This past year, Luxury Travel Advisor has had a watchful eye on the French countryside. With new estate properties, hotel renovations and luxury villas popping up across Provence and southern villages, France has continued to win us over as one of this summer’s top destinations:
A French Castle Undergoes a Major Makeover
Nestled in the heart of the Provence region is La Bastide de Gordes, an 18th century-style fortress built along the edge of a cliff. After closing its doors in October of last year, La Bastide de Gordes emerged this June as one of the region’s top luxury resorts.
Each of the estate’s 33 guestrooms and six suites are adorned with private terraces, updated furnishings and details and views of the lush countryside beyond the castle. Outside, guests can enjoy laps in the 30-meter swimming pool or walks through French-style formal gardens that offer panoramic views of the valley below.
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| Pictured: La Maison des Fragrances. |
Three New Luxury Villas Open in Provence
Also new to the French vacation spotlight this summer are three private estates managed by luxury villa renter Provence Emotional Escapes: Fontaine de Saumane, Chateau Condrieu and La Maison des Fragrances. The new properties feature lavish accommodations, including private chefs, and are all in driving distance of Provencal villages that offer summer farmers’ markets, antique shops and more.
A profound estate overlooking the Monts de Vaucluse, Fontaine de Saumane sleeps up to 18 guests in nine luxury bedrooms. Guests can enjoy the estate’s proximity to a range of French culture hotspots including the famous antiques market in L'Isle sur la Sorgue and local vineyards near the Luberon. Back at the estate, live-in housekeepers will deliver freshly-baked croissants to guests every morning, while onsite gardeners will maintain the property’s 40 acres.
The Ventoux valley hosts a smaller, yet equally striking property, Chateau Condrieu. Built in the 12th century, this five-bedroom villa features an onsite gourmet chef, plenty of patios for sunbathing and private parking for guest who want to explore nearby markets, vineyards and restaurants at their convenience.
Surrounded by 20 acres of olive orchards, pine groves and lavender fields, La Maison des Fragrances is a prime destination for travelers looking to escape. This six-bedroom villa includes several family-friendly features like a children’s play area and childcare for an additional rate.
Grand Beachfront Resort Reopens
After months of renovations, the Grand Hotel Loreamar is finally ready for its summer season. This five-star, beachfront property located in France’s Basque region is an iconic landmark of the Belle Époque. While still maintaining its infamous Art Deco décor, the resort now features 52 enlarged guestrooms refurbished with soft lighting and gold, silver and black accents to emphasize its shift into the 21st century. To blend indoor and outdoor living, the resort’s new Junior Suites now include terraces with views of the ocean.
New to the resort is Chef Christophe Grosjean, who has updated the already gourmet menu for guests. Families are now welcomed by a kids club for four-to-12-year-olds, full-service spa menus for tweens and of course, plenty of beach to play on.
Original reporting by Mary Winston Nicklin