There’s so much to love about Provence, a region in southeastern France, beguiling travellers as much for its glamorous seaside, as for its bucolic countryside that’s characterised by its vast sweep of grassy vineyards and fragrant lavender fields punctuated by Provençal farmhouses, Roman aqueducts and old chateaus dating back to the 16th century. Meanwhile, clusters of medieval villages drenched in warm sunlight sparkle from one distant hill to another. So when you tire of the glamorous crowds in the French Riviera, consider renting a vintage car with Provence Classics and booking a hotel in the countryside of Provence. From grand estates, to artistic boltholes and bucolic farmhouses, there’s no shortage of great hotels in the Provençal countryside.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Hotels in Provence
- In Crillon-le-Brave: Hôtel Crillon le Brave
- In Vence: Château Saint-Martin & Spa
- In Gordes: La Bastide de Gordes
- In Lauris: Domaine de Fontenille
- In Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Domaine de Chalamon
- In Bonnieux: Hotel Capelongue, Bonnieux
- In Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: La Bastide de Moustiers
Hôtel Crillon le Brave, Crillon-le-Brave
Hôtel Crillon le Brave, a luxury boutique hotel housed within a majestic 17th-century estate, derives its name from the sleepy hilltop village in which it resides, offering panoramic views of Mont Ventoux and the surrounding countryside, visible from every room. During the day, guests can bask in the tranquility of the sun-drenched property from the pool featuring its own optimal views of the nearby vineyards and olive groves, before pampering themselves at the Spa des Écuries. The property’s two restaurants extend over two respective terraces, in which bistro-style cuisine is served at La Table du Ventoux, while refined gourmet offerings can be enjoyed at the slightly more elegant La Madeleine.
- Amenities: Pool, restaurants, bar, fitness centre, spa
- Bonus Tip: Bikes are provided to guests eager to explore the lavender fields, medieval villages or to those courageous enough to ascend up Mount Ventoux.
- Address: Place de l’Eglise, 84410 Crillon-le-Brave
La Colombe d'Or, Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Situated only 20 minutes from the seaside, near the top of the road that leads to the medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence and only a 10 minute walk to Fondation Maeght, you’ll find the illustrious, albeit beautifully discreet La Colombe d’Or. Originally opened in 1920 as a café bar before it evolved into an inn, where the art-loving owner, Paul Roux would accept art from the village’s residing artists – Picasso, Matisse and Chagall were among the lot – in exchange for a stay or a few meals. Today, the family-run La Colombe d’Or is helmed by Paul’s grandson, Danielle, and remains an art-filled hamlet, consisting of 24 rooms and apartments, where in addition to the famed Calder mobile that decorates the outdoor pool, the corridors, dining room, and terrace feature an impressive collection of museum-worthy works from many of the greats.
- Amenities: Pool, restaurant
- Bonus Tip: If you don’t have the privilege to stay at the hotel, be sure to at least book a lunch or dinner reservation at the historic restaurant.
- Address: Place du Général de Gaulle, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Château Saint-Martin & Spa, Vence
Moving slightly inland from the Riviera, a 30-minute drive will get you to the hilltops of Vence, where the historic Château Saint-Martin & Spa unites the best of both worlds, forming the intersection of where the sea meets the mountains. Here, breathtaking sea views are visible from nearly every terrace, yet salty air is replaced with scents of thyme and lavender that waft from the estate’s fragrant gardens. Château Saint-Martin & Spa seamlessly blends modern comforts and luxurious amenities – from capacious suites to decadent design, with the timeless charms characteristic of its pastoral setting – from dining in one of the on-site restaurants under a shady olive grove to indulging in a spa treatment in the garden gazebo.
- Amenities: Pool, restaurants, bar, fitness centre, spa, tennis courts, boutique
- Bonus Top: Ask the concierge about booking a horseback ride through the slopes of the pre-Alps at sunset.
- Address: 2490 Av. des Templiers, 06140 Vence
Villa La Coste, Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade
Just one hour from Marseille near Aix-en-Provence, Villa La Coste, sits immersed in the 600-acre grounds of the Château La Coste wine estate and open-air art museum. A gracefully-executed departure from the old-world farmhouse stays common in the region, the sprawling modern estate has become a haven for contemporary art lovers, as well as its collaborating artists, like Frank Gehry, who designed the music pavilion on site. Bathed in natural light, the stark white walls within the 28 minimalist suites are offset by the colourful artwork that adorn them, as well as the warm wood furniture that punctuates the spaces. Sliding glass doors open to courtyards that overlook the endless vineyards, while elsewhere on the property, guests have access to a multitude of sensational dining options, such as a restaurant curated by renowned Argentine chef Francis Mallmann.
