The most beautiful hotels in the South of France

Hôtel Crillon Le Brave | Southern authenticity at the foot of Mont Ventoux

Perched in the foothills of Mont Ventoux, in the heart of a medieval village, the Hôtel Crillon Le Brave could not be more atypical. It comprises nine 17th- and 18th-century buildings linked by stone galleries forming a sort of labyrinth. As you stroll along, you'll discover little squares, a well surrounded by cypress trees, narrow streets lined with low dry-stone walls overgrown with climbing plants, typical of the region, leading to an unexpected swimming pool with turquoise water. More than just a hotel, Crillon le Brave is an authentic village in the South of France, with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and vineyards from every room.

In the 18 suites and 16 rooms, decorator Charles Zana revisited the Provencal style, making it simple and elegant. Here, poetry resonates throughout, in delicate tones of white, beige, cream and ivory, beautiful natural materials such as Crillon stone, slate, linen, black wrought iron, antique parquet or floor tiles, and in the singular charm of antique furniture. This infinitely cosy setting exudes the atmosphere of a chic country house, in which every detail has been carefully considered.

In the bistronomic restaurant La Table du Ventoux, chef Thomas Lesage offers "Provence on a platter", drawing on the best of local produce. Melon from Cavaillon, green asparagus from Mazan, oysters or shellfish from the Etang de Thau, field tomatoes, vegetables from local market gardeners, fish from the Mediterranean or pork from the Ventoux, the Pariente family, owners of the hotel, are determined to establish Crillon Le Brave as a gastronomic destination.

What do we like best? Crillon Le Brave offers a holistic approach to well-being, from the spa (3 treatment rooms, one of which is double) nestled in the former stables and its treatments featuring Provencal herbal medicine, the outdoor pool, the fitness room to the possibility of a yoga retreat. To sum up, a true Provencal village perfectly restored, modern comfort coupled with meticulous decoration, a range of 5-star activities to discover on site, Crillon le Brave is one of our favorite hotels in the South of France.

Hôtel Crillon Le Brave
From 360€ per night
Place de l'Eglise, 84410 Crillon-le-Brave.

Les Bords de Mer, Marseille | The Mediterranean as far as the eye can see

Located in the heart of Marseille, just a few minutes from the Old Port and the calanques, what strikes you when you arrive at Les Bords de Mer is the omnipresence of the Mediterranean, whose light floods the building. The former Richelieu has been entirely rehabilitated by Marseille architect Yvann Pluskwa into a stylish (if sometimes a little cramped) 19-room boutique-hotel. While this hotel in the south of France has retained its listed facade, the rest of its pastel-colored interior decor combines Danish-influenced designer furniture with a few contemporary touches.

The seaside hotel boasts a rooftop heated outdoor pool and a two-level mineral spa in blonde stone with sauna, hammam and a second (small) indoor pool.

What we particularly like? the restaurant offering local Mediterranean cuisine and a judicious choice of natural wines, with its terrace offering a beautiful sea view.

Good to know? Les Bords de Mer is part of the audacious "Les Domaines de Fontenille" collection of boutique hotels, already present in Luberon, Hossegor, Minorca and near Paris.

Les Bords de Mer
19 rooms. From €150/night.
52 Corniche John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 13007 Marseille.

Lou Pinet, Saint-Tropez | Saint-Trop's vintage chic address

Lou Pinet is a true five-star slow life refuge inspired by the Tropezian spirit of the 1960s. Parisian interior designer Charles Zana played with the golden light of the South to create intimate, sophisticated spaces: an outdoor bar in the shade of a pergola, the Beefbar and its terraces overlooking the pool, the 34 rooms and suites in three buildings... Nature in Provence takes pride of place, thanks to the work of landscape designer Jean Mus, a native of Grasse. He designed a garden with lavender fields, aromatic plants and umbrella pines. The atmosphere of this hotel in Saint-Tropez is divine and soothing, away from the crowds and noise of the village center.

In the rooms, the mix of soft hues enhanced by bright colors and natural materials creates a beautiful sunny atmosphere. With its handmade tapestry headboards, Vallauris pottery and Biot glassware, the hotel pays tribute to the region's artisans, and most rooms and suites have a private garden with terrace.

What we like the most? A "secret" grotto houses the spa of the famous American brand Tata Harper (two treatment rooms, one of which is double, and a hammam) for a timeless wellness experience. The hotel's superb swimming pool invites you to relax and swim.

Good to know? Like Crillon Le Brave (see above) and Le Coucou in Méribel, Lou Pinet is one of the addresses in the Maisons Pariente family collection.

Hôtel Lou Pinet
34 rooms and suites. From €430 per night for a Superior room, €750 for a Superior suite.
70 Chemin du Pinet, 83990 Saint-Tropez.

Baumanière, Les Baux-de-Provence | The mythical Relais & Châteaux of the Alpilles

In the heart of the Alpilles and at the foot of the famous village of Les Baux-de-Provence, Baumanière embodies the art of Mediterranean living. This 5-star hotel, a historic member of the Relais & Châteaux family, is made up of five buildings surrounded by Mediterranean-style gardens: l'Oustau, the historic center; la Guigou, a Provencal farmhouse; the 18th-century Manor house; and Carita and Flora, two rural jewel-cases, spread over a 20-hectare estate. 54 rooms combine old stones with modern comforts, offering breathtaking views of the Alpilles and the rocks of Les Baux.

This luxury hotel also boasts two great restaurants: La Cabro d'Or, a Provencal terroir restaurant, and l'Oustau de Baumanière, 3 Michelin stars and one of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in France. Chef Glenn Viel succeeded Jean-André Charial at the piano of this institution, revitalizing the plate with a refined, subtle and creative cuisine. To achieve this, he has installed beehives, enlarged the kitchen garden and created an orchard to supply the estate.

We particularly like? the three XXL outdoor swimming pools, combined with the 500m2  Sisley spa. The ideal retreat for a relaxing weekend.

Baumanière Les Baux de Provence
53 rooms and suites, from €372 per night
900 Route d'Arles,13520 Les Baux-de-Provence

Les Petites Maisons - Hameau des Baux | Contemporary southern ambience

Nestled in the heart of the Alpilles, between garrigue and olive groves, the 5-star Hameau des Baux, opened in 2014 by Éric-Jean Floureusse, plays the card of relaxed luxury and authenticity. This concept hotel combines traditional Provencal architecture, with beams and floor tiles, with contemporary decor. A fountain, a clay courtyard and a pétanque court add to its charm.

21 suites and rooms in six categories are scattered around the five-hectare park, dotted with mazets and a privatizable mas. Like the common areas, they are decorated with a mix of vintage furniture from the 1950s to the 1990s by Le Corbusier, Hans Wegner, Pierre Guariche, Charles and Ray Eames and contemporary pieces.

What do we like best? The heated swimming pool, which lasts well into the off-season, and the year-round gym.

Les Petites Maisons - Hameau des Baux
From €220 in low season and €320 in high season for a room Première.
Chemin de Bourgeac, 13520 Paradou.