Unusual hotels in the South of France
Ah, the South, its sun, its crickets, its landscapes... to fully enjoy this magnificent region and get off the beaten path, here is a selection of unusual hotels, all located in the South of France, which will not leave you indifferent and all visited by our journalists and tourism/travel/hotel experts.
Château & Village Castigno
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Castigno, the most unusual hotel in the South of France, scattered in a village…
Revolutionary Castigno? It seems so! This unusual hotel in the South of France explore the concept of a «disaggregated» hotel, with its rooms and suites spread across different houses in the village. Here, the hotel is no longer separate from the small town of Assignan, as its homes have been converted into luxurious cocoons. From the "Vendangeur" room for two, nestled in a former winegrower's house, to the villa with a private pool and roof terrace, every traveler can find their perfect fit. The various spaces are decorated in hues reminiscent of the surrounding vineyards, with a strong emphasis on wood and exposed stone.
The common areas are judiciously arranged in the heart of the village, so that everyone can easily access them, wherever their accommodation may be. Three restaurants offer varied services: the Thai restaurant transports you with its exotic decor and refined dishes, La Petite Table offers wood-fired cuisine based on local products, to be enjoyed in the village square. As for La Table, Castigno's latest restaurant, it is the place of expression for Star duo Stéphan Paroche and Justine Viano, ..., whose refined dishes highlight local produce.
But the true added value of this unusual hotel is elusive: it's time. People come here to slow down, to take the time to savor each moment, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. They stroll from one alley to another, enjoying the coolness of the village squares, relaxing in rooms without Wi-Fi or television, or treating themselves to a relaxing spa treatment using organic Castigno wine oils and garrigue herbs. Alternatively, they can try the sauna, jacuzzi, and duo massage area to enjoy the magic of the place together.
The Castigno wine cellar, located a five-minute drive from the hotel, is also unusual with its giant bottle shape that is only visible from the sky. It houses, among other things, the domain's organic vintages, from its 150 hectares of vines, and is produced with the help of two of France's most renowned oenologists, Michel Tardieu and Philippe Cambie. In addition to a cellar tour, Castigno also offers numerous experiences to discover the domain's wines, such as the blending workshop, which allows visitors to familiarize themselves with the winemaker's craft. The South now has nothing to envy from Bordeaux's greatest chateaux!
The pool - Castigno
Room - Castigno
Richer de Belleval Hotel
The Hôtel Richer de Belleval, an ancient 17th-century private mansion, has finally opened its doors in the heart of the beautiful city of Montpellier, after months of renovation. This Relais & Châteaux should delight art, history, and gastronomy lovers alike, as it also boasts a restaurant, Le Jardin des Sens, orchestrated by the Pourcel brothers. The 15 rooms and suites have been decorated like curiosity cabinets, inviting visitors to dream. One dines or lunches in one of the three vaulted rooms with listed frescoes, and savors a moment of haute cuisine, in a timeless hotel.
Richer de Belleval
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© Les Echasses eco-lodge
The Stilts, unusual eco-lodge in the Landes
More than a hotel, Les Échasses eco-lodge features «modges» and a family lodge that blend perfectly into the natural surroundings of Saubion, a charming village in the Landes region. Spread around a large body of water, the small stilted suites and the family lodge harmoniously combine eco-responsible design with 4-star amenities. Strolling through the estate's approximately 3 hectares, you'll discover a vegetable garden, an orchard, picnic tables, hammocks in the forest, and beehives, which provide the honey for breakfast. The establishment also offers a swimming pool and a spa, set amidst nature.
Pella Roca, cabin hotels of the Southwest
Treehouse cabins with a spa, does that tempt you? Perfect, because that's Pella Roca's concept! Located between Toulouse and Bordeaux in the South of France, this 9-hectare estate offers charming cabins perched above the heath and forest. All cabins are equipped with an ecological Jacuzzi and a private sauna, and offer three different ambiances: cozy, tropical, or Japanese-inspired. Relaxation and a change of scenery are guaranteed!
The Mill of Pézenas
This remarkable mill in Hérault, a listed historic monument, was renovated into a hotel in 2016. Set up like a large family home, its 5 double rooms can be rented together or separately, making the Moulin de Pézenas an ideal place for a family or friends' getaway, right by the water. Furnishings and antique finds highlight the exposed stone and timber frame of the building, and each room offers views of the vineyards and the river below. A haven of peace that never ceases to charm.
© The Pézenas Mill
©Attrap Rêves
Dreamcatcher
Sleeping in completely transparent bubbles is what the unusual hotel Attrap'Rêves offers in Allauch, not far from Marseille. In this 15,000 m² Provençal pine forest, each accommodation has its own access path, for a romantic, intimate stay. A beautiful swimming pool allows you to relax by the water during the day, while at night, the stars twinkle above your head. The ideal address for chilling out as a couple.
Tarbouriech Estate
In this preserved wine estate in the South of France, you stay in a «folie,» an old manor house surrounded by nature, between the vineyards and the Thau lagoon. Whether you prefer one of the four rooms and suites in the house, or one of the lodges in the barn with a roof dated the 13the century, everything here invites relaxation. The spa, located in an old wine storehouse, offers treatments inspired by the virtues of oysters, a reference to the Tarbouriech family's oyster farming past. You can also enjoy them at the oyster bar, at the oyster farm by the lagoon, or in the eco-responsible restaurant La Folie.
