Les Templiers is decidedly different - the kind of quirky, individual hotel that we have no difficulty in describing as memorable. The eclectic mix of antiques, modern art, assorted bric-à-brac and holiday souvenirs precisely reflects the personalities of the friendly owners, Anne and Ygor Alary. The ambience is akin to a private home, blessed with a lovely courtyard and a small pool that thinks it’s a pond. It’s a place for people who cherish a good dollop of eccentricity.
The accommodations, reached by an impressive stone staircase, are all different. The rooms have tall-ceilings, most with generous, white-tiled bathrooms equipped with shower (standard) or bath (superior). Their outlook is over the hotel’s patio and/or the pedestrianised Rue de la République.
The restaurant, converted from the erstwhile stables, is stuffed full of the Allarys’ hotch-potch possessions, proudly displayed wherever there’s a bit of space left. This charming, semi-rustic décor acts as a foil to the serious cuisine which takes full advantage of the bountiful local markets. On warm evenings, tables are also set in the tranquil courtyard and there is a more modestly-priced bistro on the street side.
Aigues-Mortes, built by Louis IX in the 9th century, is remarkably well preserved within its massive ramparts. The merchant’s house that is now the Hotel Templiers dates from 900 years later. It’s a character base from which to explore the mysteries of the Camargue.