About Us – Villa Puebla

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Welcome to Villa Puebla! We’re Tessi and Laurent, your hosts, and we can’t wait 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 not just 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

Discover What Sets Us Apart

Exceptional Elegance, Artistry, and Personalized Hospitality Await

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.

A Timeless Legacy in Art Nouveau

The Story Behind Our Restored Villa and Vision

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.

Early Beginnings

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.

Art Nouveau Splendor

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.

Architectural Evolution

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.

Historic Significance

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.

Experience the Perfect Blend of Elegance, Creativity, and Comfort

Book Your Stay at Villa Puebla

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.

Voices from Villa Puebla

Discover What Makes Every Stay Unforgettable Through Our Guests' Words

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.

Claire & Martin

Paris, France

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.

Isabella & Lucas

Madrid, Spain

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.

Anna & Michael

Berlin, Germany

Villa Puebla's Legacy

A Tale of Vision, Art, and Heritage Spanning Over a Century

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.

Eugène Lions' Remarkable Path from Barcelonnette to Mexico

Villa Puebla, built in 1880 by a successful entrepreneur, embodies timeless Art Nouveau charm. Its original furniture, lush park, and greenhouse are meticulously preserved, earning recognition from the Heritage Foundation for its cultural significance.

The Founding of a Historic Gem

Upon returning to Barcelonnette in 1880, Eugène entrusted the construction of Villa Puebla to Italian entrepreneur Victor Berato, marking the beginning of this elegant and enduring architectural masterpiece.

Revitalizing Villa Puebla with Artistic Flair

In 1903, Eugène Lions commissioned architect Francis Girard to enhance Villa Puebla, adding vibrant colors and design elements that would make the villa a standout in the Ubaye Valley.

Detailed Craftsmanship Elevating Villa Puebla’s Design

In 1903, Eugène Lions commissioned architect Francis Girard to enhance Villa Puebla, adding vibrant colors and design elements that would make the villa a standout in the Ubaye Valley.

A Timeless Interior of Art and Craft

Villa Puebla’s interior showcases Art Nouveau furnishings, stained-glass windows, and exquisite marble fireplaces. The decor’s intricate details, from plasterwork to ceramic tiles, embody the era’s elegance.

Villa Puebla’s Historic Significance and Cultural Recognition

Surrounded by a wooded park and listed as a Historic Monument, Villa Puebla is celebrated for its preserved original furniture and cultural contributions, even featured on French TV’s “Des racines et des ailes.

Villa Puebla's Timeless Journey

A Visual Chronicle of Over a Century of History

Explore the history of Villa Puebla through our curated gallery. Witness the villa’s transformation, architectural details, and preserved heritage captured in photographs that tell the story of this remarkable estate.

Our Achievements

Honoring Prestigious Achievements

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.

FONDATION DU PATRIMOINE

DES RACINES ET DES AILES

ÉCHAPPES BELLES 2024

GUIDE 2023 CHAMBRES D'HÔTES LE FIGARO

GUIDE DU ROUTARD 2024

Villa Puebla

Villa Puebla was built in 1880 by a miniature entrepreneur who made a fortune in Mexico. It’s an Art Nouveau villa that has kept all its furniture, its park, and its greenhouse.

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