116 Best Hotels in Provence, France

Just outside the village, amid terraces and formal gardens sheltered by rocky cliffs, the five buildings of this fabled hotel contain guest rooms that are breezy, private, and chic. It seems as if everyone who's anyone—from Queen Elizabeth to Elizabeth Taylor—has headed to this oasis for some luxe Provençal pampering. The rooms are regularly refurbished, and the property also has villas that are more contemporary but still sumptuous. At the three-Michelin-star L'Oustau restaurant, chef Glen Viel attracts culinary pilgrims who revel in his updated classics. The food is also fine at the Cabro d'Or bistro, a more casual and affordable option. Unwind with a massage at the spa, enjoy a swim in one of the three pools, or play a round of golf. Other on-site activities include cooking classes, wine or olive oil tastings, and tours of the kitchen garden, where 40% of the restaurant ingredients are grown.

Chef Alain Ducasse put this beautifully restored property—part of a convent once charged with shaping the future queens of Provence—on the map when he took over both the restaurant (now headed by chef Nicolas Pierantoni) and the inn, where guest rooms mix Louis XVI furnishings with regional accents, and the grounds have private gardens and vineyard views. The kitchen is still formidable, with creations that superbly balance flavor and texture—perhaps hake with sweet-almond puree and gnocchi or saddle of lamb with squash and fried chickpea panisse.

Spectacularly perched on Gordes's hilltop, the 16th-century Bastide has both old-world charm and old-world elegance—it's also one of the few properties in Provence to have earned Palace status, meaning that it's among the best of the country's five-star hotels. Along with a trove of 18th-century antiques, designers brought in 4,000 paintings for the guest rooms. It has several restaurants, including the exceptional La Bastide. Manicured lawns and a broad shaded terrace are geared to relaxation, as is the luxe Airelles Spa, which includes a hammam, a sauna, and an indoor pool with breathtaking views of the Vallée de Gordes. In summer, the hotel has special activities programs for children and teens.

Nestled in the middle of 170 acres of private marshland, this quiet, laid-back retreat has simple whitewashed buildings with equally simple guest rooms that feature terra-cotta tiles, jute rugs, white cotton throws, and large picture windows with hauntingly beautiful views of of rose-color reeds. Technology has found its way here, too, as each room has a TV and Wi-Fi. The cavernous dining hall with Provençal chairs and an enormous hand-carved fireplace is a great place to share stories while enjoying local wine and a hearty plate of selected meats, fresh tomatoes, and regional goat cheese.

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.

Reached via a lane lined with majestic plane trees and set on 8 acres of luxuriant parkland, this gracious five-star manor (it's not exactly a château) dates from the Middle Ages and is one of St-Rémy's dreamiest spots, which is saying a lot in this château-saturated territory. Stay in one of the sophisticated, beautifully decorated rooms in the mansion or in one of the smaller outbuildings—including a chapel and farmhouse—some large enough for just two people yet all done up tastefully and lovingly with a modern-elegant style. The heated pool, clay tennis courts, spa, sauna, and hammam are welcome amenities, as are the excellent restaurant and spectacular dining room, with a large terrace under ancient sycamores. The châtelaine of this family-run establishment, lovingly maintained by three generations of women, is warm, gracious, and always ready to go the extra mile for her guests.

Behind a locked gate at this sprawling property five minutes from Châteauneuf-du-Pape center, contemporary, wooden eco-cabanes sit beside, just over, or even on top of a secluded emerald-green lake. Each chic cabin is slightly different, but all have decks at least as large or larger than the indoor space and all provide enough style and amenities (most have a sauna or hot tub) for them to feel like far more than just rustic cabins in the woods. Healthy gourmet dinners (served cold) and breakfasts are delivered to your cabin via golf cart at your desired hour. You can enjoy hiking paths, a large pool, and a treatment room with a full range of spa offerings.

