It takes less than three hours from Paris to Avignon by train, making Provence a “weekend break” destination for Parisians. Once here, you could continue to the major cities by train, but in reality, the way to explore the region is by car. It’s what we did. It gave us complete freedom and permission to travel at our own pace. (Did you follow our journey on Instagram?)
There was much to see. We saw eye-popping lavender fields, rugged mountains, roman ruins, and medieval hilltop hamlets. We explored seaside promenades and visited glamorous shopping boutiques. We indulged in Mediterranean cuisine, tasted local wine, and browsed the weekly markets for rustic earthenware, olive oil, and fresh vegetables. The hotels in Provence we stayed at reflected all sides of the region, offering diverse flavors and moods. Scroll down and discover why we think it was hotel-hopping at its best.
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Discover Loire Valley
Not many hotels in Provence manage to blend the quintessential local style with luxury and five-star standards in a stunning location — Hôtel Crillon Le Brave does it. Taking its name from the hilltop village, the hotel blends into the hamlet through a cluster of rustic buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Its maze-like spaces offer a sense of discovery, while the service and cuisine make the experience special. The design fuses the authentic style of traditional stone architecture with contemporary luxury.
We love it for: Crillon le Brave is deeply integrated into the landscape of a hilltop dwelling, offering an authentic Provençal village experience. Every part of the property has a unique layout and character, drawn from its history.
Pro tip: The concierge is likely to recommend the trail up the Mont Ventoux (6263 ft, or 1,9 km high), famed as one of the difficult stages of the Tour de France. Probably best to avoid it unless you’re an expert hiker.
Read our full review: Hôtel Crillon Le Brave, Provence, France
What to see in the area? The hotel is well placed to explore the northern parts of Provence. For example, a day trip could take you to the beautifully-set Séguret, listed among The Most Beautiful Villages of France, and then as far north as Vaison-la-Romaine, famed for its rich ancient Roman ruins and sights (including a bridge, still in operation).
Alternatively, book Hôtel Crillon le Brave via:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Hôtel Crillon le Brave, Provence, France.
Photos (including the leading shot at the top of the article) © Hotel Crillon le Brave
Best of the best in Normandy
The tranquil Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa, developed from a cluster of old country houses in the Luberon hills, is a glamorous, sophisticated resort that epitomizes the allure of Provence like few other places. The hotel occupies a picturesque spot on top of a hill with slender cypress trees dotting the landscape. It reminded us of Tuscany, but the original stone hamlet at the heart of the property exudes the Provençal charm of the Luberon area.
We love it for: Not many hotels in Provence have wrapped us in tranquillity and comfort like La Coquillade. It’s a deeply relaxing place, beautifully designed and surrounded by elegant greenery.
Pro tip: Think about booking in autumn. The scorching heat of the summer months will be over, the crowds gone, but the weather is still more than likely to be fine. And all rooms have underfloor heating, perfect for colder months.
Read our full review: Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa, Gargas, Provence.
What to see in the area? The ancient roman bridge Point Julien is just next door; worth a look. But during our stay here, we explored the most picturesque towns and hilltop villages in Luberon: Lacoste, Bonnieux, and Goult, as well as the famous Gordes, further west. All are must-visit in Provence and are easy to get to from La Coquillade.
Alternatively, book La Coquillade via:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa, Gargas, Provence, France. Photo © La Coquillade
“The property’s charm lies in the way its secrets are slowly and gently revealed. This stunning pool can only be seen on reaching the historic villa; its simple and sleek lines complement the building’s elegant architecture.”
— Jean-Brice Garella, Le Petit Roman de la Villa Saint-Ange.
Villa Saint-Ange has a refined atmosphere of an upper-class place-to-be, with salon-like dining rooms and gorgeous rooms. It invokes the glamour of the traditional honey-colored Hôtel Particuliers through a stunning renovation of an 18th-century mansion. This luxury 5-star hotel in the heart of Aix-en-Provence wowed us with its elegance — and even more so, with its cuisine.
