The Best Hotels with Pools in Provence, France

There’s no shortage of water within this 491ha (1,213 acres) wine estate. The indoor lap pool features a countercurrent machine for an aqua workout, while the larger outdoor pool is ideal for a more relaxed dip. It helps that the pool bar serves ice-cold glasses of wine and fresh slices of melon. At the Cinq Mondes spa, you’ll find two jacuzzis and VIP balneotherapy rooms.

There are two 18-hole golf courses at Terre Blanche, intricately landscaped around the resort’s signature evergreen carob tree. Golf day packages include a two-course lunch at the Caroubiers restaurant overlooking the 18th hole of the Riou course. As beautiful as the golf courses are, it’s the indoor pool that will catch your eye, with white columns, hanging lanterns and a ceiling skylight providing a temple-like spirituality.

Tucked into the north end of Prado Bay, this 150-room hotel is only a few minutes stroll from the beach. Between May and October, you can enjoy a dip in the seafront pool – it’s so close to the Mediterranean Sea that you could practically jump in. The subtle colour scheme of minimalist white walls with yellow notes allows the surroundings to take centre stage, especially in the glass-fronted bar overlooking the water.

There are two pools at Auberge de Cassagne, a 10-minute drive east of the historic city of Avignon. Built in 1850 on castle grounds, this former farmhouse was converted to a six-room hotel in 1969. Since then, the property hasn’t simply gained a further 37 rooms and suites, but also a Michelin star for its food, and five stars for the whole package. Stylish touches include four-poster beds, complimentary fluffy bathrobes and free access to the spa. Swimming lessons are also available.

Hôtel Cap-Estel was once a favourite haunt of the Beatles, and it’s said that Paul McCartney wrote the ballad Michelle while strumming his guitar by the pool. There’s no guarantee you’ll write your own chart-topper, but the luxurious surroundings that attracted the biggest band in the world remains to this day. In contrast to the high-altitude resorts above in Eze, this hotel is found at a knee-friendly sea level. It means there’s a private beach to enjoy away from the crowds, and accessible rooms for visitors with reduced mobility.

The late Swiss billionaire Andy Rihs was the visionary behind this gorgeous countryside resort, just an hour from Marseille Provence Airport. Inside, the 21,000sqft (1950sqm) spa has won a World Luxury Spa Award three years running – the tranquil heated indoor pool is a child-free haven. Enjoy a well-deserved soak after exploring the region by bike. Rihs was the owner of the BMC Racing Team, so it’ll come as no surprise the hotel offers top-of-the-range road and mountain bikes to guests.

This five-star hotel in Cassis comes with Saint-Tropez levels of sophistication, only without the crowds. The outdoor pool cut into the cliff face is a real feat of architecture, offering a unique view of the Calanques Massif. For an even closer look, ask the hotel staff about sailing excursions – or just take a stroll down the poolside steps for direct sea access. Cap your stay with a hydrating massage at the Sisley spa.

After checking in, head straight for the elevator and push the button for the top floor. The rooftop is the place to be at this hotel on the Rue Notre Dame in Cannes. Resident DJ Julia R drops beats while you sip a pisco sour or rhum coco from the sky bar. Alternatively, nab a sun lounger next to the infinity pool and snack from a menu as dandy as the rooftop surroundings. Try chef Lori Moreau’s briozza – half brioche, half pizza.

Explore the highlights of the Côte d’Azur in style from this peaceful retreat in Théoule-sur-Mer. Cannes is half-an-hour drive away, but if you want to head further north to Monaco, staff can arrange the trip by helicopter. Fancy a day in Saint-Tropez? Forget the road trip and head there by boat. For those happy to stay put, the Zen garden and terrace pool await, looking out over the Mediterranean Sea.