JL, Berlin
Staying at la maison des chapitres is an outstanding experience – a provencal Alice in Wonderland. The house is really inspiring, but still has a magically soothing atmosphere about it. There is nothing like enjoying a cold Pastis on a mild evening on the summer terrace or strolling through the gallery-like corridors in the early mornings. Basil is a great host and made our time in Forqualquier unforgettable. Absolute recommendation.
AV, London
We arrived in desperate need for a few days of peace and quiet from an overcrowded family house in Provence. Little did we know what a magical and wonderful place La Maison Des Chapitres would be! The Persian Suite was luxurious, spacious and truly extraordinary, decorated with interesting artwork and objects. It reflected the rest of the house and we could have spent our entire time exploring its wonders. Alas, we were there to do some work and on practicalities the house did not disappoint. The wi-fi was fast and easily accessible (despite the house being large with many thick walls), coffee was available all day long, and breakfast was served with a superb view on the upstairs terrace.
Our host, Basil Galloway, was magnificent. Not only did he delight us with the history of the house and show off his grandfather’s astonishing art collection, he was also full of recommendations on what to do in the nearby area. When we were unable to find a reservation at a restaurant due to Provence’s sporadic opening hours, Basil stepped up. Within less than an hour he whipped up a four-course meal for us and our guests better than anything we could have found in town. His tasty cocktails and fascinating wine collection, picked from the best of what was on offer from local wine makers, added to the occasion.
Our two days at La Maison des Chapitres were memorable and a true delight. If you enjoy something out of the ordinary, like art, good wine and a house with a story, this is the place to be in Forcalquier.
MB, Berlin
When I walked into the house for the first time in 2000, I started to cry from being overwhelmed by all this beauty. The house is like a secret that reveals everything it has to you; you become a child, want to leaf through the books that you find, marvel at the paintings, touch the little treasures and feel like in a modern fairy tale that keeps the old days ... Each room has its own loving story, its own treasures .. you always walk up and down these wonderful, sometimes warm, sometimes cold stone stairs and after about three hours you can easily find your way around. Each room has its own enchanting bathroom - here, too, you feel lovingly caressed by the details and can look out of the window onto the enchanted, dreamy street and breathe in Provence. When you wake up from your deep sleep in the morning, the sun spreads over everything, you would soon want to hike up the cool stone stairs and through the wonderful kitchen to this dreamy terrace, from which you have a view that makes you feel like Pablo Picasso and Eva Gouel. There you get a wonderful French breakfast, maybe even a cooling pastis .. you listen to the cicadas and are incredibly happy
LG, Geneva
We had a wonderful stay in the Persian suite early July. The room stayed cool, the views were fantastic, and the attached private living room would be perfect for a family. The house was bursting at the seams with art, character, warmth, and soul. Forcalquier is also a wonderful hidden gem with several local food shops and a great base for day trips. I'd not recommend this place for people with reduced mobility as there are multiple floors and several sets of staircases. But for everyone else, it is at once grand, and cosy. Truly one of our best stays ever, and was a great departure from chain hotels and globalised tourism. Both the house and host went above and beyond our expectations. We will be back.
CL, London
The only word to describe this Airbnb is Wow! If you stay with Basil you are in for a real treat, nothing is too much trouble and if you are lucky enough to have him cook for you then you are in for a gastronomic extravaganza. I have never stayed in any Airbnb that tops this experience. Sooo looking forward to my next visit.
VF, Oslo
We had the pleasure of having Basil as host for my wife’s birthday. He made unforgettable evening for all of us. The house is such a pearl. Beautiful terrace with stunning view. Very good food and excellent wines. Food and wine paired perfectly. And finally staying in The Perisan Suite made the evening unforgettable. We will be back!
PT, Berlin
Words can’t adequately capture how extraordinary La Maison des Chapitres is, but I will try my best. Tucked away in the heart of the historic old town, the ancient front door keeps secret the grandeur of scale that lies within. On entering your breath is taken away by the spiral stone staircase and central court vista, stretching up as far as the eye can see.
Laid out across each floor are bedrooms with luxurious en suites, each with their own individual style and story to tell. There is plenty to discover as you roam across the many floors, with an extensive art library and sofas inviting you to recline with a book or two, communal spaces reminiscent of the Arabian Nights, and a shaded rooftop terrace to eat out on and hear the cathedral bells chime.
If you can tear yourself away from the house, you can stroll down the road to the town square to sit at cafes and sip drinks, join in the hustle and bustle of the fresh food and antique markets, or lose yourself down quant side streets leading to artist ateliers, galleries, shops and restaurants.
You will leave La Maison des Chapitre inspired with unforgettable memories, already planning the next time you can return.
AN, Berlin
La Maison des Chapitres is a magical place that occupies your mind from the very second you set foot inside. The rest is a journey, it's up to you how far you let this place take you.
It is more than a residence, this place is a poetry. It is a dialogue between East and West, between baroque and pop, and between amusement and stillness. It feels like a secret meeting is being held here that you would like to attend and yet avoid.
If you love poetry, visual art, history, music and good food, you should not pass up this place. Don't miss out on BEING in this place, getting inspired and creating. And most of all to have a great time in the company of your one and only host Basil.