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.
Dry stone walls are a speciality of the South. They may be found in ‘garrigue’ countryside and are used to separate plots of land or form enclosures for sheep. There is one in the Luberon, though, that is an exception to the rule.
Here’s why....
When the ship “Le Grand Saint-Antoine” arrived in Marseille in May 1720 from the East, few people realised that it would spread death throughout the whole of Provence. It brought sailors suffering with the plague, who contaminated the people of Marseille and caused the death of thousands of people. Reported in Apt in September, the disease was of such grave concern to the kingdom of France that it was decided to prohibit any movement between the Dauphiné region and the papal lands of Comtat Venaissin. Even worse, in the spring of 1721, the construction of a wall was ordered to control the movement of people and goods. The work, which stretched along twenty-five kilometres between Cabrières d’Avignon and Monieux, along the edge of the Vaucluse plateau, involved five hundred inhabitants from the surrounding villages, who were requisitioned for the job. Once it was built, over 1,000 men from the French royal troops and the papal troops were enlisted to keep a watch over the various comings and goings. At certain points, the wall was two metres high. Guards were posted in sentry boxes, while guardrooms, also built of dry stone, served as shelters.
Did the wall prevent the spread of disease? Whatever the answer, certain villages such as Venasque, Méthamis and la Roque-sur-Pernes were saved. By early 1723 the danger was over and the wall was slowly abandoned and sank into oblivion. The stones were recovered to built other walls or houses.
However, traces may still be seen today. In some villages it has been partly restored by volunteers. In Cabrières d’Avignon, for example, you can follow it for over a kilometre. A remarkable testimony to a historical event that nearly destroyed the region.
Hôtel Crillon le Brave Hotel and restaurant in a village At the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains and Mont Ventoux is a charming and historic place in a location close to the heart of Paul Cézanne. Former meeting places in this centuries-old commune – a presbytery, stables and a school – have been renovated, restored and converted into beautiful lodgings with wonderful views of “the Giant of Provence”, Mont Ventoux. This is an ideal Provencal base from which to explore the local markets, medieval villages, antique shops, lavender fields and artists’ studios. Other attractions include an abundant and fragrant local cuisine as well as unforgettable Rhône wine tastings, featuring Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. ...Read more France, Crillon le Brave
Le Prieuré Hotel and restaurant in a village Le Prieuré in Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, tucked away in the mediaeval village, with its cottage garden and its trailing wisteria, emanates a rare charm. Jean-André and Geneviève Charial, who also own L’Oustau de Baumanière and La Cabro d’Or in Baux-de-Provence, say that this former convent epitomises silence and relaxation. The rooms and suites are in three different buildings in which contemporary style meets ancient tradition. The menu also pays tribute to the region, with dishes such as duck foie gras from the Landes with Gariguette strawberries from Nîmes and pot-roasted Costières wood pigeon with fresh sage. Le Prieuré’s mouth-watering cuisine is served in surroundings which bring all the senses to life. ...Read more France, Villeneuve lez Avignon
Le Mas des Herbes Blanches Hotel and restaurant in the country With its breathtaking views of the Luberon valley, this Provencal farmhouse is the perfect place to relax. Witness unforgettable sunsets to the song of chirping cicadas from the terraces of the mas with its sun-bleached walls. The house is set around a magnificent pool, surrounded by cypresses, olive trees, mediterranean pines and palm trees. From here, discover the charms of the Vaucluse, with its watermills, windmills and dry stone huts – a beautiful part of the world that has seduced and inspired a number of great artists including Marc Chagall, Serge Poliakoff and Victor Vasarely. ...Read more France, Gordes
Le Phébus & Spa Hotel and restaurant in the country Located between Roussillon and Gordes, Le Phébus is a dry-stone-walled farmhouse where the rooms overlook the tranquil water of their private swimming pools. Built on remains dating back to the medieval knights of the Order of Malta, this is a jewel of a hotel and the perfect place to take shelter when the mistral wind is blowing across the prairie of southern France. Its location makes it the ideal base from which to explore the Luberon, and the Carita Spa is the perfect place to relax. In the restaurant, the traditional cuisine breathes new life into ancient Provencal recipes and offers a superb “soupe au pistou”, a regional vegetable soup with garlic and basil. ...Read more France, Gordes
Abbaye de Sainte Croix Hotel and restaurant in the country Perched on the rocky outcrops of Salon-de-Provence, a tiny Provence town, which is ideally located to explore everything this delightful area has to offer, there is a tranquil spot where time would appear to have stood still. This 12th century abbey in the heart of twenty hectares of Provençal gardens and garrigue offers spectacular views of the Alpilles Valley and the countryside surrounding Salon-de-Provence. The rooms still bear traces of the Cistercian monks who once occupied the abbey and boast a décor that blends charm and authenticity and provides a calm and restful atmosphere. You will be delighted with the hotel's attentive service and the culinary delights served in both restaurants which offer delicious dishes based on seasonal local ingredients. This hotel is utterly unique with architecture full of character and steeped in soul, the perfect haven of peace in which to relax and explore all the charms that Provence, from the Calanques to the Luberon, has to offer. ...Read more France, Salon-de-Provence
France, Crillon le Brave 
