Luxury hotels in Provence
In France we unravel distingue gourmet-luxe gems for travellers anxious to discover the Spirit of Provence; through its exciting seasonal cuisine as well as through its evocative rustic beauty. The air in Provence is uniquely laced with a bouquet of wild mountain herbs; thyme, rosemary, fennel and wild lavender; a mysterious intermingling of scents that is reflected in both the food and the wine. We have selected authentic 5 star* gems from fairytale castellated chateaux to the sensual stylish 'maisons de gastronomie'.
Only the finest luxury hotels make it into our collection and each one is personally visited - some several times a year - to ensure they meet our exacting standards, from Saint Tropez to Aix-en-Provence; Les Baux to Avignon and further north into the Luberon.
*Interestingly, in France there is no 5 Star hotel category. The highest luxury hotel rating is '4 Star Luxe', which equates to international 5 star standards.
Chateau de Massillan
Chateau de Massillan sits pretty in 24 acres of vigorous vineyard in Cotes du Rhone's small village of Uchaux, between Avignon and Montelimar. Less than a 90-minute drive from Marseille, this journey is a breeze. The drive, once you leave the A7, and for much of this smooth motorway, is special; with views of the Montagne Sainte-Victoire and farther up the Montagne du Luberon and Mont Ventoux, to regular visions of the petit Provencal villages, built originally by the Ligures...
Le Prieure
Le Prieure was somewhere we have been 'dining to experience'. As avid fans of Jean-Andre Charial (owner and chef-patron of Oustau de Baumaniere) this gourmet destination and recently restored 'dream-child' of Monsieur Charial was a stay preordained for Mr Why and myself. Its gentle appeal won us over, as layers of profoundly fine-tuned pleasures seduced our sensitivities with every passing hour... minute even...
Oustau de Baumaniere
We have buried our souls, albeit temporarily, at Oustau de Baumaniere, in the heart of Les Alpilles, for the past fourteen years. Why? It's pure Les Baux magic. Over the years the 'estate' (L'Oustau, La Guigou, Le Manoir and the little sister La Cabro d'Or) has expanded, changed parts of its outer 'skin', at the passionate hands of its talented owners, Jean Andre Charial and his visionary 'au courant' wife, Genevieve...
Villa Gallici
Arriving at Villa Gallici, situated on the leafy northern edge of Aix-en-Provence, is always extraordinarily uplifting. Regardless of the month in which you visit, this petit-luxe bijoux peach always erupts with a zest quite unique: a Provencal tang married with a Florentine piquancy. This enticing continental partnership exudes genuine homely allure, hence its unrivalled number of deeply satisfied 'repeat guests'. It is also just a 25 minute drive from Marseille airport...
Villa Marie
Villa Marie is set on the outskirts of St Tropez and is a refreshing, stylish and luxurious retreat overlooking the most photographed beaches in Europe, Pampelone, and set amongst beautiful pines and lush gardens with a spa that is pure bliss...
La Bastide de Marie
This most charming 18th century farmhouse; situated in the heart of the captivating Luberon Natural Parc, with guesthouses, private villa and exclusive winery; is set exquisitely within an aromatic profusion of Provencal flora, herbs and vineyards...
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