Provence

Wonderful terraces

Sunny terraces represent the South in the same way that verandas represent the North. Conscious of their attraction, the Relais & Châteaux de Provence try to outdo each other for decoration, offering their clients a simply magical environment.

Some have heavenly views; others have more intimate charms. Undisputed champions of panoramic views amongst the Relais & Châteaux de Provence are: the Hostellerie de Crillon le Brave, the Hostellerie Le Phébus, the Mas des Herbes Blanches and the Abbaye de Sainte-Croix. The former gains its advantage through its position on top of a hill. Under a fig tree or beneath white parasols, in the ‘Cours du Puits’ or above the swimming pool, each of the small terraces is reached through a tangle of pathways. Moving from one to another, the view of Mont Ventoux or the ’Dentelles de Montmirail’ is unforgettable. At Phébus, the cosy covered and open terraces make no attempt to compete, as they both overlook the swimming pool and open out to the south and a view of the Lubéron. There’s the same atmosphere at the Mas des Herbes Blanches, in Joucas, where the solarium-terraces are laid out around the swimming pool, with wide-open views across the same mountain ranges. As for the Abbaye de Sainte-Croix, in Salon-de-Provence, it reminds us of how the monks of long ago used to love a panoramic view! The large shady south-facing terrace gives the tables set up on harmonious white paving stones a feeling of being out at sea. In the distance, you can see the Rhone Valley, Salon and the sea. Finally, there is the Petit Nice Passédat at Marseille. Situated on the shores of the Mediterranean, it’s a real joy to sip a glass of wine or dine under the trees, looking out over the lights of the bay or the outline of the Frioul islands.

The more intimate terraces will appeal to the romantics. One that deserves a special mention is at the Oustau de Baumanière, in Les Baux de Provence, which exudes a totally Provençal atmosphere and is well-protected by the impressive grey rocks of Baumanière. And there are secrets to be uncovered at the Prieuré, in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. At the foot of the old house with green shutters there is a hidden terrace that is cool and almost remote, reflecting the ‘vicar’s garden’ atmosphere for which it is known. With its rose arbours, shady nooks and heady perfumes, it is almost a place of meditation. Finally the indoor gardens and terrace of the Villa Gallici, at the heart of Aix-en-Provence, successfully evokes Italy and Florentine refinement. So, you wanted terraces?

Hôtel Crillon le Brave Provence
Hotel and restaurant in a village
Perched above the village roofs, the hotel welcomes you to a green haven behind tall, ochre walls. Its rooms, bathed in the scent of honeysuckle and jasmine wafting up from the Italian-style gardens, offer stunning views across the vineyards to the Mont Ventoux, once cherished by Mistral and Cézanne. Enjoy sun-drenched cuisine and wines from the region, the Rhône and other parts of the world. ...Read more
France, Crillon le Brave

Villa Gallici
Hotel and restaurant in town
This country house overlooking Aix is bathed in the soft Provençal light so often depicted by Cézanne. Set amidst an elegant Florentine garden, where cypress trees are reflected in a luxurious pool, it offers sumptuous rooms with terraces and private gardens. Linger over an aperitif in the shade of the plane trees, then savour traditional Provençal cuisine accompanied by the finest Bordeaux, Burgundy and Aix wines. ...Read more
France, Aix-en-Provence

Le Prieuré
Hotel and restaurant in a village
In the heart of the medieval town of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon with its aromatic «priest’s» garden and climbing wisteria, the Prieuré has a rare charm. Taken over by Jean-André Charial, the creative force behind the Maisons de Baumanière, enhanced by the decor of Geneviéve Charial, the old monastery is experiencing a renaissance: more space, more light, an extended terrace sheltered from the mistral wind… As for the cuisine, it reinvents every day a menu full of Mediterranean flavours. ...Read more
France, Villeneuve lez Avignon

Le Mas des Herbes Blanches
Hotel and restaurant in the country
The Mas, almost a village in itself, pays tribute to the ancient Bories dry-stone hut building technique. On the heights of Joucas, tucked away in an isolated 5-hectare park, you will delight in a unique view of Luberon. All the rooms come with a terrace, balcony or private garden. The restaurant, with its panoramic terraces, offers Mediterranean cuisine and a wine list brimming over with Côtes du Luberon wines. ...Read more
France, Gordes

Oustau de Baumanière
Relais Gourmand Restaurant ‘Relais Gourmand’ and hotel in the country
Baumanière is one of those truly exceptional settings that perfectly reconcile tradition and modernity. The legendary welcome and the luminous rooms immerse you in the contrasting Alpilles landscapes. Jean-André Charial, whose pure poetry is in pursuit of the utmost perfection, is the mythical narrator in the Baux region. The «œuf de poule au fumet de truffes noires» ranks alongside revisited classics. Exceptional wine cellar. ...Read more
France, Les-Baux-de-Provence

Le Petit Nice-Passédat
Relais Gourmand Restaurant ‘Relais Gourmand’ and hotel on the seafront
From the women in the family whom he watched as a child to the master chefs who taught him his trade, one thing is sure: Gérald Passédat’s cuisine is southern. His favourite dish is, of course, the «bouillabaisse», light and zephyr-like without a trace of fat. By reducing the bouillon he creates the impression of eating the very best from the sea! The rooms flooded in blue prolong the magic of dinner with a sea haze. ...Read more
France, Marseille

Hostellerie Le Phébus
Hotel and restaurant in the country
Here in the Luberon, between Gordes and Roussillon, in the heart of the Garrigue, the cuisine and the atmosphere have a Mediterranean flavour. A dry-stone residence in a 4-hectare park, erected over remains dating back to the Templars, offers its guests beautiful rooms full of the colours of Provence, some with a private swimming pool. Xavier Mathieu conjures up creative culinary delights full of Mediterranean flavours. ...Read more
France, Gordes

Abbaye de Sainte Croix
Hotel and restaurant in the country
This magnificent XIIth century abbey, set amidst gardens of lavender and rosemary, has been lovingly restored and the monks’ cells converted into luxury suites and guest rooms. You will be enchanted by the superb Romanesque architecture, the beautiful vaulted ceilings and the delightfully rustic furniture. Dine on the restaurant’s panoramic terrace and savour Provençal cuisine and excellent local vintages. ...Read more
France, Salon-de-Provence


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