Le Clos de Celony, practical studios on the Route d'Avignon
Le Clos de Celony is a set of air-conditioned studios with kitchenettes, on the Route d'Avignon in Aix-en-Provence. It offers free parking and prices that are often judged fair. I see it as a practical stop for one or two nights by car, not as a charming address for a calm stay.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published .
Updated
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Le Clos de Celony.
Where Le Clos de Celony is and how to get there
Le Clos de Celony is at 1087 Route d'Avignon, in Aix-en-Provence, by the road rather than in the historic centre. It is designed for people travelling by car who want a practical base around Aix.
The property's details put Marseille-Provence airport about 29 km away, and the main landmarks of Marseille, such as Saint-Charles station or the MuCEM, less than 35 km away. The free private car park is one of the big assets, and one traveller even describes it as secure.
As the address is on a main road, I see it more as a stopover than as a base for strolling around Aix on foot.
What the studios are like
The studios are air-conditioned, with a working kitchenette and a flat-screen TV. They are designed for self-catering stays, whether for tourism or for work.
Several travellers describe what is in fact a small apartment, clean, with comfortable bedding. One review mentions apartments with a terrace, and another appreciates the efficient heating and the towel warmer in early winter. Crockery is one thing to check: one traveller found only one glass, one cup and one fork, which made dinner for two awkward.
Older reviews also point to some maintenance issues, such as a shower door that didn't close properly or unreliable air conditioning. Nothing dramatic in itself, but it shows the standard is not that of a high-end hotel.
What travellers highlight
With a rating of 3.6 out of 5 from 196 reviews on Google, the average hides very mixed opinions. The positive reviews agree on a few points.
- The welcome. Many talk about staff who are warm, responsive and accommodating, including for a very late arrival or a room ready early.
- Value for money. Several travellers judge it excellent for the area, with a breakfast appreciated for its modest price.
- Cleanliness and bedding. Clean rooms that match the photos, and a comfortable mattress that lets you rest well before getting back on the road.
What to know before booking
The main drawback is noise. Some travellers describe a busy road and poorly insulated rooms, where you hear the traffic as well as the neighbours. On the other side, a more recent review talks of a calm residence, so the experience seems to vary from studio to studio.
| Point | What reviews say |
|---|---|
| Noise | Busy road and weak insulation for some, calm residence for others |
| Price | Very fair for many, judged expensive by one traveller |
| Atmosphere | A student-residence style, without charm, according to one critical review |
| Equipment | Limited crockery and no blackout curtains for one traveller |
My advice is simple. If you're a light sleeper, ask for a studio away from the road and bring earplugs. And if you plan to cook for two, check before arrival what is really provided.
Who Le Clos de Celony is the right choice for
I would choose it for one or two nights by car, on a reasonable budget, with a kitchenette and free parking. It suits a business trip, a wedding or a stop before getting back on the road.
It is not the ideal address for a romantic stay, nor for anyone looking for perfect silence or a charming setting. For those, it's better to look elsewhere.
What to do around Aix-en-Provence
From the Route d'Avignon, the historic centre of Aix and Marseille's attractions are easy to reach. According to the property's details, transport links also serve the districts of Joliette, Castellane and La Timone.
- The historic centre of Aix, for a stroll around town.
- The MuCEM and the Terrasses du Port, in Marseille.
- Saint-Charles station, useful if you continue your journey by train.
Just plan the car or public transport for each outing, since you will be staying outside the centre.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
