The best hotels in Provence

This converted 16th-century cardinal's residence sits right on Rue de la Foire, a short walk from the Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction. Rooms are simple but characterful, with stone walls and decent beds. The interior courtyard is a genuine pleasure in warm weather. Breakfast is basic but included on some rates. A solid base for exploring both Villeneuve and Avignon across the river.

A small farmhouse hotel set on the D100 road between L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Gordes, surrounded by lavender fields and cherry orchards. Rooms are modest but clean, and the outdoor pool is the main event in summer. The owners are genuinely helpful with local restaurant tips. It gets busy during the Luberon antiques markets in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Book a garden-facing room for the best morning light.

One of Avignon's oldest hotels, operating since 1799 on the grand Place Crillon inside the city walls. The building is elegant without being fussy, and the staff are among the most competent in the city. Standard rooms are on the smaller side but well furnished. The courtyard restaurant serves reliable Provençal food at fair prices. Walking distance to the Palais des Papes and the Pont d'Avignon makes the location hard to beat.

Located on Rue Cardinale in the calm Mazarin quarter, a few minutes from the Cours Mirabeau. The hotel occupies a handsome 18th-century mansion with a small but well-tended garden. Rooms are decorated in classic Provençal style without feeling dated. The breakfast is excellent and worth the add-on cost. Aix is walkable from here in every direction, which guests consistently mention as the top reason to stay.

Set in an olive grove at the foot of the Alpilles cliffs, just below the famous ruined village of Les Baux. The property is a genuine mas with a pool and Mediterranean garden that feel private and unhurried. Rooms in the older wing have more character than those in the annex. The restaurant uses local ingredients and the wine list leans heavily on Baux-de-Provence reds. It is a place to slow down, not a base for constant day trips.

The Calendal sits on Rue Porte de Laure, directly behind the Roman amphitheatre in Arles, and few hotels in Provence offer a more convenient base for sightseeing. The garden courtyard is a genuine surprise in a building this central. Rooms vary quite a bit in size, so it is worth specifying your preference when booking. The snack buffet at breakfast is fresh and locally sourced. Arles during the Rencontres de la Photographie festival gets loud, so check dates before you arrive.

Perched at the top of the village of Gordes, this hotel has one of the most photographed views in the entire Luberon. The infinity pool overlooking the valley is the centerpiece, and the rooms on the upper floors fully justify the premium. Service is polished and attentive without feeling corporate. The spa is small but well run, using local essential oils. Reserve well in advance for July and August, as the hotel fills months ahead.

A mas-style property on the Route de Maillane, about two kilometers from the center of Saint-Rémy and close to the Glanum archaeological site. The grounds are spacious, with a large pool and garden areas that give families room to breathe. Rooms are country-style and comfortable rather than design-focused. The hosts are knowledgeable about local markets and can arrange truffle hunts in season. The town itself is one of the most pleasant in the Alpilles and very walkable by bike.

This five-star property sits above the perched village of Le Castellet near Bandol, surrounded by vineyards and Aleppo pines. The rooms and suites are large, well designed, and stocked with products from the estate. The gastronomic restaurant, overseen by a Michelin-starred kitchen, is worth booking even if you are not staying. The pool area is immaculate and staffed attentively throughout the day. It is one of the quieter luxury options in Provence, which makes it genuinely restorative.

Villa Gallici is a Relais and Chateaux property on the Avenue de la Violette, a short taxi ride from the Cours Mirabeau in a quiet residential quarter. The interiors mix Provençal fabrics, antiques, and warm colors in a way that feels genuinely considered rather than staged. The pool and garden are beautiful and rarely crowded. The restaurant is intimate and the wine cellar is exceptional, particularly for Palette appellation wines from just outside Aix. Guests tend to extend their stays here, which tells you most of what you need to know.