Luxury Hotels in Provence: The Ultimate Guide to 5-Star Elegance
Discover the Finest 5-star Hotels in Provence
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Few places capture the essence of effortless tranquillity quite like Provence in Summer when the light is soft and the scent of lavender lingers in the breeze. Time seems to slow down in this sun-drenched place with medieval villages and squares where pétanque is still played with a side of Pastis. There are olive groves, rose fields and vineyards that stretch for miles, delivering some of France's best wines (rosé, of course, but also red).
Lavender fields often spring to mind when you think of Provence, but it's a vast region with diverse landscapes - it's roughly the size of Belgium (slightly larger than Maryland, if you hail from the US) and stretches from the southern Alps all the way to the clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Provence is synonymous with summer holidays and luxury, laid-back charm, and tranquillity. We've curated a list of Provence's finest inland luxury hotels, offering authentic Provençal charm and something special - be it a view, seclusion or architecture. If you're seeking a refined escape, our guide to the best luxury hotels in Provence will help you find the perfect retreat.
Crillon Le Brave: A Secluded Hilltop Sanctuary
The fabulously named Louis des Balbes de Berton de Crillon was a soldier recognised for his courage in battle, earning the title the brave of the brave from King Henry IV. The village of Crillon-le-Brave was named after him, and there's a statue of him in the village square. (Incidentally, the Crillon family, many generations later, owned the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, ‘Hôtel’ in this case meaning mansion. It was a family home until 1904 before it became a hotel with the same name. There's no relationship between Hôtel de Crillon in Paris and Crillon Le Brave beyond the ancient family name connection, but it’s interesting that two remarkable hotels share the name, nevertheless).
Photo: © Eric Beracassat / Alamy Stock Photo
We digress, back to the Provençal gem. One of the most charming luxury hotels in Provence, Crillon Le Brave blends seamlessly into its historic village surroundings, offering a tranquil setting with fantastic views. This is understated luxury at its best - the hotel is luxurious in a way that whispers rather than shouts. Crillon Le Brave is a place to get away from it all - the best of Provence, minus the crowds. The elegantly appointed suites are welcoming and feel airy, and they are designed in Provencal style. Many have sweeping views to enjoy the golden light that the region is feted for and some look out over Mont Ventoux - a treat for cyclists. Eating is an experience in itself; at La Table du Ventoux, the menu incorporates some of Provence's finest and most famous local produce.
For those seeking a retreat from the crowds, where time slows and you can watch the beauty of Provence unfold from dawn to dusk, Crillon Le Brave is an oasis of calm.
Hôtel du Tourrel: Timeless Elegance in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a tourist favourite, but its popularity makes intimate hotels hard to come by. But Hôtel du Tourrel is a boutique hotel that's not for the many, but for the few (if you're able to get a room, that is, they’re in high demand).
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Set within a meticulously restored private mansion, once home to the de Tourrel d'Almeran family, this boutique luxury hotel is something of a hidden gem. Then again, everything about Hôtel du Tourrel whispers exclusivity. The rooftop restaurant (with no-fuss name Rooftop) serves just 14 patrons, while downstairs the Michelin-starred Restaurant de Tourrel downstairs accommodates just 16.
Until recently, the hotel had just seven suites, but two more were recently added, bringing the total to a still firmly intimate nine rooms. The hotel offers a sense of privacy and refined luxury, with interiors paying homage to the mansion's long history. Interiors play on the building’s architectural features with finishings in soft, neutral tones that exude elegance.
Despite the central location, there's a plunge pool - perfect for cooling off during that dead hour of the day when adventures wind down, but it's still too early to get ready for dinner. Food is fantastic upstairs or downstairs - but given the hotel's central location, you'll find plenty of great options if you choose to venture out. For those looking for a boutique experience among the luxury hotels in Provence, Hôtel du Tourrel is a rare find in busy St-Remy—intimate, elegant, and serene.
La Bastide de Gordes: A Palatial Escape in the Luberon
Gordes is famous for being one of Provence's most beautiful and romantic villages—some of A Good Year, starring Russell Crowe, was shot here (the film was a box office flop when it launched, but has since become a fan favourite).
The Château de Gordes sits at the heart of the village, with the famous winding stone streets Provence is known for running off down the hillside around it. The Abbaye de Sénanque and its famous lavender fields are just outside the village, so the town is an ideal base for exploring.
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The street entrance to the Bastide de Gordes is as understated as it gets for a 5-star hotel - its facade blends seamlessly into the picturesque village. Widely considered one of Provence's best luxury hotels, La Bastide de Gordes has a stellar reputation. Behind the elegant 18th-century facade are 40 beautifully designed rooms and - perhaps the most appreciated and famous feature - wonderful terraces cascading down the hillside, complete with breathtaking views of the Provencal countryside.
As you'd expect, there are multiple pools, a spa, and even a self-contained villa for eight (offering guests complete privacy and their own pool but access to hotel amenities and services).
There are multiple restaurants that overlook the valley, including the Michelin-starred Clover (you may recognise the backdrop from a Season 3 episode of Emily in Paris).
Le Couvent des Minimes: A Spa Retreat in the Heart of Provence
You may not have heard of the village of Mane (say it ‘man’ as opposed to something you’d find on a horse), but it's a medieval village with plenty of Provençal charm, complete with winding streets and long avenues shaded by Plane trees. Just minutes away, Forcalquier boasts a renowned Monday market, selling everything from local cheese to sparkly trinkets - perfect for holiday gift shopping.
Photo: © Camille Moirenc / hemis.fr / Alamy
Le Couvent des Minimes is a former 17th-century convent turned into a 5-star Relais & Châteaux hotel where history meets contemporary indulgence. Founded in 1613, the convent was home to the Minim monks (not nuns), an order founded by Saint Francis of Paola in Italy. The monks adhered to a vow of perpetual Lent, abstaining from meat, dairy, and eggs.
The monks left long ago, and today, the hotel pays homage to its past, playing off the architecture and incorporating modern finishes and decoration. The result is a hotel that celebrates past and present: it's filled with soft light, and the atmosphere is serene without ever feeling pious.
The hotel offers L'Occitane Spa with a range of indulgent treatments, and there is a Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Feuillée. Le Feuillée’s dining room is refined and elegant, but eating out on the terrace in the shade of the plane trees is truly enchanting. The sunlight is dappled in the day, and at night, the tree is lit up with lanterns - pure Provençal magic. Among the most unique luxury hotels in Provence, Le Couvent des Minimes is ideal for those seeking history, style, seclusion and a spa.
Experience the Best of Provence
From Michelin-starred dining to spa experiences, beautiful vistas or a perfect base from which to explore the region, each of these luxury hotels in Provence delivers an unforgettable and unique experience.