Luxury hotels, hotel suites and fine dining restaurants in Provence

<h2>Vacations in Provence</h2>&nbsp;The archetypical South of France vacation destination combines some of the most beautiful villages in France with a Mediterranean climate, scenic countryside–with vineyards, olive groves, pine forests, lavender fields and coastline in equal measure–and a relaxed way of life.&nbsp;This is all, in a way, why Relais &amp; Châteaux exists–our association was founded in 1954 so our eight original hotels in France could cross-promote each other to holidaymakers on their way through France, and to attract them away from the Route Nationale 7 freeway for a meal or a night’s stay. And where were they all heading? Provence, the French Riviera, the Côte d’Azur: for many French people, a trip to the sunny south, with its warm, aromatic breeze and warm waters, is the very definition of a vacation.&nbsp;Our luxury hotels in Provence occupy picture-postcard scenes of loveliness – historical buildings in Mediterranean, almost tropical, gardens; country estates surrounded by vineyards and olive trees; grand castles and mansions amid stately parkland and centuries-old shade trees; medieval stone properties that blend into the scenery with the perfume of flowers hanging in the air. All serene in their own way, and every one of our hotels in Provence an expression of art de vivre – the ‘art of living’.&nbsp;<h2>Discover the flavors and fine dining restaurants in Provence</h2>&nbsp;The terroir of Provence is associated with a great many culinary traditions, locally produced produce and distinct dishes, and our gastronomic restaurants in Provence are some of the best examples of regional cooking. Mediterranean flavors, fresh-caught fish (our chefs can chose from some 65 locally caught varieties) and plentiful seafood meet the abundant produce of the countryside–richly flavorful organic vegetables at their peak, just-picked plump fruits, delicate herbs and bright-colored flowers. Our best hotels in Provence will be delighted to invite you into their wine cellars–our sommeliers are keepers of thousands of bottles of wine all produced locally, whether red, white or, of course, the region’s renowned rosés.&nbsp;Our fine dining restaurants in Provence bring to life everything from unpretentious, honest dishes of supreme quality to finessed, creative cooking of outstanding precision–with Michelin stars to be found at both ends of the spectrum. Our gourmet restaurants in Provence accommodate guests in charming dining rooms, light-filled spaces with views over the countryside or coast, shady terraces and modern-styled palaces to epicurean delights.&nbsp;<h2>Our luxury hotels in Provence: opening the door to luminaries of the art world</h2>&nbsp;The South of France has historically attracted some of the most famous artists, and our boutique hotels in Provence can help you discover something of what they liked about the region, and to discover some of their work too: Cézanne, Picasso, Chagall, Poliakoff and Vasarely to name just a few. Discover hillside villages surrounded by flower-filled fields, with open-air markets for ultra-local produce, soaps or crafts, maybe a spot of antiquing and lunch al fresco. Head into verdant national parks for hiking and biking among woodland scents, or swimming in turquoise waters in dramatic ravines. Taste produce exactly where it has been made–whether olive oil, honey or wine. You can even try your hand at wine blending or just take a picnic for a serene moment among the vines.&nbsp;For those seeking rather less action and more tranquility, our luxury spa hotels in Provence offer treatments created with some of the herbs and flowers that you’ll see growing in the fields–a lavender body scrub, say, followed by a steam bath or a swim in sensory pools. Walk among colorful, aromatic gardens and feel the stress melt away.&nbsp;<h2>Protecting the precious countryside: our Eco Hotels in Provence</h2>&nbsp;A commitment to all-things local defines our luxury hotels in Provence–and, in fact, all Relais &amp; Châteaux hotels and restaurants. For sure, that is partly about sourcing locally grown, sustainable produce for our kitchens. But ‘ultra-local’ is also an attitude and a recipe for life that is designed to reduce our impact on the environment, protect and preserve the ecology that surrounds them, cut their carbon footprint and promote responsible travel in Provence. Some of our hotels provide affordable residencies so their staff can cut down on travel. Like all Relais &amp; Châteaux properties, our luxury hotels in Provence also try to enhance their connections with all types of local crafts and trades to act at the heart of the community.&nbsp;<h2>Relax with Relais &amp; Châteaux in Provence</h2>&nbsp;Our independently owned properties have often been in the same families’ hands for generations–and it’s a difference you can feel in the warmth of the welcome and the service you receive. Precisely because they are so intensely connected to their property and the wider region, they can provide the best advice on how to enjoy it all, whatever kind of vacation in Provence you are looking for, offering personal recommendations.