Le Mas Candille
Le Mas Candille is an immaculate hotel in the attractive village of Mougins, five miles from the Cote d'Azur at Cannes.
The property has been imaginatively transformed from its origins as an 18th century farmhouse. It is set within expansive gardens and parkland, with mature cypress trees, old olive groves, and views towards the foothills of the Alps. Its secluded but easily accessible location makes it a perfect base from which to explore the Côte D'Azur.
There are 40 individually designed rooms, beautifully furnished and fitted with the latest technology. The overall style is a blend of classic Provençal and a more contemporary style. There are two swimming pools and a superb ESPA spa, offering a variety of luxury beauty and relaxation treatments.
The 'Candille' restaurant serves exceptional gastronomic cuisine, or there is the poolside 'Pergola' restaurant for more relaxed dining, and a bar and terrace from which to enjoy the sunset.
Why We Love It
A 'mas' is a traditional Provencal farmhouse, all but guaranteed to make for a charming and atmospheric boutique hotel.
Chateau de La Chevre d'Or
Since it first opened in 1953 the hotel has grown gradually and now has 37 rooms and suites, each different, scattered throughout the hotel's extensive gardens and the attractive medieval village.
The original building houses the main facilities, including the renowned restaurant La Chèvre d'Or, which has two stars in the Guide Michelin. The hotel actually grew around the restaurant, which remains one of the very best on the Côte d'Azur. There are three further restaurants: Les Remparts serves lunch on a panoramic terrace and becomes a bar in the evenings; Eden, specialising in Mediterranean cuisine, and finally Le Café du Jardin, which is close to the pool and open in high season during the day for residents only, serving snacks, salads and ice creams. Private dining is also available.
Other facilities include a swimming pool overlooking the Mediterranean, terraced gardens, sauna, hammam, gym, outdoor jacuzzi and a small spa offering massages, aromatherapy and reflexology. Activities include a variety of watersports and excursions on land and sea, and guests have free access to a tennis club five minutes' walk away. The hotel is well placed for exploring the many attractions of the area, from the casino in Monte Carlo to the villages of inland Provence.
Why We Love It
Perched 1,200ft above sea level in a historic hilltop village, the hotel has wonderful views of Cap Ferrat and Cap d'Antibes.
Domaine Des Andeols
The rooms are distributed among nine houses, each of which has its own distinct character, from the minimalist lines of the Maison Blanche to the ethnic interiors of the Maison du Voyageur.
The houses are decorated with designer furniture and original artworks. The hotel's infinity pool and sun terrace have beautiful views towards the hills of the Lubéron and the Vaucluse. Other facilities include a hammam, massage room, gym and a small library.
The Alain Ducasse restaurant serves gourmet Provençal cuisine using seasonal produce, including fruits and vegetables from the hotel's own gardens and orchards. In the summer, guests can dine by candelight under the stars amidst centuries-old olive trees. Activities include horse-riding, tennis, golf and hot-air ballooning, all available nearby, or exploring the beautiful landscapes and historic towns of Provence. Alternatively, Domaine des Andéols is the perfect place to cocoon yourself from the outside world.
Why We Love It
Occupying a former rural hamlet, the hotel consists of a cluster of nine separate houses, surrounded by lavender fields, olive and cherry groves.
Le Pigonnet
Housed in an 18th Century manor house, Hotel Le Pigonnet is a classic Provençal hotel just minutes from the centre of Bastide town Aix-en-Provence.
There are 48 bedrooms, including one suite, and all are spacious and elegantly decorated in a classic French style. The views from the rooms are fantastic, either looking out over the courtyard, the treelined driveway or the landscaped gardens.
Le Riviera, the hotel's restaurant, offers traditional Provencal cuisine in an elegant Italian-esque dining room. Come summer though, everyone is vying for a spot on the terrace that overlooks the stunning gardens. There is also a bar serving light food and drinks.
Facilities include a pool in the garden, a spa offering a range of treatments, a small gym, and a hammam. Outside of the hotel, the town of Aix-en-Provence is just a stone's throw away. Hotel Le Pigonnet is also well placed for visiting the other sites and attractions of Provence, such as the wild horses of Camargue, the Calanques at Cassis and the Bastide towns on the Luberon.
