The Best Luxury Hotels in Aix-en-Provence, France
The French post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne was born in Aix-en-Provence in 1839, and reportedly said of the region: “When you’re born there, it’s hopeless; nothing else is good enough.” Aix, as the locals call it, is a charming university city – and the surrounding countryside is equally picturesque. Over the centuries, the area has lured the rich and famous in with its beauty, and there are dozens of luxury hotels catering to those seeking five-star service. We reveal Aix’s standout places to stay, from upscale villas to historic townhouses – which you can now book with Culture Trip.
Hotel Le Pigonnet
Hotel
Villa Saint Ange
Hotel
If you’re looking for a standout property, then this spot fits the bill. This five-star hotel is housed within an 18th-century villa, which makes you feel like a VIP as soon as you step inside. There are 34 exquisitely furnished rooms and suites, with wallpaper showcasing rural scenes from days gone by. Parquet flooring, silk curtains and intricate ceiling mouldings complete the luxurious look. This sense of swagger continues through to the fine-dining restaurant, spa and other common spaces. Outside, you’ll find manicured flowerbeds adorned with lavender and a photogenic pool framed by sun loungers.
Chateau de la Gaude
Boutique Hotel, Luxury
Feel like you’re in a period drama at this picturesque, 18th-century chateau in Quartier des Pinchinats. The hotel is on a sprawling estate, complete with 15 hectares of vineyards. Despite the antique exterior, the interiors of the boutique hotel have a thoroughly modern edge, with whitewashed walls and contemporary furnishings. There are 14 rooms and suites in total, with standout features including marble-clad bathrooms, double-height ceilings and huge contemporary wall hangings. The Michelin-starred restaurant is another highlight, with multi-course tasting menus featuring a nice spread of local produce.
Villa Gallici
Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel, Hotel, Villa
Live the high life at this smart five-star hotel, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Aix-en-Provence. The property is part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux portfolio, so expect a high level of service from the get-go. Housed within an 18th-century villa fringed by cypress trees, the hotel offers 23 theatrically styled rooms and suites – think silk canopies, damask fabrics, bold colours and elegant antique furnishings. This design runs through to the fine-dining restaurant, where home-made ravioli and tiramisu are among the signature dishes. Work off your fill with a trip to the gym, which is close to the heated outdoor pool. A jacuzzi and sauna are also available at the wellness centre.
Château de Fonscolombe
Hotel
Sophistication is the word of the day at this elegant chateau, which is about a 20-minute drive from Aix-en-Provence. After an 18-month restoration project, the smart property now offers 50 rooms and suites with fantastic views of the surrounding estate. L’Orangerie restaurant has more of a modern vibe, with exposed light bulbs and chic furnishings, and offers unique dishes such as truffle-infused croque monsieur, sliced salmon heart and whisky-lacquered charcoal octopus. For more of an old-school feel, hit the Lounge Bar – in the historic part of the chateau – with an open fire, double-height ceilings and an impressive chandelier setting the scene.
Villa Baulieu
Villa
Prepare to be wowed by the magnificent interiors of this historic villa. The Tuscan-style property, between Luberon and Aix-en-Provence, has 11 elegant rooms and suites. If you want some truly Instagrammable interiors, opt for one of the individually decorated suites. The Guillaume de Jullien suite boasts a jaw-dropping marble-clad bathroom, while the Pierre Robineau de Beaulieu features a canopied bed and lavish Louis XVI-style furnishings. Other highlights of the guesthouse include an intimate dining space – with dishes whipped up by a Michelin-starred chef – a rooftop hot tub, a swimming pool, tennis court and free mountain bikes to explore the 300-hectare estate.
La Maison d'Aix
Spa Hotel
Get in the mood for a little romance at this historic mansion in the heart of Aix-en-Provence. The house once belonged to a high-class courtesan – its current owner has now turned it into a high-end love nest in her honour. The four rooms are sure to inspire a little romance: La Chambre d’Henriette comes complete with a freestanding tub in the bedroom. The Salon Rouge once played host to famous artists and the fashion set, but now it serves as a seductive space to sip champagne into the night. The hotel’s grotto-like, stone-walled spa is the pinnacle, plus it comes with a small pool and hammam.
Villa La Coste
Boutique Hotel, Winery with Rooms
Bold art and slick design are at the core of this contemporary lair, which is set in the Provençal countryside less than 30 minutes from Aix-en-Provence. The design-led hotel and art centre features 28 villa suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows and terrace spaces giving way to stunning rural views. Some rooms include private pools. A real highlight of this hotel is its destination dining spots, with one curated by the celebrated Argentinian chef Francis Mallmann, and another designed by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The immaculate design runs through to the spa, where there are seven treatment rooms, a hammam, a sauna, a floating bed and a gym.
Aix-en-Provence has plenty of reasons to visit the city, and you can tuck into one of the best restaurants in town before hitting the hay. Want to explore the rest of Provence? There are so many beautiful towns in Provence to discover, so book one of the best spa hotels in the region now via Culture Trip – or get yourself into one of the best cheap hotels there for a more budget-friendly stay.