- Amenities: Pool, restaurants, spa, winery
- Bonus Tip: While guests are encouraged to book tastings on property throughout their stay, they will receive a bottle of Château La Coste chilled rosé in their room at check-in.
- Address: 2750 Route De La Cride, 13610 Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade
La Bastide de Gordes, Gordes
La Bastide de Gordes, a sprawling 18th-century palace and polestar of the medieval hilltop village, is the focal point on every Gordes postcard. Now a luxury hotel operated by Airelles, featuring 40 transportive rooms swathed in Provençal floral wallpaper and adorned with period furniture, antiques, and ornately framed paintings – a stay here makes you feel as though you’ve woken up in a period film. A true haven for foodies, La Bastide de Gordes hosts five distinct dining experiences, most notably Jean-François Piège’s The Clover Gordes (a familiar setting for Emily in Paris fans), in which the chef draws inspiration from the local terroir with a menu celebrating the fresh flavours of Provence – think fresh tomatoes, fragrant pistou pasta, all complemented by artisanal olive oils. Meanwhile, on the terrace below, L’Orangerie’s upscale offerings provide a higher-end gastronomic offering for romantic dinners overlooking the Luberon.
- Amenities: Pools, restaurants, bar, fitness centre, spa, kids’ area
- Bonus Tip: Manual drivers have access to the bastide’s Citroen should they wish to take the vintage sedan out for a spin in the area.
- Address: 61 Rue de la Combe, 84220 Gordes
Domaine de Fontenille, Lauris
The historic wine estate that sits adjacent to the property’s 87 acres of vines and new cellar, has been carefully restored to its original glory, now forming a hotel-restaurant with contemporary elements that are tastefully integrated in the spirit of quiet luxury. There is something palpably elegant in the 19 effortless rooms designed to eschew any distractions from its natural environment. Swathed in muted shades of grey, beige and taupe, each room features free-standing tubs and windows opening onto the exquisite park, where you’ll find guests and outsiders sipping the domaine’s Alphonse blanc on the outdoor terrace overlooking the pond and local artists swishing their paint brushes under the majestic Mistral winds surrounded by more than 500 blooming roses. The property’s two restaurants – both the bistro located on the southern terraces and the Michelin-starred Le Champ des Lunes helmed by Chef Guillaume Goupil – follow this same simple approach to hospitality with food from the local terroir that, albeit thoughtful innovation, ultimately speaks for itself.
- Amenities: Pool, restaurants, winery, spa, pet friendly
- Bonus Tip: Don’t miss the chef’s tea time, where every day from 4 to 5pm, a cake prepared by Chef Guillaume Goupil is served on the terraces and living room.
- Address: Rte de Roquefraiche, 84360 Lauris
La Bastide de Marie, Ménerbes
An old stone family home nestled in 57 acres of vineyards, concealed by verdant gardens lined with majestic cypress trees and rows of lavender, La Bastide de Marie amalgamates every romantic trope you’ve ever associated with Provence. Intimate corners reveal tranquil settings ideal for taking in those perfect mornings or afternoons under the Provençal sun – from the outdoor patio overlooking the vineyards, cosy dining room or the property’s two swimming pools. The bastide is just as charming on a rainy day, during which guests can assemble in the antique-filled living room, curling up with a good book from the home’s well-curated library.
- Amenities: Pools, restaurant, spa, winery
- Bonus Tip: Book a tour of the Domaine de Marie cellars followed by a wine tasting right on site.
- Address: 64 Chem. des Peirelles, 84560 Ménerbes
Le Moulin, Lourmarin
If Belle had grown up in Lourmarin instead of whichever Provencal town she was tired of reading books in, she might not have been so keen to seek adventure in the first place. Lourmarin is as perfect as French villages get and the startlingly stylish Le Moulin hotel is set in the very heart of it.
Part of the Beaumier hotel group, which has three hotels in the Luberon region, it would be easy to overlook this small, village-centre hotel in favour of its sister – the resort-like Capelongue – but this friendly and understated spot is equally deserving of a place on your Provence route map. Despite its compact size, the recently remodelled hotel has a small deli, a pop-up record shop in the bar, and a Modernist-styled restaurant on the ground floor with interior architecture by Jaune and asymmetrical windows deserving of your Instagram feed. Outside, there’s a charming courtyard for dinners watching birds swoop around as the sky turns pink, plus a small, secret dipping pool. Bedrooms vary in size and layout and some are heavily shaded by trees or neighbouring buildings, but you’ll be out exploring all day anyway. The interiors by Saint-Lazare are a welcome break from the predictable shabby-chic trope – think textural headboards covered in jute, thoughtfully chosen graphic art and mid-century lamps, with toffee-coloured bathroom tiles. It’s all very chic, but it’s not going to shout too loudly about it; the joy of Le Moulin is checking in and realising just what a gem you’ve booked.