We love it for: Our Junior Suite; comfortable and stylish, with elegant furniture and a bespoke panoramic wallpaper inspired by 18-century landscapes. There was even a game room with a vintage chess table, ready for a match.
Pro tip: Make sure to dine at the Âma Terra restaurant (signed by celebrity chef Pierre Gagnaire). The food is out of this world, and the whole thing is a wonderful experience.
Read our full review: Villa Saint-Ange, Aix-en-Provence
What to see in the area? Aix-en-Provence, naturally. It’s a university city north of Marseille, with many events, museums, sights, and experiences to discover. Aix-en-Provence was the birthplace of the painter Paul Cézanne, and his former studio Atelier Cézanne is now a museum. Incidentally, Cezanne’s tomb is right next to Villa Saint-Ange.
Alternatively, book Villa Saint-Ange via:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Villa Saint-Ange, Aix En Provence, Provence, France. Photo © Villa Saint Ange
Discover the top boutique hotels in the City of Lights
Located in a forested estate deep in the vineyard countryside of Luberon, Fonscolombe occupies a formal château flanked by two round towers and a chapel. While the building is designed in an Italianesque style, inside, the grand salons, secret boudoirs, and canopied beds give the sense of the last vestige of the Ancien Regime, not yet toppled only because it’s lost in a forgotten part of Provence. And yet Aix-en-Provence is only a 20-minute drive away, and the multicultural Marseille is a mere 45.
We love it for: This listed château is beautifully restored, in a style that adheres to its formal 18th-century templates, but without stuffiness and fuss. The first floor is the Heritage one and furnished accordingly, and it would feel like a museum, except it’s fully opened and free to use by the guests.
Pro tip: The most celebrated suites are located in the historic part of the château. However, only one suite has access to the iconic balcony in the center of the building, overlooking the lawn and the park. We were lucky to stay here and experience its four-poster bed and an indulgent, oversized marble bath. And it’s all in the authentic vintage style!
What to see in the area? The lovely Luberon villages and hamlets are half an hour to the north and Aix-en-Provence to the west. Also, it’s a good place to stay on the way from the coast to the center of Provence (or the other way round, but we drove here from St Tropez).
Alternatively, book Château de Fonscolombe via:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Château de Fonscolombe, Provence, France. Photo © 2LCollection
Hotel Lou Pinet reimagines the notion of a classic St. Tropez hotel through an eclectic style that mixes Mediterranean warmth with modernist and bohemian influences. The high-end service, of which not a small part is the Tata Harper spa experience, is also part of the Lou Pinet identity. Located in a residential area with only thirty-four rooms and suites, Hotel Lou Pinet feels quite low-key. Yet, it still channels an outsized sense of glamour, especially around the pool area and the restaurant terrace.
We love it for: Other than the hints of the vintage spirit of the 60s St Tropez permeating the hotel, we loved the spa, under the aegis of Tata Harper, a luxury beauty brand big on sustainability.
Pro tip: Take advantage of the free transfers to the town center. It’s a welcome idea, as the hotel is located in a residential district, a 20-minute walk from the busiest areas (so, away from the crowds!)
Read our full review: Hotel Lou Pinet, Saint-Tropez, Côte d’Azur, France
What to see in the area? Well, what else but Saint Tropez itself? The town has some sights and museums, but we just wanted to soak up the spirit of this famous seaside destination. We explored the narrow streets of the old town, dined in restaurants, and, yes, also went for a drink in one of the restaurants in the marina. The prices there!
Alternatively, book Hotel Lou Pinet via:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Hotel Lou Pinet, Saint-Tropez, Côte d’Azur, France. Photo © Lou Pinet
“Over here, time stopped a long time ago. Since 1720, Castellas has been standing on its own, nestled in the valleys of the Grand Luberon, overlooking an exceptional panorama[…]”— Le Hameau du Luberon
Located at the end of a long, narrow road that winds through some of the Luberon’s most distant and forgotten valleys, Le Domaine du Castellas is among the most remote hotels in Provence. Look at the map; there are no human dwellings for dozens of kilometers (other than the tiny village of Sivergues which you must pass on the way to the hotel). Lost in a rugged mountain range, this last dwelling before the vast expanse of mountains, forests, and ravines is built upon a stone hamlet and a farmhouse, originally founded in the 18th century. It’s a place of tranquility, where you’ll re-connect with nature — and taste some excellent food from The Table 1720 restaurant.