Though only a two-minute walk from Lacoste, a more captivating country setting would be hard to find, complete with extensive gardens and olive groves, a wooded park with picturesque stone walls, a pool, and breathtaking views everywhere—including from your room. Each of the B&B's five bright, spacious rooms is equipped with all the modern conveniences and its own private terrace, where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast or glass of the local wine while taking in the vistas.

Settling into this gracious retreat under the dappled shade of tall trees deep in the Provençal countryside is the easiest thing you'll ever do. Inside, a rare attention to detail was paid to the elegant-country room decor—each one unique but all with a sophisticated contemporary vibe, original artwork (the owners are art dealers), and giant bathrooms. Outside, lounge at the grassy poolside, stroll the lush gardens, hike through the nearby woods and vineyards, or sample the estate wines along with local gourmet treats at the state-of-the-art tasting room. At the gastronomic restaurant and separate bistro, locally sourced gourmet cuisine is paired with the domaine’s fine wines, produced on the premises. And if that’s not pampering enough, a small spa with a steam room offers a range of massages and treatments.

With sumptuous decor, an idyllic setting amid olive groves and gardens, impeccable service, a spa, an 18-hole golf course, a pool, and a choice of rooms and suites or villas, the Domaine de Manville is as ideal for a romantic getaway as it is for a family retreat. The hotel's two, beautifully restored, 18th-century buildings contain haute Provençal–style rooms and suites (more like small apartments), most of which have a private terrace or balcony that takes advantage of magnificent views. The duplex family suites also have multiple bathrooms, and each of the ultracontemporary, full-service villas—large enough for eight—comes with a private pool and a golf cart for getting around the property. You don't have to leave the grounds for a fantastic meal, thanks to the Michelin-starred L'Aupiho restaurant, well-priced bistro, garden bar, and glassed-in winter garden (for breakfast or afternoon tea). Golfers will love the boutique, which has everything they could need for a day on the green.

In a complete departure from traditional Provençal chic, each of this contemporary property's individually decorated houses features the work of top designers and artists; all the units also have private terraces, and some have small private pools. The most exotic decor is in the Maison du Voyageur with its stuffed tiger, zebra skin, and antler sofa, while the Maison des Lointains has a barbed-wire chandelier, suggestive black-and-white photos, and stone baths. Perfect for two, the stunning Nature Suites offer seclusion with a private yard, sun deck, and a steam room or sauna. The hotel's two dining options include La Loggia gastronomic dining room and Le Platane bistro for lingering over a gourmet-rustic lunch. Both use the bounty of the hotel's extensive gardens to create dishes expressive of Provence. From the swimming pool and the stepped garden patios, admire dramatic views of the countryside; there is also an indoor pool should the fierce mistral winds strike. Be sure to check the website for last-minute deals, especially in the off-season. 

A stay at this lovely restored farmhouse in the tiny hamlet of Les Martins—strategically set between the villages of Gordes, Ménerbes, and Lacoste—lets you enjoy all the wonders of the region without the crushing crowds. There's nothing quite like a meal cooked to your tastes and served alfresco under ancient trees and amid flower gardens. In summer, play pétanque, or cool off in the pool; in chilly weather, enjoy an apéro by the fire. Here, life slows down in the most pleasurable Provençal way.

With bright, airy rooms and suites decorated with vintage and antique treasures, soothing contemporary color schemes, and chic carpets, the refurbished Grand Hôtel Henri has lots of panache that's matched by an utter lack of pretension. The stylish bar, terrace restaurant, and tearoom are popular with local sophisticates.

Perfectly situated in a historic building that's a short walk from Avignon's principal attractions, this chic boutique hotel has quiet, colorful, beautifully designed rooms with every amenity, ample bathrooms, and plenty of closet space. Some rooms also have a balcony or a fireplace. The on-site wine bar is a fine place to sample the regional Rhône wines before heading out on the town. 

