Aix-en-Provence's best boutique hotels, like Château de la Gaude, combine picturesque settings with world-class food and luxurious accommodation | Courtesy of Château de la Gaude / Expedia
Aix-en-Provence in southern France is the city of a thousand fountains, the home to Cézanne and his impressive Sainte-Victoire mountain, as well as the delectable sweet dessert, calissons. Stay in one of these chic boutique hotels, complete with fine Provençal restaurants and opulent spas.
There’s plenty of high culture to be found in Aix-en-Provence – from Cézanne’s studio to one of the best conservatoires (music schools) in the country. It might seem clique for France, but it’s also a foodie’s heaven. Sample the best local wares at the daily market in Place Richelme, before enjoying the sunset with a cold glass of local rosé in hand.
Just five minutes from the famous Cours Mirabeau, a central location isn’t the only advantage of this art-inspired B&B. Aptly, in the city of 19th century artist Paul Cézanne, each room is designed to resemble a painting, from contemporary pop art prints to classic works. Every detail is considered. Psychedelic curtains, snazzy lighting, and ruby red bowl chairs are seemingly straight from the set of A Clockwork Orange – perfect for that Instagram snap.
Whether you prefer organic lamb from La Roque d’Anthéron, quail from the Dombes, or goat’s cheese from Meyreuil, this five-star hotel proudly boasts a fine dining menu that is exclusively sourced locally. In the summer, enjoy freshly-baked pissaladière (pizza-like onion tart) out on the sun terrace. The villa’s 34 elegantly-decorated rooms and suites are spread throughout its five 18th century bastide cottages.
From the 17 hectares of landscaped gardens, to the restaurant’s scene-stealing candle-lined chandelier, this 18th century residence is a sight to behold. Chef Matthieu Dupuis Baumal serves up Michelin-starred, Provence-inspired dishes, including Limousin veal and wild game. Outdoor features include the yew maze, lap pool, and butterfly garden, while the onsite vineyard makes the cellar tour a must-do.
This five-star hotel makes excellent use of its outdoor space, with a canopy-covered garden bar serving aperitifs and planchas of tapas as soon as the weather allows. Since you’re in the south of France, enjoy a game of petanque, while live music plays every Thursday. For something a little cosier, head indoors to the 1924 bar, where barman Pierre will knock up a Farigoule Sour, traditionally made with the fresh, fragrant thyme of Provence.
Looking for an affordable stay in Aix? Book Hotel du Globe. A radiant terrace bar provides sun loungers and cafe tables with splendid views of Aix-en-Provence’s terracotta rooftops. The limestone peak of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain can also be glimpsed to the east. Rooms are clean, modern, plus you are only a three-minute walk away from the city’s Roman thermal baths.
The Villa Gallici is situated in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, not far from the impressive Cathedral Saint-Sauveur. It has 22 suites, many with outside terraces. Relax in the spa, have a drink by the pool, eat on the terrace, or take a guided trip around some of Provence’s beloved markets. The restaurant is open every day, except Monday and Wednesday. The hotel closes in January for its annual break.
Situated under Cézanne’s favourite Sainte-Victoire mountain, just outside of Aix en Provence, this stylish spa resort offers a tranquil space to unwind in the French countryside. Once home to a nobleman, it’s now a chic boutique hotel with cool modern interiors decorated in earthy tones. The spa is a real focus here – it comprises two treatment rooms, a sauna, hammam and gym, alongside two pools, a herbal tearoom and a terrace with a view over the gardens. Try the Five Flowers Ritual facial which will leave you glowing, before finishing the day with a cold local rosé on the terrace.
The Mas d’Entremont is just outside Aix-en-Provence in 1.5 hectares of countryside. It has 20 rooms and a wealth of activities; tennis, swimming, a spa, and well-manicured grounds for a lovely evening stroll before you head to one of the two bars. Suites come with a private terrace and many locals frequent the restaurant, which is said to be one of the best in town. Reserve a table on the terrace in summer, shaded by lime trees.
Centrally located, Hotel Aquabella is in a prime position for strolling down the Cours Mirabeau and exploring Cezanne’s studio. 116 rooms and suites offer views over the Tourreluque, the cathedral or old town rooftops. Rooms are bright and contemporary, opt for the Privelege Room with its large soaking bathtubs. One of the highlights here is the hotel spa, built on the grounds of the old Roman baths, which has its own unique water source 80 meters below the ground and keeps naturally warm at 33 degrees celsius.
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