93 Best Hotels in Provence, France

A 17th-century Carmelite convent provides an intriguing backdrop for fashion designer Christian Lacroix's fantaisie interiors, which feature ultramodern color schemes, large (sometimes jarring) motifs, and furnishings in a jumble of periods and styles. The rooms go from a wildly imaginative style on the first floor to "exuberant Provençal style" on the second to a more restrained "monastic" style on the third. Many rooms overlook a quiet courtyard, and the downstairs spa and pool are a nice way to wind down from a day of touring—perhaps before your meal at Lou Marquès, the hotel's gastronomic restaurant. The hotel's central location on the main market street makes exploring Arles's famous Saturday marché a breeze.

This picturesque hotel, set amid lovely gardens, is a 10-minute walk to town but far enough from its summer crowds to offer peace and quiet. Handsome, spacious rooms—most with terraces overlooking the pool or gardens—are bright and comfortable and offer every modern convenience. On fine days, a copious buffet breakfast or specially prepared dinner (you must order ahead) is served in the garden.

Set back from the port in the heart of the shopping district, this cozy, charming, little hotel offers a warm reception and a homey breakfast-room-cum-bar. Guest rooms are beautifully decked out in homage to various artists—Picasso in red, black, and gilt, for example, with jazzy Cubist curtains or Matisse in gray-backed walls with colorful prints.

A view over the infinity pool to the (private) beach and sea greets you at this luxury spa hotel two steps from Bandol's port. Rooms are sleek and contemporary, with all the comforts you'd expect from a five-star hotel, but it's the sweeping sea views from your bed and terrace that steal the show. Streamlined bathrooms, some with both a tub and a shower, are ample and stocked with luxury products. The well-equipped thalassotherapy spa has an indoor pool and a full range of seawater therapies—from single treatments to weeklong programs—that can be customized to your wants and needs.

Consisting of three 17th-century buildings that were restored and combined, this hotel is a stone’s throw from the port and the picturesque old town and within walking distance of most sights. Some rooms have lovely views of the bay (best seen from fourth-floor balconies), old town, and Mont Faron; all rooms are spare and functional, with a maritime design theme featuring uplifting shades of blue and white and spotless white-tiled bathrooms. The in-hotel restaurant, L’Équerre, is a popular neighborhood choice for a classic bistronomic meal or a cocktail. The tiny rooftop pool offers stellar views of the bay and cool respite on a hot summer’s day.

Once an idyllic youth hostel, this old stone farmhouse with blue-shuttered windows is now an unpretentious but enchanting country inn set in a pine-shaded garden court. Its pretty rooms are done in stone, pine, and stucco, with bright, artisanal-tiled baths. Downstairs is a low-slung dining room with plank tables by a stone fireplace. Breakfast can be enjoyed on a sweet terrace, and the €28 dinner menu includes typical regional specialties such as garlic-roasted lamb, duck breast with honey and rosemary, and lavender-scented crème brûlée.

Michelin-starred chef Mathias Dandine’s transformation of a 200-year-old, tree-shaded auberge at the heart of a quaint village near Aix into a sleek boutique hotel bucks the trend toward Provençal charm in favor of a resolutely contemporary style, featuring creamy walls and terrazzo floors, giant backlit mirrors, minimalist-chic wooden furniture, dreamily colored velvet upholstery, and sizeable marble bathrooms with huge walk-in showers (some with tubs, too). Some the spacious rooms have outdoor terraces, and and a large suite has views of a medieval chapel on the opposite hillside. Bask in the sun around the swimming pool or enjoy a massage in the treatment room before indulging in a gastronomic lunch or dinner in Dandine’s Michelin-starred dining room, where dishes feature all-local ingredients, and the wines are sublime. A quick 10-minute drive from downtown Aix-en-Provence, this a good choice for a village getaway with easy access to cosmopolitan Aix.

You can unwind in total comfort at this retreat near the village and amid the Luberon Natural Park, where each contemporary villa is done in earth tones and has a private terrace. Take advantage of the indoor or outdoor pools and spa (with a steam room and whirlpool tub), which are set among gnarled olive trees and pretty gardens. Overlooking the hotel's sun-drenched grounds, the Casa Gia restaurant (open for lunch and dinner) serves Mediterranean specialties and seafood.

A mere 2 km (1 mile) from Pont du Gard, a 17th-century coach house on 30 acres of greenery has been lovingly converted into this boutique hotel and gourmet restaurant. The interior is modern, which contrasts nicely with the old stone walls of the exterior. Rooms have all the modern conveniences, including Wi-Fi access, satellite TV, and room service. The restaurant is as contemporary as the rest of the place, and the set menus are reasonably priced. There's an outdoor swimming pool, a river to dip into (just a short walk away), and electric bike rentals for exploring the nearby paths.

