Hotel Villa Gallici

Aix-en-Provence is one of the most atmospheric places to visit in the Provence. Small enough to wander around on foot but big enough so that you don’t tire of the same restaurants and cafes, this gem of a city will enchant anyone who loves history, art, architecture and gastronomy.

The center of Aix-en-Provence is the Cours Mirabeau, a lively square lined with double rows of plane-trees, cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. Although some visitors choose to stay on the Cours Mirabeau, others find it too noisy and prefer a hotel on one of the side streets.

We recently featured four stylish, intimate boutique hotels, close to the Cours Mirabeau, that stand out from the rest:

28-a-Aix: historic luxury guesthouse in Aix-en-Provence

Maison Dauphine: luxury apartments above an art gallery in Aix-en-Provence

Hotel Cezanne: design boutique hotel in Aix-en-Provence

La Maison d’Aix: luxury intimate boutique hotel in Aix-en-Provence

However, if you cannot get a room in any of the hotels mentioned above, you can try the following hotels, which have been recommended in French publications:

Grand Hotel du Roi Rene
24 boulevard du Roi-Rene
Aix-en-Provence, France
+33 4 42 37 61 00
(4-star business hotel with 131 rooms and 3 suites, modern rooms, ideal for conferences and business meetings)

Hotel Pigonnet
5, avenue du Pigonnet
Aix-en-Provence, France
+33 4 42 59 02 90
(5-star, 47 room hotel with restaurant, lovely gardens, swimming pool, 10-minute walk to the center.)

La Villa Gallici
18 avenue de la Violette
Aix-en-Provence, France
+33 4 42 23 29 23
(Member of Relais et Châteaux, this 18th century Provençal house with 22 bedrooms and suites, has a seven acre garden with a swimming pool and a restaurant; it is richly furnished in the traditional French country style. It is about 1.2 km from the Cours Mirabeau.)

Hotel en Ville
2, place Bellegarde
Aix-en-Provence, France
+33 4 42 63 34 16
(Modern 10-room hotel about 15 min walk from the Cours Mirabeau; it is at a fairly busy intersection (check Google Streetview), but the prices are reasonable ranging from 95 EUR to 135 EUR.)

Bastide du Cours
41-47, cours Mirabeau
Aix-en-Provence, France
+33 4 42 26 10 06
(Located right on the Cours Mirabeau, this small hotel has a cozy traditional French atmosphere, lovely restaurant and individually styled rooms.)

Le Mas d’Entremont
Célony – 315 Route d’Avignon
Aix-en-Provence, France
+33 4 42 17 42 42
(Located in the hills just outside Aix en Provence, this 4-star hotel has rooms, suites and apartments with lovely garden views, gastronomic restaurant, swimming pool, tennis courts, 3.7 acre park with fountaines and ornamental lake.)

If you are looking for a place to stay in Aix-en-Provence and prefer to rent an apartment, check out the luxurious apartments of the Maison Dauphine in the Mazarin district, close to the Cours Mirabeau and the Fontaine des Quatre Dauphines. The ground floor is a contemporary art gallery launched in 2009 by Veronique Kadri, owner of Maison Dauphine.

Maison Dauphine has 3 apartments. Each apartment occupies one floor of the building and has 50 square metres with a double East-West exposure. Fresh linens, large beds, paintings and photographs selected by the owner from the art gallery on the ground floor create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests.

Descriptions of apartments

MD1 : 1st floor apartment
A 50 square metre apartment on the first floor of the house. Sleeps two.
• Separate fitted kitchen leads into the living room (washing machine, dishwasher, oven, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, hotplate, and toaster)
• Living room with a modern style meridienne sofa and an arm-chair, dressing table, marble fireplace, large digital plasma television (42 inches), radio CD player with i-pod dock ; dining area for up to 4.
• Separate bedroom with a queen-size bed, large mirror, open-plan shower room (with a waxed concrete finish), large closet.
• Separate toilet
• Other: linen (pack of sheets, robes, bath and dish towels), laundry pack (folding drying rack, iron and ironing board), free Wifi and telephone (invoicing at the end of your stay), air conditioning.
• Decoration style : Stunning restoration keeping the charming characteristics of a traditional town house in Aix with antique floor-tiles, parquet floors, high ceilings, mouldings, marble fireplace. All furnished with natural teak, original designer lights by Jacobsen, Castiglioni and paintings, photographs or sculptures from the gallery bellow.

