With their historic buildings transformed into modern hotels, these top-of-the-range establishments immerse us in the charm of Provence. A perfect base from which to explore this region that is the envy of the world.
Villa La Coste
Just 15 minutes from Aix-en-Provence, in Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, Villa La Coste is an iconic hotel in Provence. In fact, it is one of only two palaces in the region. The uniqueness of this establishment, designed by Hong Kong architect André Fu, lies in its fusion of art, wine, gastronomy and hospitality. Villa La Coste nestles on a hillside in a 200-hectare vineyard cultivated entirely using organic methods. The estate’s wines can be enjoyed in the hotel’s restaurants, including the Michelin-starred restaurant run by top chef Hélène Darroze, which uses local market gardeners and the estate’s own organic vegetable garden. At the Francis Mallmann restaurant, under a rainbow pergola, flame cooking is the order of the day. Meat, fish and vegetables are accompanied by empanadas that take us back to the chef’s native Argentina. There’s also the Tadao Ando café-restaurant and the Vanina Italian terrace. Stroll through the hotel’s gardens of stone, calades, terrazzo and marble before heading to the art gallery, where works from the owner’s private collection are on display. The 28 two-storey villas are spacious and uncluttered, blending Provencal charm with contemporary style. Several have private swimming pools. Those not lucky enough to curl up in their own pool can always take refuge in the hotel pool. Or in the spa, where you can enjoy a range of treatments.
Baumanière
Nestling in the picturesque village of Les Baux-de-Provence, in the Alpilles mountains, Baumanière is surrounded by rocky cliffs, garrigue and olive trees, giving the establishment that typical southern scent. The luxury spa hotel, one of the first members of Relais et Châteaux, is divided into five living areas surrounded by gardens and three swimming pools. L’Oustau, a 16th-century farmhouse, houses the three-star restaurant led by chef Glenn Viel. Locality, seasonality and gastronomy come together impeccably in perfectly prepared dishes whose flavours coat the palate for several hours and leave lasting memories. To accompany these dishes, let the sommelier guide you as he selects the perfect wine from the 50,000 references in the cellar. The building also houses 10 bedrooms, a swimming pool and a boutique. The hotel’s other restaurant, La Cabro d’Or, is located on the bucolic terrace and revisits traditional Provencal recipes. 900 metres away, the Manoir, a large 18th-century bastide surrounded by two-hundred-year-old trees and running water, boasts 13 bedrooms and lounges, and of course a swimming pool. The family home of the founder of Baumanière has been renovated to accommodate groups of up to 12 people. The Carita building, with its swimming pool, and the Flora building offer 14 and 12 rooms respectively. The Sisley spa, which opens onto a tree-lined patio in the garden, is very close to the hotel.
Le Couvent des Minimes, hôtel et spa L’Occitane
The five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel Le Couvent des Minimes, in Mane above Aix-en-Provence, is the ideal place to relax. Your ears will perk up to the song of the cicadas and your sense of smell will be heightened by the scents of the pine trees by the pool and the olive trees in the gardens. The historic building, which once housed a seventeenth-century convent of Franciscan nuns, has preserved its ancient architecture, such as the centuries-old vaults, and has been sublimated by a modern, uncluttered décor. All of this in a very serene and soothing atmosphere (as befits a convent). The 49 rooms are decorated in wood, linen and wicker. Their colours are a direct reference to the colours of the region, with beige, brown and olive green, which can be found on every Provençal postcard. The south can also be experienced in the restaurant Le Feuillée, by one-star chef and MOF 2023 Louis Gachet, and in the friendly bistro Pamparigouste. Treatments, yoga, naturopathy and coaching are on offer at the 2,500m2 spa, with an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor Nordic pool, two saunas at 70°C and 90°C, two sensory showers, a hammam, an indoor multisensory pool, a cyclone shower, a salt grotto and a relaxation room.
La Mirande
Avignon is home to a residence built in the 14th century, overlooking the eastern facade of the Palais des Papes, and offering a journey to the heart of the city’s heritage. Here, you are immersed in a royal atmosphere, with period engravings, glass chandeliers, baroque furniture and master paintings. Tapestries, fireplaces and patterned curtains adorn the 26 rooms and suites. It’s enough to make you feel like a nobleman in the Age of Enlightenment. On the culinary side, chef Florent Piertravalle runs the one-star restaurant. The brand new Mirage restaurant is more akin to a tavern, while La Table Haute offers period cuisine.
Le Castellet
Perched 400 metres above sea level in the hills of the Var region, the Hôtel du Castellet offers uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean, which can be seen from the gardens dotted with umbrella pines. This Relais & Châteaux is recognisable by its ochre facades, which echo Tuscan architecture and contrast with the blue of the swimming pool. 43 Provençal-style rooms and suites have south-facing terraces. Inside, the soft colour of honey and the freshness of lavender combine with Baroque furniture. The atmosphere is romantic and poetic. This delicacy also permeates La Table du Castellet by Fabien Ferré. The marriage of land and sea is more than appreciable, especially when enjoyed on the shady terrace. The San Felice restaurant offers delicious grilled dishes. After lazing about in the pool, head for the 700m2 spa, with indoor pool, whirlpools, sauna, ice fountain, hammam, Kneipp canal, salt grotto and herbal tea room. What’s more? A six-hole golf course, again in this magnificent Provencal setting.
Read also: The most beautiful hotels in Saint-Barthélemy
Featured photo: © Leo Hulin – Baumanière