Featuring interior details like heavy old beams, a stone fireplace, and terra-cotta tiles, this graceful, shuttered, family-owned mas, set on manicured grounds dotted with tall pines, feels centuries old, but it was built to look that way some 30 years ago. The refined, modern guest rooms have air-conditioning, large bathrooms, and such charming touches as throws on the settees and comfy cushions on the bed. You can have a drink on the terrace and cool off in the olive tree–shaded pool, beside which dinner (the prix-fixe Provençal-Mediterranean menu is €70) is served.

Perched on a cliff top in the Old Town, this gracious grouping of 16th-century mansions comes together as a fine hotel, where an extravagant period salon leads to curving stone stairs that go up to sizable rooms with beamed ceilings and antiques. Corner rooms have wonderful views. By day you can take a dip in the courtyard pool. In season, have dinner on the walled-in terrace, where the sweeping view takes precedence over the decent if unexciting food. The restaurant is a good spot for children thanks to the adjoining garden equipped with a swing set.

This hotel just steps from the Théâtre Antique lacks nothing in the way of charm or service—indeed, it would be hard to find a more welcoming staff. Rooms are basic and range from small and serviceable to comfortably spacious. Some have tremendous views over the Roman amphitheater, and all have bright if small bathrooms. The steam room and whirlpool in the basement spa are welcome perks after a day on foot. The hotel has a café, and the garden and small terrace are pleasant places to enjoy lunch, dinner, or just a cup of tea or a glass of wine.

Tucked away on a pretty old town side street, this intimate, vine-clad hotel received a makeover by Parisian interiors star India Mahdavi, who preserved the elegant bones of the grand medieval building—once the home for the provost of the Cloisters—but added vivid fabrics and rattan or burnished-wood furniture that contrast with limestone walls and other original details like arches or fireplaces. The cool courtyard restaurant, which is open for lunch daily and dinner on the weekends, serves Arlesian specialties. You can sip a drink under a towering century-old tree or enjoy a coffee in the cozy library. Prices are gentle, but that may be because the hotel does not have air-conditioning, which can be inconvenient during the heat of the Provençal summer.

As you’d expect from L’Occitane, Provence’s leading skincare brand, the spa is the star at this opulent, country retreat in a restored 17th-century convent, where everything seems to shimmer—from the spacious rooms, done up in pale wood and creamy linen with designer furnishings and private garden terraces, to the elegant common areas. And you’ll shimmer, too, after a trip to the spa, fully equipped with a spacious pool as well as a menu of relaxing treatments. Two on-site restaurants, including Michelin-starred Le Feuillée, round out the offerings that make for a serene, splurge-worthy stay.

Tucked away in an 18th-century town house on a quiet city center street, just minutes from the Théâtre Antique, this chic boutique hotel—part of Best Western's Signature Collection—has stylishly furnished rooms; a wellness area with a fitness room, sauna, and steam room; and a spacious rooftop pool. The hotel's Le Garden restaurant, with an outdoor terrace, is open for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is served buffet style indoors or on the terrace.

On a rocky promontory overlooking the sea, this fantasy villa was bought from a countess in 1917 and converted to a sleek hotel-restaurant, where the Passédat family has been getting it right ever since—especially in the famous restaurant, which is one of only two in Provence with three Michelin stars. Gérald Passedat helms the kitchen, creating sea-anemone beignets, fresh fish roasted whole, and an entire €390 menu dedicated to Bouille Abaisse (be sure to reserve 48 hours in advance). Most guest rooms are minimalist, with some Art Deco–cum–postmodern touches, while outside the gorgeous heated pool is illuminated at night by antique gaslight fixtures.

This country hotel's beautiful setting, luxurious pool, full-service spa, Michelin-starred restaurant, and guest rooms with every modern convenience assure a high level of pampering. Extensive gardens and proximity to the area's must-see sights are also pluses. Request a room with a terrace and view.

Heavenly peace is the theme at this lovely five-star hotel, tucked away behind the walls of a medieval convent amid enchanting gardens, with a pool, shady terraces, and a highly regarded restaurant all of which have undergone a top-to-toe renovation. Spread across three buildings, the rooms are a handsome mix of contemporary luxe accented with elegant Provençal antiques. Some rooms have private terraces; the best accommodations tend to be those in the ancient priory. This sheltered oasis feels worlds away from Avignon's crowds and bustle, but it's close enough to easily come and go.

Smack dab in the city center, close to shopping, sights, and the famous market, this summery Provençal hotel is a good bet in a town that's not only best seen on foot, but can, for the most part, only be seen on foot. You can expect a standard well above most other hotels, along with all the amenities: spacious, bright, and beautifully appointed rooms; a well-equipped spa with a fitness room and a hammam; and indoor and outdoor pools for all-season swimming. The huge courtyard is delightful for lounging and alfresco dining during the long Provence summers. The hotel also offersa huge private villa with four double bedrooms and everything you need for independent living but with all the services of a hotel at your fingertips.