MD2 : 2nd floor apartment
A 50 square metre apartment on the second floor of the house. Sleeps four.

• Fitted kitchen leads into the living room (washing machine, dishwasher, oven, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, hotplate, toaster…)
• Living room with a double sofa bed, an armchair, two chests of drawers and mirrors, dressing table, large digital plasma television (42 inches), radio CD player with i-pod dock, dining area for up to 6.
• Separate bedroom with a queen-size bed, large mirror, open-plan shower room (with a waxed concrete finish), large closet.
• Separate toilet
• Other: linen (pack of sheets, robes, bath and dish towels), laundry pack (folding drying rack, iron and ironing board), free Wifi and telephone (invoicing at the end of your stay), air conditioning.
• Decoration style : Stunning restoration keeping the charming characteristics of a traditional town house in Aix with antique floor-tiles, high ceilings, mouldings, marble fireplace. All furnished with natural teak, original designer furniture and lights by Jacobsen, Aulenti and paintings, photographs or sculptures from the gallery on the ground floor.

MD3 : 3rd floor apartment
A 50 square metre apartment on the third floor of the house. Sleeps four.

• Fitted kitchen leads into the living room (washing machine, dishwasher, oven, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, hotplate, toaster)
• Living room with a double sofa bed, deckchair, chest of drawers, coffee table, large digital plasma television (42 inches), radio CD player with i-pod dock, dining area for up to 6.
• Separate bedroom with a queen-size bed, chest of drawers, and 2 wardrobes.
• Separate shower room (with a waxed concrete finish), toilet.
• Other: linen (pack of sheets, robes, bath and dish towels), laundry pack (folding drying rack, iron and ironing board), free Wifi and telephone (invoicing at the end of your stay), air conditioning.
• Decoration style : Audacious conversion into a modern and stunning flat top floor. Antique floor-tiles and sloping ceilings. All furnished with natural teak, original designer furniture and lights by Le Corbusier, Martinelli, Fukasawa and paintings, photographs or sculptures from the gallery on the ground floor.

The rates start at 180 EUR per night but if you stay for three nights or more, the nightly rate goes down. They also have weekly and monthly rates.

Maison Dauphine
14, rue du 4 Septembre
13100 Aix-en-Provence, France
Mobile:  +33 (0)6 89 43 49 91
Office: +33 (0)4 42 90 78 50
Email the hotel to inquire about a booking.

If you are looking for a stylish boutique hotel in Aix-en-Provence, check out the Hotel Cézanne, only 100 metres from the Cours Mirabeau in the center of town. Located in a restored mansion, there is nothing traditional about its striking decor which one can best describe as “urban luxury”. Brilliant red wall coverings and upholstery, modern art on the walls, and quirky lamps set it apart from the more traditional addresses in Aix.

The hotel has 55 rooms, some of which are junior suites and suites. Spacious bathrooms, tropical showers, luxurious bedding and extra large pillows make the Hotel Cezanne one of the best places to stay in the Aix-en-Provence. Room rates start at 185 EUR per night (breakfast not included).

Hotel Cezanne
40, avenue Victor-Hugo
Aix-en-Provence, France
+33 4 42 91 11 11
Email the hotel to inquire about a booking.

28-a-Aix is a luxurious guesthouse and B&B located in the elegant Mazarin quarter, close to the cours Mirabeau, the place des Quatre Dauphins and the musée Granet. Lodged in a 17th century hôtel particulier, it has become one of the most exclusive addresses in Aix-en-Provence because there are only four rooms, each of which is decorated in its own sophisticated style.

Warm neutral colors create sense of tranquility, while the chic contemporary furniture and lighting provide a lively contrast to the traditional style of the building. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, TV, air conditioning, and the delights of an interior garden and a grand terrace. Room rates start at 270 EUR (low season). In August you can rent the entire house for your family and friends.

L’Hôtel Particulier 28 à Aix
28, rue du 4 septembre
13100 Aix en Provence, France
+33 4 42 54 92 01
Email the hotel to inquire about a booking.

If you are going to Aix-en-Provence and want to stay in an historic, luxury boutique hotel, La Maison d’Aix, a meticulously restored private mansion with only four rooms, is one of the most atmospheric addresses in town. Located in the heart of the historical district of Mazarin, it is close to the famous Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins built in 1667 and the Cours Mirabeau.

