Les Bains Gardians: A New Perspective on the Camargue

In the heart of a four-hectare estate, just outside Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Les Bains Gardians assert their distinct identity. This discreet hotel, envisioned by Jean-Pierre Marois, combines the high standards of luxury hospitality with a bold artistic vision. More than just an address in the Camargue, it is a destination designed to host contemporary creation in all its diversity, in continuous dialogue with nature and local history.

A Vision Shaped by Jean-Pierre Marois

Producer, collector, and the man behind the revival of Les Bains Paris, Jean-Pierre Marois brings to this project a consistent artistic direction that reflects his established reputation. Under his guidance, Les Bains Gardians have become a space for artistic experimentation—structured yet open, developed in collaboration with curator Jérôme Pauchant and interior designers Hauvette & Madani.

The aim is clear: to integrate contemporary art into the core of the guest experience with subtlety, coherence, and precision. Artworks appear throughout the communal areas, guest rooms, reception, and especially within the Pont des Bannes restaurant, now a living exhibition space.

Each Residency, A New Perspective on the Camargue

From the outset, several artists were invited to produce site-specific works as part of carefully curated residencies.

Dove Perspicacius, based in the Cévennes, drew from local traditions—including the Camargue’s ex-votos and the figure of Saint Sara—to develop a series rooted in the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Displayed on the restaurant’s terrace, her works explore the connection between memory, ritual, and contemporary expression.

The duo Studio Al Fresco, composed of Charlotte Develter and Zoé de Soumagnat, focused their efforts on the restaurant ceilings. Their pastel-hued, ethereal compositions offer a delicate interpretation of the Camargue sky, painted using solvent-free, environmentally respectful techniques.

Another standout contribution comes from Perrine Boudy, a recent graduate of the Villa Arson in Nice. Her graphic ceiling piece draws inspiration from the surrounding marshlands—lush green washes punctuated by stylized animals and natural motifs that hover between abstraction and figuration.

Lastly, Robin Leforestier, known for his nomadic practice, produced a series of plein air paintings around the estate. His approach, attuned to both architecture and human interaction, echoes the site’s commitment to welcoming diverse artistic perspectives.

A Lasting Collection, Seamlessly Integrated

Beyond the residencies, Les Bains Gardians host a curated selection of permanent works by both emerging and established artists. Visitors encounter modular volumes by Michel Duport, sun-drenched scenes by Martin Gendre, and a standout piece by Matt Jones at the restaurant entrance.

Sculptures by Alexandre Bavard, Benjamin Sabatier, and Olivier Urman add further depth to this evolving collection, designed to complement the estate’s architecture and natural surroundings.

Here, art does not merely decorate, it defines space, encourages conversation, and plays a vital role in shaping the identity of the site.

A Domain Shaped by Art and the Camargue

Les Bains Gardians are neither a museum nor a conventional open-air gallery. Instead, art is integrated into a broader, long-term vision, with careful attention paid to the estate’s integration within the Camargue landscape. In collaboration with Luce Monier, a floral artist based in Arles, a rewilding project has been launched to enhance the natural environment.

This approach has already attracted new artists set to join the programme, including Nils Udo, Quentin Lefranc, Sylvain Ristori, Jan van der Ploeg, and Olivier Millagou.

Les Bains Gardians embody a new generation of cultural destinations—where high-end hospitality meets a carefully curated artistic programme. A rare address, guided by the vision of a passionate collector, created for travellers seeking a more thoughtful, immersive encounter with place and art alike.

Our team discovered and experienced this exceptional place so that we could tell you about it with authenticity.

Our 5 favorite things about Les Bains Gardians

• The extraordinary authenticity of this establishment blends perfectly with its unique surroundings.
• The unpretentious luxury of these gardian huts.
• A true acoustic signature, the Marshall speaker installed in each room enhances the atmosphere of the place and extends the sensory experience down to the smallest detail.
• At dusk, dinner by the pool comes alive to the delicate notes of refined musical accompaniment, offering a moment suspended between elegance and pleasure.
• This exceptional place exudes a luminous, almost magnetic energy that envelops visitors from the moment they arrive.

Special mention goes to Jean-Pierre Marois for creating this Camargue gem.

Discover Les Bains Gardians, an artistic retreat in the heart of the Camargue by Jean-Pierre Marois.

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