We love it for: The design. Castellas has been refurbished with great care and love for carved stone, rough-hewn wood, and hand-made fabrics. It’s an incredibly beautiful place, steeped in nature and infused with boho aesthetics.
Pro tip: Be prepared for an immersive farm experience. The presence of animals is essential to the hotel’s concept, and as soon as you arrive, you’ll be greeted by goats (some quite affectionate and fond of scratches). There are also hens; you can even collect your eggs for breakfast.
What to see in the area? Once you come here, we say, stay put and enjoy this unique stone hamlet, its animals, and the remote location. Le Castellas is a place where you can slow down and take time to recharge.
See what others think about Le Domaine du Castellas on TripAdvisor.
Website: Le Domaine du Castellas, Sivergues, Provence, France. Photo © Le Domaine du Castellas
Laid-back vibes by Coqui Coqui
Many luxury hotels in Provence take over an older dwelling and convert it into a new place by taking inspiration from the site’s original purpose. One such example is Les Maisons de l’Hôtel Particulier. The history of this hotel is encoded in the old walls, vaulted ceilings, and its living spaces, offering glimpses of the lives of monks of the medieval priory and shadows of the old mill. The meticulous masonry of the renovated buildings provides a sophisticated canvas upon which the hotel builds a discreetly refined experience.
We love it for: The design takes the best elements of the old and mixes them with modern comforts. Our favorite spot is the open-air “cloister,” reminiscent of an ancient Roman villa courtyard, with seating and water feature.
Pro tip: You may want to combine the stay with L’Hôtel Particulier d’Arles, the sister hotel of Les Maisons.
What to see in the area? Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a short drive away. The town traces its history as far back as 6 century BC when the local tribe of Celts founded a settlement of Glanum. Today its ancient roman ruins (some dating from 27 BC) in the archeological site are worth a visit, but the later medieval town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is charming, too.
Alternatively, book Les Maisons de l’Hôtel Particulier via:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Les Maisons de l’Hôtel Particulier, Maussane-les-Alpilles. Photo © l’Hôtel Particulier
One way of getting to Provence from Paris is by train, but many people fly to the Nice or Marseille airports. All these locations offer car rentals. We did something different. We drove from Paris — it’s quite feasible, especially with a stopover along the way. Once we got to Avignon, we stayed at the Bastide De Bellegarde, located on the outskirts. It was a great base camp for exploring the region around Avignon as we wanted to see a few places to the west, such as the magnificent ruins of the ancient roman aqueduct Pont du Gard or the town of Uzès. If you want to focus only on Avignon, one of the top hotels here is the centrally-located La Mirande Avignon.
Pro tip: The flight-comparison sites such as Kayak or Skyscanner can help you find the best flights to Paris, Nice, or Marseille.
Among the most famous, picturesque sights in Provence are the lavender fields. You can find lavender everywhere in the region, but the best places are around the town of Valensole. We wanted to spend some time in the area, but as there are no great hotels in these parts, we were glad to discover La Bastide Saint Georges & Spa. This hotel is close enough for field trips and provides some great accommodation. (Pro tip: book higher-category rooms. Their pool villas are nice!)
Finally, if you are in this part of Provence, travel south, to the Lake of Sainte-Croix (Lac de Sainte-Croix), with the panoramic view from above Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. Then, drive around the lake and make sure to find the Verdon Gorge, one of the most astonishing mountain landscapes in France. Stay for the night at La Bastide de Moustiers in the tiny hamlet Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
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Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 10/05/2023
From historic grand dames to quaint canal-side townhouses