The restoration of the private mansion, in which the spirit of the enigmatic Henriette Reboul still drifts, is a challenge which architect Laura Juhen and Louis Mariotti undertook during three years of renovation. A famous antique dealer, who was also a priestess of Love, and to whom history attributes famous lovers and mistresses, Ms. Reboul had fascinated the teenage Laura, and it is by a wonderful fate that she pays tribute to this beautiful and free woman.

The architect Laura Juhen engaged the Compagnons de France to transform this historic residence into luxurious guest suites, all the while preserving the sensual world of Ms. Reboul. Joiners, cabinetmakers, painters, etc. all worked passionately on this house. The residence is as beautiful in the daytime, as it is enchanting at night. Everything has been made to specifications — from the Jerusalem stone floor in the winter garden, the heavy teak wood from Java, to the Corset chairs. The owners combine the precision of modern design with traditional know-how. The stone wall from the 16th century, restored to its original state, blends with the mosaic of a luxuriously purified Spa. Stone tubs, created for the Maison d’Aix are reflected in Venetian mirrors, the Red Parlour shelters fine Syrian inlaid work with figurines by Manga and an authentic portrait of Mao eyes a baroque fresco up and down.

The four rooms are The Corset, Henriette’s Bedroom, The Secret Garden, and Love Suite, and each has its own special character. The largest room is the Love Suite (68 square metres), which is adorned with a parlour and a sofa bed, a teak desk and a dressing room. A fur-lined armchair and a Corset chair add to custom-made furniture. You have a splendid view on Sainte Victoire from the terrace which overlooks the gardens. Breakfast can be served on the terrace or in the ground floor winter garden.

If you prefer not to stay in your room, spend time in the elegant Red Parlour, which will transport you to a bygone age. To relax, head down to the Spa, whose private swimming pool and authentic hammam (Turkish bath) lie under age-old arches.

The Maison d’Aix gives an exceptional welcome for its guests in the purest French tradition, including:

- «Great Tradition» Breakfast.
- Unlimited Café Nespresso, tea and mineral water.
- The Secret Spa with swimming pool/Jacuzzi, traditional hammam and relaxation room.
- The Red Parlour with giant flat screen TV, DVD player and game console on demand.  Availability of books, magazines, DVDs and CDs.
- Rooms completely equipped with a Bose System with iPod docks.
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

Depending upon the season, room rates for 2011 are 270 EUR to 520 EUR per night (for the rooms); 500 EUR to 950 EUR per night for the Love Suite.

La Maison d’Aix
25, rue du 4-Septembre
Aix-en-Provence, France
+33 4 42 53 78 95
Email the hotel to inquire about a booking.

It’s time to start planning for a spring or summer holiday in the south of France. For many people, that means a sojourn in the Provence, where one can combine a love of history, art and tradition with gastronomy and relaxation. In a previous article we wrote about a lovely boutique hotel called Hotel Particulier in the center of Arles. But you may wish to stay outside Arles (which gets very busy and touristy because of the town’s association with Vincent van Gogh).

Escape the crowds and stay instead at a restored 17th century farm estate surrounded by the peaceful fields of the Camargue, south of Arles. The Hotel Mas de Peint is an intimate country hotel run by Jacques and Lucille Bon. The land around the hotel, which is used for growing Camargue rice, has been in the family’s hands for generations. They also raise a distinct breed of long-horned bulls on their ranch.

The hotel has only 8 guestrooms and 3 suites, each of which has been designed individually, blending classic French style with contemporary furnishings. The hotel has a lovely restaurant which is popular with locals in the area. Guests gather around large tables in the kitchen to savour local Provençal dishes including fresh seafood and the estate’s red Camargue rice. You can reserve a room with half-board or make a reservation at the restaurant if you don’t feel like heading out into the neighboring towns.

Because the hotel is out in the countryside, there are wonderful opportunities for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and bird watching. Hanging out at the swimming pool with a good book is also a tempting option. Room rates start at 250 EUR per night (check their website for the half-board rates).

Hotel Mas de Peint
Le Sambuc
Arles, France
+33 4 9097 2062
Email the hotel to inquire about a booking.