Why We Love It
You can roll straight off the sunlounger and into the centre of Aix-en-Provence for some French culture and shopping.
Mas de Peint
Mas de Peint is a beautifully restored 17th-century 'mas' (farmstead), situated on a 550-hectare estate right in the heart of the Camargue.
Camargue is a wonderful and evocative region of southern France - a wild, unspoilt land of rice fields, marsh and wild horses. The owners, Jacques and Lucille Bon, have converted one wing of their white stone farmhouse into a luxurious inn, offering a small number of stylish rooms and suites.
Meals are served in the large, rustic kitchen with its open fireplace, or on the garden terrace during the summer months, shaded by vines and wisteria.
Activities include swimming, mountain biking, horse-riding or going to see the famous long-horn Camargue bulls which Jacques Bon raises. Above all though, Mas de Peint is a place to unwind and take life slowly, enjoying good food and wine in a perfect rural retreat.
Why We Love It
Owner, cowboy and consummate host Jacques Bon sports some of the finest whiskers in the west (of Provence).
Villa Marie
Set in a lovely pine grove on a hillside overlooking the Baie de Pampelonne, Villa Marie is an oasis of calm in the village of Ramatuelle, yet with the beaches and St. Tropez in close proximity.
This luxurious Provencal villa has 45 rooms and suites designed in subtle pastel shades to create a cosy and relaxing atmosphere. Most have a private terrace and the best have dreamy sea views.
Villa Marie's restaurant serves seasonal Mediterranean cuisine and seafood either on the terrace or in the Italianate-style Orangery. The bar is another elegant place to kick back after a hard day's people watching.
The large kidney-shaped swimming pool is built into the rock and surrounded by terraced patios and attractive gardens offering yet more peaceful spots to relax. Finally, the Pure Altitude Spa offers a range of treatments for any guests not yet horizontally laid back.
Why We Love It
The atmosphere at Villa Marie is intentionally relaxed, more like staying a private villa than a hotel.
Domaine de Verchant
Set in it's own wine estate, Domaine de Verchant is a grand boutique hotel with picturesque gardens and a superb spa.
The building itself dates back to the 18th century, however the interior décor is very contemporary, with bright colours and lots of patterns, perfect for those who enjoy a vibrant setting. The hotel and spa has 26 super stylish bedrooms and apartments with large white beds finished with corrugated blackhead boards and walls of bamboo encased in glass.
The hotel has its own ultra modern restaurant with an option of either a la carte or set menus, served on the terrace overlooking the garden. Signature dishes include red mullet with girolle filled cannelloni and fennel puree as well as grilled prawns on a peach and tomato salad. There is also a lovely bar area, with seating outside, perfect for drinks on a summers evening.
Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and a separate Spa with sauna, hammam, Jacuzzi and gym. There is also wine-tasting caveau and beautiful gardens surrounded by vines, lush lawns and palm trees.
Why We Love It
Domaine de Verchant is on the outskirts of the city of Montpellier in Southern France. It's surrounded by Vineyards with the city centre just a 3 mile drive away.
La Pinede Plage
La Pinede Plage is that rarest of beasts, a good quality French Riviera hotel that is also good value (relative to the competition).
Sister property of the neighbouring 5* Chateau de Valmer, the 4* Pinede Plage has 32 rooms and suites within a few yards of the private Gigaro Beach on the south side of the St Tropez peninsula.
The rooms are relatively basic but tastefully decorated and have balconies looking out over either the gardens or the sea, and some have bunk beds so cater perfectly for families.
The hotel swimming pool overlooks the private beach and the sea beyond, with views to the aptly named Iles d'Or beyond. Guests can make use of the hotel's windsurfers and pedaloes, or play tennis.
La Pinede restaurant has a large teak terrace also overlooking the beach, but guests can also choose to eat breakfast on their balcony. The speciality for lunch and supper is Mediterranean, with an emphasis on fresh fish. The terrace also has a bar for evening drinks.
One of the additional benefits of staying at La Pinede Plage is having access to some of the facilities at the Chateau de Valmer, including the spa which has a sauna, a jacuzzi, a fitness centre and a beauty shop. Massages and other treatments are also available.
Why We Love It
Because hotels that don't require the taking out a second mortgage are few and far between on the French Riviera! And there's even a private beach.