Provence Towns and Villages
Provence towns may not be as glamorous as those of the Cote d'Azur, but neither are they so overdeveloped or expensive. Prosperous and cultured, towns such as Avignon, Aix and Arles all play host to annual international festivals, and all still bear the fascinating historical signs of the Roman occupation. Some of our hotels are in sleepier country towns or the lovely hill villages that dot Provence, and the hotels themselves range from simple yet charming village inns to magnificent converted town mansions. The order of the hotels in this list bears no reflection on our preference.
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La Mirande
Avignon, Provence
Immaculately decorated and furnished former Cardinal's mansion in the city centre. Courtyard with sculptures, romantic reception rooms and sumptuous bedrooms, Michelin-starred restaurant.
21 rooms from $458Restaurant - Michelin starred dining.Sights nearby - Situated opposite the Papal Palace.Cooking classes - Check for timings.Full of character -
Grand Hôtel Nord-Pinus
Arles, Provence
Quirky townhouse hotel of literary heritage restored with elegance and Moorish touches. Famous Bohemian bar, lively with locals. Exquisitely decorated, excellent central location, romantic.
26 rooms from $210Sights nearby - The Amphitheatre close by.Romantic - Good for couples.Lively - Hip and happening.Full of character -
La Maison sur la Sorgue
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Provence
18th century family mansion and boutique maison d’hôte. Relaxed atmosphere, with four large, tasteful bedrooms with chic bathrooms, and a lovely garden and a pool. Fantastic local antiques market.
4 rooms from $327Local markets - Renowned Sunday Antiques Market.Full of characterCooking classes - Check for timings.Romantic - Good for couples.Recommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape -
Hôtel Spa le Calendal
Arles, Provence
Very central hotel with spa and small pool next to the Amphitheatre. Pretty provencal decor, spacious rooms with views, with exposed stone walls and beams, and a lush garden.
38 rooms from $156Sights nearby - A stone's throw from Arles' main sights.Views - Views of the Roman amphitheatre.Swimming Pool - Large spa plunge pool.Local markets - Good for local colour. -
Auberge de l’Orangerie
Piolenc, Provence
Modest but delightful inn. Cosy atmosphere, friendly personal service. Vaulted dining room, attractive bedrooms. Rough stone walls, terracotta floors.
Restaurant - Recommended.Spa -
Hotel Crillon le Brave
Crillon le Brave, Provence
Smart Provencal hotel of fine dining with luxurious rooms in a charming hilltop village, with stunning views. Ideal for a luxury break.
32 rooms from $367Exclusive offer - Last Minute OffersRestaurant - Recommended.Views - Great views from hotelSpa - Mini spa offering massage and facial treatments.Local markets - Great antiques market close by. -
L´Auberge du Presbytère
Saignon, Provence
Charming, popular auberge in hilltop village. Understated chic decor, Provencal cuisine and lively local bar. Good value for local exploring.
16 rooms from $118 -
Le Beffroi
Vaison La Romaine, Provence
Good value traditional hotel in aristocratic houses in medieval hill town. Golden stone, wooden beams, tiled floors. Large rooms with antiques, a good restaurant, a pool and views.
22 rooms from $100Local markets - Good for local colour.Views - Great views from hotelSwimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorSights nearby - Well located for major sights.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide -
Le Mas des Carassins
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Provence
Elegant farmhouse hotel on the edge of St Remy. Glorious gardens, swimming pool, elegant rooms, good restaurant. A short walk to the town centre.
14 rooms from $130Garden - Attractive outside space.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoor -
Le Mas des Romarins
Gordes, Provence
Authentic stone-walled 19th century house. Wonderful views, secret gardens, swimming pool, breakfast terrace. Chic Provencal-style rooms, full of character. Good for a romantic break and local exploring of Gordes.
13 rooms from $130Views - Great views from hotelRestaurant - Recommended.Sights nearby - 10 min walk into Gordes.Full of characterRecommended by - Sawdays -
Hôtel La Maison de Sophie
Nîmes, Provence
Art deco townhouse B&B with character. Varying bedrooms with Persian carpets, chandeliers, tiled floors. Pretty salons, flower garden, swimming pool, close to the Arena.
7 rooms from $196 -
L'Hôtel Sous les Figuiers
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Provence
Small and charming B&B. Ground-floor rooms, private terraces, garden with fig trees. Artists workshop, painting classes. Peaceful atmosphere.
14 rooms from $107Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorQuirky - An experience! -
La Bouscatière
Moustiers Sainte-Marie, Provence
Charming laid-back 18th century village house with large, pretty rooms and simple home-cooked food, dramatically positioned on cliff edge at canyon entrance. Romantic bedrooms and fine garden.
5 roomsFull of characterViews - Great views from hotel -
L'Hôtel Particulier
Arles, Provence
Very elegant boutique hotel in a classical mansion, a mix of contemporary and traditional decor in two wings, from sleek monochrome to period furniture. Small pool for cooling off.
13 rooms from $379Garden - Stunning garden.Spa - Small spa and hammam.Swimming Pool - Small plunge pool.Romantic - Good for couples. -
Hotel de L'Amphithéâtre
Arles, Provence
Large rooms in a great location, elegantly decorated with unbeatable prices. Full of character, no restaurant but easy to walk everywhere from here. Perfect for a budget break of local exploring.
28 rooms from $75Sights nearby - Round the corner from the AmphitheatreFull of character -
La Bastide de Boulbon
Provence
Beautifully renovated mansion of rose gardens, small pool and lovely terrace in a charming medieval village. Cool, contemporary rooms and excellent food. A good base if you have a car for local highlights.
10 rooms from $151Garden - Attractive outside space.Restaurant - Recommended.Sights nearby - Good base if you have a car.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorRecommended by - Sawdays -
Villa Gallici
Provence
Luxury hotel on the outskirts of Aix, with fine gardens, terraces, and large pool. Lavish decor, fabrics and fine dining. Romantic and pampering, for a special treat.
22 rooms from $301Restaurant - Recommended.Garden - Attractive outside space.Romantic - Good for couples.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorRecommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Frommers, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux, Travel Intelligence
Leonie Glass,
posted Friday, 12th February 2010