A romantic's dream of a hotel, this petit palais enables you to step into 18th-century Avignon—complete with painted coffered ceilings, precious antiques, extraordinary handmade wall coverings, and beautiful Asian rugs. Guest rooms, most with views of the palace, are both gorgeous and comfy, with extraordinary marble baths. Six stunning rooms in a separate garden building are lavishly decorated in the Empire style. The central lounge is a skylighted and jazz-warmed haven, while the costume-drama dining room is the perfect setting for the restaurant's sophisticated Michelin-starred cuisine, the best in Avignon under chef Florent Pietravalle. If you have the time, take advantage of the hotel's cooking classes conducted in its well-stocked, 18th-century, vaulted kitchens, or partake one of the classical music nights, with chamber music and gourmet delights.

Set in three 17th-century buildings and featuring a fabulous rooftop pool and terrace, this hotel is a model of contemporary refinement, with bright, spacious suites that have soaring ceilings, tasteful artwork, ample marble baths, and gorgeous color palettes that offset the building's creamy stone. Its elegant aesthetic extends to a Michelin-star restaurant and wine bar, featuring a connoisseur's selection of Provençal, French, and other choice wines. As refined as this hotel is, the owners' laid-back, welcoming vibe puts you at ease.

Not only is this gem of a hotel ideally situated near the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh, but it's also set in a 15th-century stone house—once home to the counts of Arlatan—on the site of a 4th-century basilica whose excavated vestiges are visible through a glass floor in the lobby. Common spaces and guest rooms feature kaleidoscopic Bauhaus-style tiles, pops of jewel-tone color, and ultramod light fixtures. A fine restaurant and bar and a lovely courtyard with a small pool provide all that's needed for a comfortable stay.

This jewel of a hotel—complete with a spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant—is set in two 18th-century buildings and has sleek guest rooms that feature pale wood, ocher walls, colorful kilims, charming art, contemporary designer furnishings, and high-quality bedding. All of the rooms are flooded with light, and you couldn't find better views of the village, castle, and vineyards beyond than from the triplex terrace suite's spacious rooftop balcony. A rejuvenating treatment at the spa is just the thing after a day of sightseeing.

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.

If your heart is set on staying in Aix center, this snazzy hotel 16 km (10 miles) outside of Aix—in a classic Provençal landscape at the foothills of Cezanne's Mont Sainte-Victoire—will make you think again. Contemporary and luxurious without a hint of pretension, the hotel capitalizes on the eye-popping views of the mountain and Picasso's Château Vauvenargues (where he is buried). All of the rooms—many of which have terraces—are spacious; beautifully decorated; stocked with all the extras (Nespresso machines, kettles, international channels, robes, slippers); and flooded with light. The views are also stellar from the fabulous pool, bar, and "bistronomic" restaurant, which serves sophisticated Brazilian-Mediterranean cuisine.

Housed in Marseille's majestic 18th-century Hôtel Dieu, a beloved landmark built according to plans by Jacques Hardouin-Mansart, architect to Louis XIV, this place has been transformed into a gleaming palace—even if you don't stay here, it's worth stopping by for a drink on the sprawling terrace, with gorgeous views of the old port. The hotel interiors are luminous and comfortable, accented with large amphorae, artworks, and photographs of the city by local artists. Rooms are beautifully conceived with luxe touches; and many have large private terraces with views of the port (and views from the bathtub). The gold-mosaic pool and full-service Clarins spa and gym provide all the required pampering, and with chef Arnaud Davin at the helm, the hotel's bistro Les Fenêtres and the lovely Capian bar are Marseille standouts.

Once owned by the Baron de Chartrouse, this extraordinary 18th-century hôtel particulier is delightfully intimate and elegant, decorated with gold-framed mirrors, white-brocade chairs, marble writing desks, artfully hung curtains, and hand-painted wallpaper. White rooms look out onto a beautifully landscaped garden. To relax, stretch out by the pool, and listen to the birds chirp, or head to the spa for an essential-oil massage. Le Bistrot, open mid-May to mid-October (closed Monday and Tuesday), serves only three-course dinners.

