The Best Spa Hotels in Provence, France

Given its proximity to the Mediterranean – being a hot stone’s throw from Saint Tropez’s Pearl Beach – it’s apt that the spa treatments here centre around algae and marine extracts. Massage options here include Balinese and deep tissue, while the signature facial detox and exfoliating body wrap is a must-book. If the glamour of the French Riviera tempts you for a makeover, the salon here is endorsed by famous hairdresser Franck Provost.

A stay at Château de Valmer comes with a private beach, just 300m (984ft) away. Access to the spa and wellness centre is also included with a well-equipped gym, in case you want to workout before your Decléor aromatherapy massage. Warm up in the Finnish-style sauna on colder days. The organic garden is a vegetarian’s dream; indulge in a luxury three-course, meat-free menu at Alexandre Fabris’ La Palmeraie restaurant.

Matisse paintings hang from the restaurant walls, while the endless views stretch on towards Nice and the coast. Fortunately, at this spa resort in Vence, the food here more than lives up to the setting in which it is served. Chef Jean-Luc Lefrancois boasts a Michelin star; he’s assisted by charismatic sommelier Gérard Tournier, who’ll be happy to arrange wine tasting soirees in the cellar. Additionally, the onsite La Prairie spa was named Best Luxury Spa Destination in Europe at the World Luxury Spa Awards.

This four-star hotel occupies a prime hilltop location overlooking the medieval village of Eze, sandwiched between Nice and Monaco. Key highlights include the outdoor infinity pool which blends seamlessly with the Mediterranean Sea. Inside, hop between the sauna, whirlpool and Himalayan salt room. Don’t miss a session in the floatation tank, designed to help you destress and drift off into a meditative state.

Once a monks’ convent built in 1613, this hotel boasts a spa from world famous Provençal beauty brand L’Occitane. As you might expect, treatments are numerous and varied, including a Sleep and Reset massage, designed to lull you into a relaxed state before bedtime. In the pastel-shaded rooms and suites, you’ll also find L’Occitane-branded bathrobes, slippers and beauty products as part of luxury welcome packs.

Expect silver screen opulence at this luxury 64-room hotel in Antibes, a 20-minute drive east of Cannes. The two-bedroom royal suite is the stand-out pick; soak up the sea view from the bubbling hot tub on the terrace. Wellness passes give you all-day access to the sauna, hammam and jacuzzi, plus a beachside lunch, sun lounger and a 50-minute massage, all included.

If your budget allows, book the Olive suite at this high altitude spa hotel in the Verdon Grand Canyon. Its two balconies and cinema screen-style windows mean you’ll never go looking for the TV remote – the glistening Verdon river nearby cuts through a dramatic limestone gorge. If you’re inspired to explore further, local excursions include kayaking, canyoning and paragliding. Afterwards, kick back in the jacuzzi and enjoy the view.

Don’t come here without making a reservation at the famous Oustau de Baumanière restaurant first. Hotel owner and renowned French chef Jean-André Charial has masterminded a spellbinding menu that comes with the prestige of three Michelin stars. The wine cellar is just as spectacular, boasting more than 50,000 bottles. Over in the spa, there’s a sensory pool and herbal tea room, plus restorative oil treatments using local olives.

A great pick for active guests, hotel staff can arrange for you to explore the nearby Alpilles Nature Park on foot, mountain bike or even horseback. Alternatively, take a dip in the countercurrent indoor pool or book a session on the flotation bed, designed to reduce street by simulating weightlessness. Upgrade to a villa for your own private pool, ping-pong table and pétanque pitch.

Set among 8ha (20 acres) of cypress trees and olive groves, this hotel sits just over a 1.6km (1mi) from the quintessentially Provençal village of Gordes. It’s a scenic stroll, but there’s also a free regular shuttle bus for those with weary legs. Back at the hotel, the Maison d’Ennea spa includes a hot tub, sauna, Turkish bath and rare treatments like light therapy and chromotherapy. Elsewhere on the luxury estate, you’ll discover two pools, a tennis court and even a heliport.