Hotels in Provence for all budgets

From the Côte d’Azur to Luberon’s pretty villages, there are stylish hotels to suit every style and budget in Provence

BUDGET HOTELS IN PROVENCE

Hôtel l’Hermitage, Pernes-les-Fontaines

A 19th-century maison bourgeoise with pale green shutters set amid peaceful landscaped grounds, L’Hermitage is close to the village of Pernes-les-Fontaines and Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, making it a great base for exploring the area without the need to stay in town. There is a sun-filled terrace, outdoor pool and grounds dotted with statues and fountains. Inside, the decor mixes rural charm with chic flashes including elegant fireplaces, chandeliers, floral displays and cosy chairs. Some of the bedrooms have their own terrace while others have balconies and views over the lovely grounds.

Rooms from €78, breakfast €12

Hôtel Windsor, Nice

Just a few steps from the Promenade des Anglais, to the west of Nice’s old town, the Hôtel Windsor embraces the Côte d’Azur’s artistic vibe. Each of its 57 rooms has an individual character thanks to the work of a contemporary artist, a fresco painting or a large poster. Meanwhile the lobby is turned over to a different artist every year to showcase their talents. The hotel’s garden is an oasis of palm trees and other exotic plants around its small swimming pool, and there are private tables set among the palm trees.

Rooms from €89, breakfast from €6

Grand Hôtel Henri, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Following a 14-month renovation, which has seen the building transformed, the Grand Hôtel Henri opened late last year. Named after the hotelier grandfather of the owners, it cuts a dashy in the antiques town with a pared-back traditional interior punctuated by bold design details and a sumptuous salon where ou can pore over the art and photography books. The only vestige of the old interior is the wondrous staircase, which leads to the individually furnished rooms. The restaurant has become a favourite with locals too, thanks to a menu devised by Muchelin-starred chef Pascal Ginoux.

Rooms from €109; dinner and breakfast package €46

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Hôtel Suisse, Nice

One of the best views in the capital of the Côte d’Azur is from the eastern end of the Promenade des Anglais, and by booking a stay at the Hôtel Suisse you can enjoy it from the comfort of your bed. This four-star hotel has an excellent view of the Mediterranean, with most of its 39 rooms offering panoramas across the Baie des Anges. You can enjoy an aperitif in the bar before venturing out for dinner in one of the many restaurants in Nice’s old town. On returning to your room, take in the amazing view of the Riviera lit up at night.

Rooms from €114, buffet breakfast €18

La Maison du Frêne, Vence

This guesthouse in the quaint town of Vence, just inland from the Côte d’Azur is an art-lover’s paradise thanks to the wonderful private collection of works and original art books on display. The four bedrooms are spacious and decorated in warming colours that make the property feel like a home from home. The hotel has a privileged location, in a quiet street in the heart of the hilltop town close to the numerous art galleries and with picture-perfect views over the town and the surrounding countryside.

Doubles from €121, breakfast included

MID-RANGE HOTELS IN PROVENCE

Mas Lou Peyloubet, Grasse

High in the hills above Grasse, France’s perfume capital, this lovely B&B or villa rental is an ideal place to relax. The views over the valley are sensational, so whether you’re chilling out by the beautiful saltwater pool just next to the olive grove, or in the light and spacious lounge, it’s a great retreat after sightseeing or exploring the area. For bed and breakfast, choose between the amazing Fragonard suite, where you can enjoy the view while taking a bath, or the bedroom featuring an antique four-poster bed. All five rooms are light and airy, with wooden floors and tasteful furniture and decor.

Rooms from €140 including breakfast

La Ferme de la Huppe, Gordes

This welcoming hotel in the heart of the Luberon makes the perfect base to explore the surrounding villages, which all have their Provençal charms and none more so than Gordes itself. The husband, wife and daughter team in charge combine their efforts to ensure that every guest feels special. The décor makes the most of the coverted 18th-century farmhouse, blending the natural stone, wooden beams and flagstone floors with neutral tones and tasteful furniture. Meanwhile, the poolside restaurant serves the best produce form the area.

Rooms from €145, including breakfast

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Welcome Hôtel, Villefranche-sur-Mer

Right next to the sea in the old port area of Villefranche-sur-Mer, the Welcome Hôtel has 32 rooms decorated in restful colours, all with balconies and views of the marina, the beach and Saint-JeanCap-Ferrat. The Welcome also has its own sailing boat with a skipper, which can take up to eight guests on either a half- or full-day excursion on the Mediterranean. The boat is named Orphée in honour of the writer and artist Jean Cocteau, a frequent guest, who wrote part of his 1960 film Le Testament d’Orphée at the hotel. He often mentioned the hotel in his books and one of his drawings is reproduced in a mosaic at the entrance.