This local grande dame—in a lovely neighborhood near the canal and just across from the Jardins de la Fontaine—has been transformed into a gorgeous contemporary hotel, complete with indoor and outdoor pools, a bistro, and a gastronomic restaurant overseen by superstar chef Pierre Gagnaire. Pablo Picasso, Ava Garder, and Jean Cocteau all stayed here for the famous Féria de Nîmes (bullfights), and the stunning decor features plush furniture in lovely shades of teal, lustrous wood and marble everywhere, and a sparkling spa. The fabulous Hemingway Bar in the downstairs lobby opens onto a huge terrace, and the gourmet Duende restaurant is among the top tables in Nîmes. For a romantic getaway or for families, the hotel has eight beautiful private villas and child-friendly activities.

A Provençal dream come true, this exclusive property—part of the Maisons et Hôtels Sibuet collection—is amid a 57-acre vineyard and has rustic-chic common areas and guest quarters in a restored stone farmstead. Some rooms have private terraces, others a working fireplace; all are beautifully and eclectically decorated with antiques and original artwork. On-site amenities include a spa, a swimming pool, and a dining room where the food is so good that locals come from miles around for lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea. You can take in beautiful views from the terrace, indulge in a wine tasting, and explore bucolic paths on foot or by e-bike.

Set amid gentle rolling hills, elegant gardens, and 90 sun-drenched acres of vineyards (from which the Aureto estate wine is produced), this upscale hideaway—with several historic country houses restored to designer perfection—is perfect whether you want a relaxing spa or wine-tasting getaway or a more active escape of hiking through vineyards or biking on one of the hotel's Swiss-made mountain bikes. Take in the breathtaking vineyard and mountain views from your private terrace or one of several expansive garden patios, relax in the whirlpool tub, or indulge in a restorative treatment at the state-of-the-art spa before enjoying a sumptuous all-truffle dinner at Le Gourmet restaurant. For more casual dining there's also a gourmet bistro and the Jardin dans les Vignes terrace restaurant in summer.

One of Avignon's loveliest hotels is in an 18th-century mansion not far from the Palais des Papes and set amid lush gardens with towering plane trees, flowers, and palms, as well as a koi pond, swimming pool, and spa pavilion. Splendid antiques and contemporary art and design (including 200 paintings) create a setting that's as opulent and luxurious as it is witty and poetic.

Once the home of a marquis, this splendid Provençal property, tucked away under towering plane trees—with lovely gardens, a swimming pool, picturesque walkways, and a pétanque court—combines a serene natural setting with gracious lodging and outstanding dining thanks to its owners, the Michelin-starred chef Mathias Dandine and his wife. The chef's motto, "a beautiful place, for beautiful moments around a beautiful table," pretty much sums it up. Just off the lavender route—a 20-minute drive from Cassis and the Calanques National Park and just 10 miles from Marseille center—it's perfectly situated (and perfectly equipped) for a restorative Provençal retreat.

Each of the spacious rooms in this exquisite hotel—created by merging three buildings of a 17th-century mansion—is unique, but they all have beautiful decor, high ceilings (many beamed) and other elegant architectural details, enormous baths, modern amenities, and typical Uzès charm. Rooms on the top floors benefit from views over the rooftops, and, in some instances, of the nearby Saint-Théodont Cathedral and its famous Fenestrelle Tower. The hotel also has a L'Occitane spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Obliging innkeepers Frédéric and Marie-Claude did their architectural homework before transforming a 17th-century home into this elegant B&B, where the unique suites feature tasteful color schemes, original historical details, antique and vintage items, and modern fixtures. Each suite has its own configuration and unique attribute, such as a courtyard terrace, a library, or a window that perfectly frames a niche containing a statue of the Virgin Mary in a church across the way. Other amenities include air-conditioning, a gallery and boutique—perfect for last-minute art or antique finds—and a heated swimming pool.