- Amenities: Restaurant, bar, deli, small swimming pool
- Bonus tip: Lourmarin has surprisingly good shopping (think artisan Panama hats, French linen and Astier de Villatte ceramics), plus the best baguettes for lunch at Twenties and people watching at the iconic Cafe Gaby. Stay on Thursday night and be first at the Friday morning market, which is right outside the front door. – Eleanor Cording-Booth
Domaine de Chalamon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
The gardens at Domaine de Chalamon would certainly have provided great inspiration to Van Gogh, who famously resided in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence for two-and-a-half years. Framing a 16th-century bastide in the heart of the Provençal countryside which opened just last year as a nine-room guest house, the six gardens spanning nearly 37 acres were originally designed by renowned southern landscape designer Dominique Lafourcade nearly three decades ago. The new owners brought Lafourcade back to continue her transformation of the gardens and expand on her vision, providing a unique opportunity for guests to retreat into nature, where around each hedge secret streams, foot bridges, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna surrounding the pool are revealed. This botanical theme extends to the interiors with walls adorned with 19th-century floral wallpaper by Stéphanie Montaigu and floral watercolour paintings by British artists Rosanna Morris and Flora Roberts.
- Amenities: Pool, small food menu, tennis court, pet friendly
- Bonus Tip: Ask the concierge to prepare you a picnic basket to enjoy in the gardens on a shady afternoon.
- Address: 291 Chem. Chalamon, 13210 Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
La Bastide de Mourre, Oppède
Blessed by a surfeit of natural bounty, La Bastide de Mourre’s beauty borders on elemental. There’s nothing grand or luxurious in the traditional sense; stone steps hidden by tall grass pave the way to the 17 modest rooms, each designed with admirable restraint. Beds are adorned with crunchy white cotton; sheer curtains waft in the breeze framing the windows overlooking the vineyards and the antique finish of the local tomette tiled floors appear raw and unfinished. It’s the type of place that entreats guests to embrace the practice of slow living – either from the sun-drenched pool deck or in a leisurely game of pétanque. Wellbeing is ultimately the main draw here, with various yoga sessions held in the yoga pavilion and treatment rooms, as well as a sauna, built into the slopes of the forest, providing a truly immersive and restorative wellness experience for guests.
- Amenities: Pool, yoga studio, small food menu
- Bonus Tip: While there’s no official restaurant, breakfast is served at the table d’hôte each morning and a limited snack menu is available to guests all day – from a mouth-watering gazpacho to a tabbouleh salad using ingredients plucked straight from the house garden.
- Address: 251 Chem. du Moure, 84580 Oppède
Hotel Capelongue, Bonnieux
Following a renovation, Capelongue Bonnieux re-opens this month with 41 new rooms added to this stylish boutique stay overlooking the village of Bonnieux, bringing the total to 57 accommodations. The recent renovations have transformed the property into a charming replica of a traditional Provençal village, centred around a fountain square. Surrounding this square is a bookstore, café, two restaurants and a pool. At the new spa, guests will have access to a luxurious Roman bath, a cryogenic bath, a hammam and three treatment cabins, as well as a fully-equipped gym.
- Amenities: Pool, restaurants, spa, fitness centre
- Bonus Tip: Three well-equipped meeting rooms are available to rent for corporate retreats.
- Address: Les Claparèdes, 550 Chemin des Cabanes, 84480 Bonnieux
La Bastide de Moustiers, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Helmed by renowned chef Alain Ducasse since 1994, La Bastide de Moustiers, a small inn located in one of the most beautiful villages in Provence, has remained somewhat of a best kept secret in the region. Ducasse immediately fell in love with the 18th-century farmhouse when he stumbled upon it by chance, instantly deciding to buy it from its original owner and turn it into his secret refuge before opening it as an inn some years later. His decision to expand his vision of hospitality was fuelled by his desire to share the beauty of the surrounding terroir. Composed of 13 rooms decorated with antiques that the chef sourced himself and a Michelin-starred restaurant that glorifies the region’s plant-based cuisine and seasonal produce with a different menu everyday, a stay at La Bastide de Moustiers is an opportunity to immerse yourself into Alain Ducasse’s world in a low-key setting you won’t find at other Alain Ducasse establishments.
- Amenities: Pool, restaurant
- Bonus Tip: Benefiting from an abundance of natural resources, such as wood, clay and water, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has a rich ceramic heritage, which you can explore by visiting the ateliers and shops in town.
- Address: 511 Chem. de Quinson, 04360 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie