Aix-en-Provence, France
Renovated
2025
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Heritage LocalOutside the door
The house
Esprit de FranceProvençal garden bastide
Centuries-old chestnut trees and stone fountains fill the grounds, keeping the unhurried rhythm of an eighteenth-century country estate.
What it’s good at
Notable
Jacques Garcia reimagined the historic bastide lounges and dining rooms for its centenary.
Notable
An eighteenth-century bastide whose gardens Cézanne visited to paint Montagne Sainte-Victoire.
Notable
Centuries-old pines, a regulation pétanque pitch, and pastis at the open-air garden bar.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
these four gorgeously landscaped acres, a green wonderland of mature trees, ivy-bedecked trellises, and stone fountains is much as it was a century ago.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Cours Mirabeau is a twenty-minute walk away, leading into the historic town center with its fountain squares and cafés.
1 of 4
The rooms
Terracotta tiles and local lime plaster finish the garden suites. Bedrooms in the main bastide look out across the grounds.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Cushioned loungers border the swimming pool, shaded by tall cypress trees in the estate garden.
The spa
Treatment rooms use French botanical oils. Outside, sun loungers sit under a reed canopy against terracotta walls.
Restaurant
La Table du Pigonnet
Regional Provençal dishes are served under arched windows indoors or at marble tables in the garden's dappled shade.
How it began
Fernand and Blanche Swellen bought the inn in 1924. The property remained in their family for nearly ninety years.
Aix-en-Provence
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.