5 Best Hotels in Provence, France

At the heights of Bonnieux, amid beautifully landscaped gardens set between the cedar forest and the village, Capelongue's converted stone farmhouses and cottages harmonize with the landscape and capitalize on sweeping Luberon views. Interiors mix contemporary elegance with smart details, like a cleverly built-in desks and minibars and relaxing lighting that recreates the warm Provençal sunlight. Lodging choices include rooms in the main farmhouse; stone cottages with garden terraces; duplex suites with balconies (some with kitchens); and the Pigeonnier, a gorgeously appointed private lodging with panoramic views. Relax by one of the two outdoor pools, and enjoy meals in the gastronomic dining room or the bistro, both with jaw-dropping views. The spa, which has a Roman bath and a hammam, offers cryotherapy as well as beauty treatments featuring products from the French luxury brand Biologique Recherche.

The flat, glass-and-concrete facade of this postwar structure grants all the port-facing rooms here broad views of the Vieux Port all the way to Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. The modernist rooms are nicely done up in Mondrian-esque primary colors with 1950s-style artwork and handsome black bathrooms. For an extra €30 or so you can get a room with a terrace, most of which are spacious enough to accommodate a bistro table. Well-priced suites on the top floor may be worth a small splurge, as they have larger terraces and an extra room for kids. 

Cézanne painted Sainte-Victoire from what is now the large flower-filled terrace of this enchanting abode, and you can easily imagine former guests Princess Caroline, Iggy Pop, and Clint Eastwood swanning their way through the magnificent, pool-adorned, topiary-accented garden or relaxing in the spacious, light-filled guest rooms. For sheer Provençal luxe (think plush baby-soft rugs and handsome contemporary-classic decor), this place can't be beat. The restaurant's terrace spills out onto a sculpted green, but the inside dining salon is equally pleasant on a rainy day, as is the spa, thanks to its dazzlingly elegant chandeliers and large picture windows.

Set in the tiny, picturesque perched village of St-Saturnin-lès-Apt, 9 km (5½ miles) north of Apt, this peaceful, beautifully restored 18th-century inn opened by two talented chefs encompasses contemporary guest rooms, a laid-back café–wine bar, and a gourmet bistro with fantastic views from picture windows and a terrace. Designed with cocooning in mind, rooms have comfy beds, quality linens and furnishings, spacious bathrooms, and sensitive lighting.

To say this sustainable hotel is unique is an understatement—where else in Provence can you stay in a luxury cave with a bathroom set into the rocks or in a round pigeon tower with sweeping village and countryside views? The 200-year-old farmhouse offers large but more conventional rooms and suites—complete with wood-burning stoves—that open onto a private terrace. The 7-acre property has lush flower, fruit, and vegetable gardens (to stock the excellent Jardin Secret restaurant); ancient trees; lavender fields (for the bees); a large pool; a small vineyard; and stunning vistas everywhere you look. The Bistrot restaurant, La TUF microbrewery, and O'Fadoli pastis bar round out the drinking and dining options.