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Welcome to Villa Puebla! We’re Tessi and Laurent, your hosts, and we are eager to share the magic of our bed & breakfast with you.
When you visit, you’ll discover a fairytale like place to stay and a gateway to the stunning Ubaye valley, an environment we hold dear, and a destination we’ve fallen in love with. We want your experience here to be truly unforgettable.
A few years ago, we found ourselves captivated by the beauty of the Ubaye region—its vibrant culture, welcoming people, and majestic mountains. It didn’t take long for us to realize that this was where we wanted to build our new home. That’s when we decided to breathe new life into this magnificent Art Nouveau villa, restoring it with love and care to create a space where guests can relax, connect, and feel truly at home.
Tessi Romell Marais comes from Sweden, and Laurent Marais is French, and we’ve lived and worked all over the world. This blend of cultures and creativity shapes who we are—and it’s the spirit we bring to Villa Puebla.
Our space is more than a Bed & Breakfast, it is also a creative hub for artists in residence. You might even meet one of them during your stay and witness how this magical place inspires their work!
We’re fluent in English, French, Swedish, and Spanish, so feel free to chat with us in whichever language you’re most comfortable with.
We look forward to welcoming you and making your time at Villa Puebla something truly special!
Tessi & Laurent
Experience the perfect blend of historic elegance, artistic inspiration, and personalized hospitality. Our beautifully restored Art Nouveau villa in the Ubaye Valley offers a unique, serene retreat with deep cultural connections.

Experience creativity in action with resident artists who enrich your stay, offering unique insights and inspiring interactions in our beautifully restored..

Enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere with attentive service designed to cater to your needs, ensuring a memorable and personalized experience..

Engage with the local community and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Ubaye Valley, where we celebrate local traditions and offer unique cultural..

Stay in a meticulously restored Art Nouveau villa that combines historical charm with modern amenities, providing a sophisticated and unique settings..
Our Art Nouveau villa, once a historical gem, has been lovingly restored to reflect its original grandeur. We cherish its rich heritage and aim to preserve its unique charm for future generations.
Eugène Lions, a young Barcelonnette native, moved to Mexico at 13 to join his uncle’s fabric business. He later returned to Barcelonnette in 1880 and commissioned Victor Berato to design Villa Puebla.
The villa’s interior showcases Art Nouveau furniture, stained glass windows, and elegant marble fireplaces. Intricate plasterwork and ceramic tiles with floral motifs further enhance the period’s charm, creating a luxurious and artistic ambiance.
In 1903, Eugène Lions updated the villa with architect Francis Girard’s vision, incorporating vibrant colors and decorative elements. The renovation included ornate friezes, painted earthenware, and a modified roof, reflecting the era’s bold style.
Villa Puebla, surrounded by a historic park and old greenhouse, is listed as a Historic Monument. It has earned the Heritage Foundation label and features annually in National Architecture Days. A French TV program recently highlighted its rich history.
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the unique charm of Villa Puebla. Reserve your unforgettable stay today and enjoy a serene retreat in the heart of the Ubaye Valley.
Our guests’ experiences speak volumes. Discover heartfelt testimonials that reflect the warmth, creativity, and unique charm of Villa Puebla, where every stay is crafted to be memorable and inspiring.
Our guests’ experiences speak volumes. Discover heartfelt testimonials that reflect the warmth, creativity, and unique charm of Villa Puebla, where every stay is crafted to be memorable and inspiring.
Our stay at Villa Puebla was truly magical. The attention to detail in the villa’s restoration is incredible, and the serene atmosphere allowed us to fully unwind. We were captivated by the villa’s history and charm.
Villa Puebla exceeded our expectations in every way. The blend of historic elegance and artistic ambiance created a unique experience. We loved exploring the Ubaye Valley and felt completely at home in this exquisite villa.
Discover the rich history of Villa Puebla, from Eugène Lions’ journey to Mexico at age 13, to the villa’s creation and transformation, and its enduring significance in architectural heritage.
Nestled in a private wooded park near Barcelonnette, Villa Puebla is a premier example of the historic ‘Villas Mexicaines’ in the Ubaye Valley. Originally built in 1880 and later transformed with a stunning blend of Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau architecture, this Historic Monument is celebrated for its meticulously preserved original furniture, ornate greenhouse, and authentic Belle Époque interiors. Our commitment to cultural heritage has been recognized by the Heritage Foundation and featured on French TV’s Des racines et des ailes, while our excellence in hospitality is highlighted by the Michelin Guide, Le Routard, and Lonely Planet.
The story of Villa Puebla began in 1880, following Eugène Lions’ successful return to Barcelonnette. To realize his vision, he sought the expertise of Italian master builder Victor Berato, whose craftsmanship laid the foundation for what would become an enduring architectural masterpiece. This initial construction marked the birth of one of the valley’s most iconic ‘Villas Mexicaines.
A testament to the grand ‘Mexican’ history of the Ubaye Valley, Villa Puebla stands as a masterpiece of early 20th-century ambition. In 1903, Eugène Lions—one of the region’s storied returnees—entrusted architect Francis Girard to transform the property. By blending classic French elegance with the bold, eclectic styles favored by the ‘Barcelonnettes,’ Girard created a Historic Monument that remains the architectural crown jewel of the valley.
Step back into the Belle Époque at Villa Puebla, where the 1903 transformation comes to life through a masterful blend of Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. The facade is a striking display of vibrant colors and ornate design elements that boldly defy traditional alpine architecture. From the intricate woodwork to the lush wooded park that surrounds it, the villa offers a sensory journey through a unique aesthetic that remains a standout among the historic estates of the Ubaye Valley
This architectural harmony extends indoors, where Villa Puebla’s interior serves as a living museum of the early 20th century. The rooms showcase rare Art Nouveau furnishings, vibrant stained-glass windows, and exquisite marble fireplaces that have been meticulously preserved. Every corner reveals the era’s elegance through intricate plasterwork and handcrafted ceramic tiles, offering guests an authentic encounter with French heritage design in the heart of the Alps.
Surrounded by a wooded park and listed as a Historic Monument, Villa Puebla is celebrated for its preserved original furniture and rich cultural heritage. Beyond its feature on the iconic French TV show Des racines et des ailes, the Villa is a top-rated destination recognized for excellence by the Michelin Guide, Le Routard, and Lonely Planet. Experience one of the most authentic historic stays in Provence, where history and prestige meet.
Villa Puebla has been honored with numerous prestigious awards for its historical preservation, exquisite design, and outstanding guest experiences, showcasing our commitment to maintaining a unique and luxurious space.