If you plan to visit Arles and want to stay in a boutique hotel with atmosphere and history, check out the Hotel Particulier, an 18th century mansion built by Guillaume Meiffren-Laugier, a former mayor of Arles, for his family. Recently restored with great care, the hotel is decorated in the classic French style, infused with touches of contemporary design. With only 14 rooms, Hotel Particulier is one of the most intimate and romantic places to stay in the center of Arles.

Rooms and suites are luxurious and spacious, and the all white motif gives one a feeling of calm and luxury. In the central courtyard, one finds a small swimming pool which is ideal at the end of a hot afternoon of sightseeing. There is also a spa-hammam in a cozy vaulted room for those who want to indulge in spa and massage treatments. The hotel’s elegant restaurant serves cuisine from Provençe with Moroccan influences.

Room rates start at 239 Euros depending on the season and reservations can be made online.

[NOTE: Arles is a small town which is one of the most popular destinations in the Provence because of its association with Vincent van Gogh. Van Gogh stayed in Arles and many of his best known paintings show scenes in Arles. In the summer it gets extremely crowded. If you prefer to stay outside Arles, check out the Hotel Mas de Peint, which lies in the Camargue, south of Arles.]

L’Hotel Particulier
Rue de la Monnaie
13200 Arles
France
+33 4 9052 5140
Email the hotel to inquire about a booking.

For people who like nature, the gardens feature tranquil streams and ponds where you can wander off and relax. A restored 19th century conservatory is filled with ornamental plants, cacti, and works of art.

The twenty rooms and suites are decorated in the elegant style of chateaux in the region, with antique furniture. All rooms have views onto the Alpilles mountain range. Despite its adherence to tradition, the hotel offers guests the modern conveniences that people expect in lodgings of this caliber: airconditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a flat screen TV. Room rates in the high season range from €230 to €380; in the low season the rates are between €180 and €300.

The chateau has just opened a restaurant called “La Table de Roussan” run by a young chef (Pierre-Louis Poize) who prepares Provençal cuisine in creative ways. The restaurant offers a reasonably priced (€38) prix fixe menu for lunch and dinner.

September is the month of the grape harvest (vendanges) and St. Remy de Provence, like other towns in the area, will be holding festivities related to the harvest. It’s a good time of the year to visit because it is not as crowded as in August and the heat won’t be as severe.

Château de Roussan
Route de Tarascon
13210 Saint Rémy de Provence
+33 4 90 90 79 00
Email the hotel to inquire about a booking.

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Don’t forget to check out Mapplr’s Provence articles. We feature other gorgeous historic lodgings, charming B&Bs and maison d’hotes for all budgets.

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About the author

Esme Vos is the founder and editor-in-chief of Mapplr.com. Since 2007, Mapplr has been providing discerning travelers with advice on where to stay (hotels with character), good restaurants and cafes around the world. Mapplr’s sister site, Shopplr, publishes shopping recommendations around the world.

Après La Sieste is a lovely maison d’hôtes (bed and breakfast / guesthouse) situated in the little village of St. Laurent des Arbres, between the Provence and Cevennes (officially it lies in the Languedoc-Roussillon). St. Laurent des Arbres is a ancient village of atmospheric side streets, stone houses and a chateau perched on the high elevations. It’s a perfect place to get away from the busyness of daily life and enjoy hikes or bike rides around the area. If you do decide to engage in a bit of sightseeing, Avignon (20 km to the north), Pont du Gard (30 km), and Uzès (30 km) are not far away. And if you fancy wine tasting and good food, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is just 15 kilometres away!

View of the village of Saint Laurent des Arbres

Après La Sieste has two suites and three rooms, all equipped with their own bath or shower. The swimming pool, heated and salinated, will tempt you to lounge around and forget going on any driving tours.

Room prices for 2 persons per night, breakfast included, range from 100 EUR to 140 EUR. There’s a 2-night minimum stay (except in July and August, when there is a 4-night minimum stay). They also serve dinners (see the website for more details) if you don’t feel like going out to a restaurant.

Après La Sieste
358 rue Alexis Martin
30126 St Laurent des Arbres
France
+33 (0)4 66 50 33 94
+33 (0)6 61 84 58 40
www.apreslasieste.com
Email the hotel to inquire about a booking.

Route:

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Don’t forget to check out Mapplr’s Provence articles and the Google map of our favorite hotels, restaurants and boutiques in the Provence.