Doubles from €149

Château le Cagnard, Côte d’Azur

This 15th-century château forms part of the city walls of Haut-de-Cagnes, and will be a favourite among art-lovers. Not only was the village an inspiration to artists such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir, but the château itself boasts some impressive works of art as part of its decor. In 1928, the Guard Room was painted by artist Émile Wéry, a friend of Henri Matisse, who brought a touch of the exotic in his frescoes of elephants and the orient. In 1968, the restaurant’s famous retractable roof was created, and in 1986 its 200 panels were hand-painted by the famous architect Philippe Roberti. The four-star hotel was completely renovated in 2012, and has 28 rooms and suites, each named after a famous artist. All rooms feature elegant decor with wooden beams and antique furniture – and have sensational views of the surrounding area. Nearby are the equally inspirational locations of Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Nice.

Rooms from €150

La Coquillade, Gargas

Five-star hotels tend not to be the most environmentally friendly establishments, but La Coquillade certainly bucks that trend. The luxury complex, comprising the hotel, restaurants, bar and vineyard, have been planned and built according to eco-friendly principles. As well as using geothermal power for heating and cooling the rooms, they take water from the Provence canal to flush toilets and water the grounds, while the organic kitchen garden supplies the restaurant. You might well be distracted from La Coquillade’s eco-credentials, however; with breathtaking views of the Luberon and Mont Ventoux, a stunning terraced garden, top-notch restaurant and luxury spa, the most likely shade of ‘green’ you’ll come across is that of your friends’ envy.

Doubles from €170.

Le Mas Candille, Mougins

With amazing views of Grasse and the lower Alps beyond, Le Mas Candille and its 45 rooms and suites are set in a beautiful 18th-century farmhouse, and adjoining bastide and villa. Its stunning restaurant terrace is the perfect place to sip an aperitif as the sun goes down, before enjoying a meal from top chef David Chauvac. There are other ways to relax, too, with a Shiseido spa, sauna and a whirlpool bath, fitness suite and hydrotherapy pool. The village of Mougins offers excellent restaurants and was where Pablo Picasso spent the last 15 years of his life.

Rooms from €185, breakfast €30

SPLASH-OUT HOTELS IN PROVENCE

Hôtel d’Europe, Avignon

It’s hard to pin down the most appealing element of this 16th-century grand establishment, tucked inside the ramparts of Avignon’s old town, when so many of its details delight. It has been a hotel since 1799, given its name by none other than Napoléon Bonaparte, who was a guest here. Lovers of antiques will be in their element: the wide corridors are filled with art, furniture and other decorative pieces that have been here for centuries and the chandelier presiding over the main staircase is a true showstopper. It was no surprise to discover my bedroom was spacious and luxurious, looking out on to the peaceful, picturesque private courtyard that fronts the hotel.

Rooms from €225, breakfast €22

Orion tree houses B&B, Saint-Paul-de-Vence

For an unusual experience in a natural setting, the accommodation at this B&B is built in the treetops of a wood near the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Each of the four tree houses, named after characters in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, is built of wood, with matching furniture and luxury beds. Guests have their own terraces and access to a refrigerator, microwave oven and kitchen. There is also a summer cottage, named after The Jungle Book’s Lone Wolf Akela, made from whitewashed stone and set under the palm trees. Breakfast is taken outdoors in the summer kitchen when the weather is warm. In winter, it is either delivered to your tree house or served in the indoor breakfast room. For other meals there is a suggested list of local restaurants. Massage and yoga can be arranged and there is a sauna on site. You can also relax in a natural swimming pool, surrounded by lush vegetation, or take advantage of a boules court if you’re feeling energetic.

Tree houses from €230 per night with breakfast; cottage from €360 (minimum two nights)

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La Maison sur la Sourge, L’Isle-sur-la-Sourge

Set in a 17th-century townhouse just off the main square in the antiques hub of L’Isle-sur-la-Sourge, this boutqie hotel is perfectly placed for anyone interested in the Provençal town’s waterside brocantes. There are four individually decorated en-suite rooms, filled with objects that owners and globetrotters Frédéric and Marie-Claude have brought back from their travels. This tranquil hotel is also home to a small art gallery and shop where guests can buy objects collected by the owners and lister to regular talks by artists.

Doubles from €260, breakfast included

Crillon le Brave, Vaucluse

If you’re passing through the Luberon to enjoy the lavender and charming villages, then make Crillon Le Brave your destination to the north. This wonderful hotel brought the eponymous village back to life when it was threatened with ruin, and occupies many of its original buildings. If you can take your eyes off the incredible views down towards the Luberon hills or east to Mont Ventoux – the moon-like mountain made famous by the Tour de France – there are a spa and two restaurants to enjoy.

Rooms from €320 including breakfast