time sitting on the terrace/deck, eating delicious local food and drinking tasty wines. The house is a wonderful hybrid of traditional architecture on the exterior and contemporary open design inside, made more special by its history and heritage as Maillol's working studio. The house's set-up of bedrooms and bathrooms offered privacy to all, allowing both group and alone time. Common living areas were comfortable, and the kitchen had all required amenities/appliances. The property's location offered both privacy and access to town, a pleasant 15-minute walk. We took many hikes, including on the trails along the coast leading both north towards Collioure and south towards Spain. Though Collioure is pretty, vibrant, and interesting, we preferred the vibe in Banyuls -- less crowded and touristy, wider and more open. Favorite destinations included the Dali house in Cadaques; Collioure's art museum, shops, and narrow streets; the museum in Ceret; the Maillol museum up the road a couple of miles (a pleasant walk); and, of course, local restaurants and cafes. A favorite pastime was to sit at a cafe facing the beach in Banyuls with a cafe creme or glass of wine, watching people walk by. Our one regret is that we never made time to try the on-site boules court. Special thanks to owner Celine who was helpful throughout our stay.
craig w.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023