Prestigious addresses, charming properties, historic buildings, or typical Provençal farmhouses: Provence boasts an incredible collection of luxury hotels with strong identities, where you can unpack your bags for a getaway bathed in sunshine, lavender, olive trees, and the song of cicadas. The editorial teams at www.yonder.fr and Travellers-society.com have explored them all.
Baumanière Hôtel & Spa, the icon of Les Baux-de-Provence
In the heart of the Alpilles, this 5-star Hotel in Provence globally renowned at the foot of one of France's most beautiful villages has hosted, since its opening in 1945, the world's greatest celebrities, from the Queen of England to the Obama family, not to mention Johnny Depp or Mick Jagger. This ensemble of five buildings, one of which, L'Oustau, was one of the World's first Relais & Châteaux, unfolds its 53 unique rooms and suites, blending antique furniture, works of art, and contemporary touches. Three swimming pools and a spa in the heart of the gardens celebrate Relaxation and well-being without moderation. Jewel of the place, the Oustau de Baumanière, a triple Michelin-starred table is worth the stay all by itself. Chef Glenn Viel creates a cuisine there that pays homage to the local terroir, with an on-site organic vegetable garden as inspiration, all subtly chosen tableware artfully sets the stage with authenticity and delicacy.
Baumanière Hotel & Spa 5-star
54 keys, starting from €400 per night in a double room
13520 Les Baux-de-Provence
La Mirande, a Journey to the 18th Century
The classic facade of this Hotel d'Avignon So special, in the heart of the City of Popes, it reveals an interior decorated like a private residence of an 18th-century nobleman. Parquet floors, fabrics, furniture, original woodwork... invite a leap into the past, to the Age of Enlightenment which also signified the French art of living. Named after a hall in the Palais des Papes, La Mirande, who received notables and high dignitaries, the five-star hotel offers 26 rooms and suites, each with a distinct ambiance, featuring period printed fabrics and all offering a view of the historic Palace. The 1-star Michelin gourmet restaurant offers a Itinerary in Provence at the whim of the young chef Florent Pietravelle's inspirations, who creates his dishes based on what local producers deliver. A sourcing, a respect for the seasons, the land, and the animals that has also earned him a green star in the famous guide.
La Mirande 5-star Hotel
26 rooms, starting at €470 per night for a double room
4, place de l’Amirand, 84000 Avignon
The Convent of the Minims hotel & spa L’Occitane, divine renaissance
One of the most beautiful addresses in the Luberon unveiled its complete metamorphosis last year, enhancing the heritage of this convent built in 1613, which has gained a more contemporary style, in a palette of timeless white, blonde, greige, and wood tones. The entrance through the chapel, transformed into a lobby, is spectacular, as is the cloister with its beautiful timber frame, a living space bathed in light housing L'Alambic, the new cocktail bar. Elegance, service, comfort, and tranquility embrace the 49 rooms and suites, all with a view and most with a terrace, furnished with oak wood and natural materials. A brand new, immense L'Occitane spa, built with a commitment to luxury and sustainability, featuring remarkable facilities and a treatment menu, confirms the venue as an unmissable holistic destination in Provence. On the gastronomic front, Louis Gachet, a young MOF chef who previously worked at La Chèvre d'Or (2 Michelin stars in Eze), and Laure Desmorieux, a pastry chef who came from L'Oustau de Baumanière, inspiring the plates served at the two on-site restaurants with their creativity: a bistro of sunny regional cuisine and a gourmet restaurant with a divinely pleasant terrace. The entirely homemade breakfast is worth the detour.
Le Couvent des Minimes, Hôtel & Spa L'Occitane
49 rooms, starting from €380 with breakfast, Relais & Châteaux hotel.
Chemin des jeux de Maï, 04300 Mane
L'Arlatan, more than a hotel, a work of art
It was the most sumptuous private mansion in Arles during the Middle Ages. In the 21st century, it's an artistic monument, nestled against one of the walls of the Baths of Constantine, in the historic heart of the city and Provence. Owned by a patron who wanted to welcome art lovers, its various buildings are organized around a patio, a monumental staircase, and unique lounges. More than colorful and bright visions from Cuban artist Jorge Pardo, the interiors are adorned with a gigantic 6000 m² mosaic, whose two million handmade fragments give each of the 35 rooms and suites a distinct personality. Their custom furniture was designed in Mexico, and each key bears a deliberately bold color palette. Like the venue, the cocktail bar stands out with its original creations, and the restaurant with its Mediterranean-inspired dishes with Italian touches.
L'Arlatan
35 rooms, starting from €99 per night for a double room
20, Sauvage Street
13200 Arles
Learn more about L'Arlalan
Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa, effort and comfort
Ancient hamlet from the 11th century perched on a hill in the heart of a Luberon vineyard, this five-star resort, labeled Relais & Castles is a true destination in itself. Sports paradise, Relaxation, well-being From culinary delights to the scents of lavender and pine, the resort emanates the charm and authenticity of traditional Provençal farmhouses. Couples, families, friends… the 73 rooms and suites (some with private gardens and pools) adapt to everyone's needs. Three swimming pools – indoor and outdoor, including a semi-Olympic one – a cycling center renting all types of bikes – mountain bikes, electric-assisted bikes… – to explore the surrounding wonders alone or guided (with a package wine break (to «comfort» bodies sore from exertion), a tennis court, a pétanque court, a golf course nearby, and an award-winning 2,000 m² spa enhance sunny days. Two bars, an Italian restaurant, a Provençal bistronomic restaurant, and a gastronomic walk led by Chef Pierre Marly, whose creative signature is tinged with Alain Ducasse's heritage, delight the taste buds.
Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa 5 stars
73 rooms, starting from €490 per night for a double room.
Hamlet of Le Perrotet, 84400 Gargas