A good choice for hikers, this family-run lodging—a scenic, mile-long walk from town and set amid woods and vineyards at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail—provides a warm welcome and basic but spacious guest rooms. Before heading to the top-notch restaurant, you can take in views of the countryside while enjoying an apéro or a glass of wine on a sprawling terrace shaded by ancient plane trees.

A 17th-century residence within the ramparts is the setting of this delightful hotel featuring stone, stucco, and terra-cotta details as well as classically simple and antique furnishings. The team at the quaint little restaurant will happily cook a whole side of beef in the fireplace or serve up a perfectly grilled Mediterranean fish. On the ground floor are two small, cozy sitting areas; breakfast, weather permitting, is served in the small flower-filled courtyard.

If you’re stopping in Hyères on your way to the islands, consider this bright, airy boutique hotel, where the vaguely Moroccan-style common areas and rooms are as peaceful and soothing as can be, decorated in creamy white and pale ochre, with bespoke furniture and spotless ceramic-tiled bathrooms featuring products from luxury Parisian brand Diptyque. The chic restaurant, open for lunch and dinner, serves a small but well-prepared menu of Mediterranean-influenced dishes, with an emphasis on seafood. You can also dine at the lively bar, featuring small plates to share, craft cocktails, and an eyepopping list of 350 wines, including local gems and French classics, all to enjoy with a program of live music and DJ nights.

Exposed beams, a pretty central staircase, antiques, and charm galore are among the draws of this centrally located hotel in an ivy-clad 16th-century manor. Although there's no pool, a cool interior garden and air-conditioned guest rooms offset the heat of Provençal summers. Best of all, the price is right.

This fine inn has breathtaking views of the countryside and handsome Provençal-style rooms set in beautifully restored old buildings, including an 11th-century monastery. The on-site bistronomic restaurant Riva offers Mediterranean cuisine and the best of the local wines, and you can soak your troubles away in the pool, perhaps after a treatment in the aromatherapy-focused spa.

Manufacturing hip is this urban chain hotel's claim to fame (not surprising, as it's the brainchild of designer Philippe Starck), and it has the formula down pat—offbeat (preferably artsy) neighborhood, check; plenty of graffiti in the interior design, check; functional, minimalist rooms, check; sexy touches, check. For in-hotel nightlife, with its cool pastis bar, local artisanal beer, and great live music on weekends, this spot is a good bet.

With stylish rooms and luxurious balconies that overlook a beautiful lagoon, this upscale converted farmhouse, just 2 km (1 mile) from deserted beaches, is a perfect escape from the rigors of horseback riding and bird-watching. Outside are acres of sculpted land, inside is comfort personified: cool elegance, plush carpets, large baths, and efficient service. Every Saturday night Roma musicians play flamenco in the lovely bar area. Sprawl out in front of the large stone fireplace and drink in the splendid views over the Camargue. Dive into a mean leg of roasted lamb or savor the tender catch of the day after a refreshing dip in the large heated pool. And all the while, you can feel consciously green: the Mas is fully equipped with state-of-the-art solar panels and geothermal power.

A fabled getaway, the Langoustier has a lobster-orange building, pink bougainvillea, a choice of California modern or old Provençal–style guest rooms, and a secluded location at the westernmost point of the Île de Porquerolles. The hotel's La Pinède restaurant is a serviceable choice for dining on the island, and Le Bar is a pleasant spot for a cocktail. Room rates include breakfast and dinner; the former can be enjoyed in your room or on the terrace, while the latter is served in the dining room or outdoor terrace in fine weather.

Sleek, with stunning 360-degree views of the bay and the islands, this white-on-white hotel features designs by Starck, Zanotta, and Emu. The huge windows make for a light-filled reception area, the saltwater pool is fed by a natural spring, and the rooms are up-to-the-minute in style. Specialties of the good modern restaurant include rack of lamb basted with olive tapenade and black grain mustard and sea bass baked with Provençal vegetables.

A stay at one of this property's intimate cabanons—traditional fisherman's cottages—gets you the full Mediterranean experience of endless sea and sun just outside your door. Tucked away in Les Goudes, a tiny fishing village in a seaside calanque (inlets along the coast between Marseille and Cassis in the rugged Calanques National Park) on the outskirts of Marseille, you'll feel a world away, and yet you'll still have everything you need at hand—the Tuba club, a chic seafood restaurant, the lively beachfront Bikini bar, and private terraces to soak in the sea and sun at your leisure.

Not only does this vast estate 23 km (14 miles) north of Aix have ultracontemporary, pristine-white guest villas—with touches of wood, concrete, marble, and glass for maximum luminosity—but it also has a luxurious spa and pool; a winery; and a sculpture garden with more than 30 installations by the likes of Richard Serra, Louise Bourgeois, and Andy Goldsworthy. There's also an on-site gallery, three restaurants (the gastronomic dining room is headed by three-star chef Hélène Darroze), a chapel, and other buildings designed by five of the world's top architects. Oh, and there's a helicopter pad, too, because that's how guests arrive. But you don't have to be a guest to wander the grounds, which are well worth a look.