Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of 500 of the finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants in 60 countries. From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Châteaux offers all the stops on the finest route for discovering each special place and country.
In all our properties, each maître de maison draws upon his unique experience and passion to share the authentic culture and tastes of his region with every guest.
Magical places and memories of a lifetime: whether it be a romantic weekend or to celebrate the important moments of life such as birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoon or family reunions.
Established in France more than 50 years ago, Relais & Châteaux has become a renowned reference of excellence in the hotel and restaurant world. The Association's mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.
My “best picks” itinerary around Provence, lasting 5 days and 4 nights from €1121*
L’Oustau de Baumanière was founded by my grandfather Raymond Thuilier in 1945. At the time, the best restaurants were located along a main road, the National 7, while the top hotels were confined to towns and cities. Baumanière was the first Relais & Châteaux in the world to benefit from a distinguished hotel offering quality cuisine, service and facilities away from a major road. A petrol pump was even installed to allow our guests to reach Baumanière!
Geneviève and I love the simple idea of a “Route de Bonheur” linking Relais & Châteaux properties that share the same dedication to preserving the Provençal art de vivre.
*Approximate rate per person for a four-night stay in a double room with three meals consisting of: 1 luxury room at L’Oustau, 2 Discovery Packages (1 night in a classic or superior double room, dinner with beverages included and breakfast) at the Prieuré and the Villa Gallici and 1 “Gourmet Getaway” package (1 night and 1 gourmet lunch or dinner excluding beverages) at the Petit Nice Passédat.
Approximate price per person. You will need to reserve suggested onsite and local activities yourself
Queen Elisabeth II, crime-writer San Antonio, actors and celebrities such as Jean Reno, Bono, Hugh Grant and Pierre Arditi... For over 60 years, personalities from all walks of life have been drawn to the breath-taking luxury offered by the Oustau de Baumanière, a legend in its own right, far from hustle and bustle of modern life, surrounded by the extraordinary natural beauty of the Baux de Provence.
Close to the property...
The Castelas olive oil press
My friends Catherine and Benoit Hugues invite you to discover their olive press and to taste an AOC olive oil from the Vallée des Baux, surrounded by a centuries-old olive grove.
On your route, Tarascon is well worth a detour. Made famous by the writer Alphonse Daudet and his celebrated novel Tartarin, Tarascon’s historical heritage draws visitors from far and wide. Start at the Château du Roi René before exploring the churches of Sainte-Marthe and Saint-Jacques, the 400-year old town hall, the baroque theatre and spectacular houses scattered across this historic town. You won’t be disappointed!
Boulbon - kilometre 24
Stop off at Boulbon, a small Provencal village and former fortified town with a history stretching back a thousand years. Stroll through its picturesque, rustic streets and visit the medieval castle, the former parish church of Sainte-Anne, its chapels, and the Bonnet mill before admiring the magnificent panoramic view over the Rhône plain and the Montagnette mountain range.
With its perfumed small garden and wisteria-draped trellises in the heart of a medieval town, this former 14th century monastery enjoys a rare charm. Geneviève Charial’s sensitive renovation inspired by the monastery’s history more than merits its “Maison de Baumanière” status.
Close to the property...
Wine tasting at the Château de Beaucastel in Courthezon - kilometre 30 Wine tasting at the Château de Beaucastel in Courthezon - 30 km
Give the Perrin family my regards as you sample their excellent AOC Châteauneuf du Pape wine and discover the 13 grape varieties from which it is made.
La Chartreuse Pontificale du Val de Bénédiction
Close to the Prieuré, the Chartreuse Pontificale du Val de Bénédiction is one of the largest Carthusian monasteries in Europe, with a church, three cloisters, frescoes by Matteo Giovannetti, forty cells and the monks’ garden. It was founded in the 14th century by Pope Innocent VI, whose mausoleum takes pride of place in the church.
On the route...
Oppède-le-Vieux – kilometre 41
At the peak of a rocky spur, discover Oppède-le-Vieux, a delightful hill-top village and its 12th century collegial church. Stroll along the streets of this historic village whose charm and ancient buildings have seduced countless artists and writers.
Lunch at the Abbaye de Sainte-Croix at Salon-de-Provence - kilometre 90
Stop off at Salon-de-Provence and sample the delicious cuisine of the Abbaye de Sainte-Croix. While lunching on the terrace, enjoy one of Provence’s most breath-taking views. Before leaving, don’t miss the house of Nostradamus at Salon, the perfect museum for lovers of mysticism and astrology.
An ideal base from which to discover Aix en Provence, where total comfort, sophisticated surroundings, a warm welcome and excellent service combine to ensure you enjoy a truly relaxing stay in this enchanting residence. This “bastide”, luxuriously decorated in Provençal style, enjoys a cosy atmosphere and an 18th century Italian feel.
Close to the property...
Calisson tasting at the Confiserie Léonard Parli in Aix-en-Provence
Carole Fracalosso invites you to discover the history of the calisson and to taste this iconic delicacy of the city of Aix en Provence at the Confiserie Léonard Parli, where calissons are produced according to a traditional recipe.
Cézanne in Aix: the Lauves studio
Discover the studio of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. A window onto the world of an artistic genius, this studio, renowned as one of the birthplaces of “Art Nouveau” now plays host to a museum tailor-made for admirers of Cézanne and his work.
On the route...
L’Estaque
As you travel from Aix to Marseille, we suggest a detour via L’Estaque to visit the Route des Peintres, which includes a small fishing port, home to Cézanne for a year and which has inspired countless other artists.
Suspended between the sea and the sky, this neo-Greek villa offers a perfect place to lay your head and to sample the cuisine of Gérald Passédat. Fish - locally sourced, including bygone favourites, galinette and capon - lie at the heart of his culinary creations to savour with shellfish for delicious sensations direct from the sea.
Close to the property...
Santons Marcel Carbonnel workshop
Philippe Renoux and his team invite you to discover the workshop where the Provençal figurines created by Marcel Renoux in the 1940s are still made. Don’t miss the “santon” museum and shop featuring hand-decorated and stamped figurines.
On the route...
The Chateau d’If and the Iles du Frioul
Just off the coast of Marseille, discover the Frioul archipelago consisting of four white limestone islands: Pomègues and Ratonneau, If and Tiboulen.
The island of If and its fortress made famous by the novelist Alexandre Dumas as the prison of his memorable hero, the Count of Monte Cristo, is well worth a visit.
Les Calanques: from Marseille to La Ciotat
The nearby coastline, Les Calanques, is also a delight to explore by boat or on foot. This magnificent rocky landscape filled with creeks and hills plunges into the sea, offering the extraordinary panoramas that have forged the region’s reputation. For sports lovers, they also offer some of the most stunning climbing spots on the coast.
Reservations must be made a minimum of 72 hours prior to the arrival date subject to availability in the property (excluding certain dates). Changes may be made without prior notice. Rate based on a double room, double occupancy.
