Hotel Snapshot
It has become increasingly difficult to get off the beaten path in Provence, as visitor numbers grow and tourists branch out from the main hubs in search of the rural charm that has inspired artists and enchanted Francophiles for centuries.
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That’s why gems like Domaine de Fontenille are becoming even more precious. Similar to many of the bucolic region’s most popular hotels, this two-Michelin-key spot occupies an 18th-century bastide tucked into the woodland at the foot of the Luberon massif. But the boutique property, along with its landscaped grounds and small-production vineyard, is far enough away from pretty much everything to still feel quiet and undiscovered.
Design & Character
Life here goes at its own pace, and no one is in a hurry. All of the spaces have been renovated in a contemporary yet contextually appropriate style, featuring pale wood floors, soft linen drapes, and rustic bathroom tiles. Communal areas are equally decorated in a clean and comfortable style, taking the soft beige hues of the local stone as a guide for the neutral palette applied throughout.
The Rooms
The majority of the hotel’s guest rooms and suites occupy the upper floors of the main residence, benefitting from views over the gardens and beyond the vines towards the Durance Valley. Others are housed within the outbuildings behind—formerly the stables and wine cellars that once served the Domaine.
The Food & Drink Situation
Many guests choose to stay at Domaine de Fontenille for its namesake winery. Conveniently located just across the road from the hotel’s towering iron entrance gates—so there’s not far to stumble back after a tasting—the wine production facility is housed within a former agricultural building that retains its barn-like appearance on the outside but is fully modernized inside. Staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their red, white, and rosé blends, and guide a host of experiences that range from simple tours and tastings to an in-depth Blend Master course. This involves sampling several wines of individual grape varieties produced in the Luberon region and learning how to mix them together in the best proportions to create your own unique blend. Participants then cork, name, and label two bottles of their creation to enjoy whenever they choose.
The on-site restaurant, La Cuisine d'Amélie, complements the winery beautifully. A continental buffet breakfast tempts with melt-in-the-mouth pastries, fresh yoghurts, and jams. Lunch and dinner are a touch more formal, celebrating regional favorites like green asparagus, foie gras, and marinated trout to start, followed by mains such as roasted lamb, Mediterranean seabass, and beef fillet with mashed potatoes and mustard gravy. The goat’s cheese from nearby Malo’s farm is a must-try for afters. Meals can be enjoyed en plein air on the bastide’s expansive south-facing terrace, or inside a series of cozy rooms when the weather calls for it.
The Amenities
Activity—if you can call it that—revolves around the expansive terrace in front of the grand historic residence. It’s here, at cafe tables shaded by the giant cedar trees, that slow mornings slip into long, languid lunches that stretch late into the afternoon. Walk off the decadence of the restaurant’s traditional French cooking and baking along the pathways through manicured hedges and around weather-worn stone fountains.
Alternatively, the grassy pool area has plenty of loungers for relaxing in the sun between dips in the water, and several intimate outdoor lounge areas that are dotted around are ideal for unwinding with a book and a glass of rosé.
Location & Neighborhood
The property is secluded yet ideally positioned for exploring the region’s charming, sleepy villages by bike. Visitors should note that many shops and cafés may be closed mid-afternoon or on Sundays.
It’s also highly recommended to pack up a picnic with the hotel’s help and find a spot among the vines to enjoy freshly made baguette sandwiches, local cheeses, and, of course, a bottle of the Domaine’s finest.
Fast Facts
Location: Provence, France
Address: Rte de Roquefraiche, 84360 Lauris, France
Rating: Four-star with two Michelin keys
The vibe: Idyllic French country-house chic, where you can while away the hours strolling around the landscaped grounds, sip wine on the terrace until the sun goes down…
Room Count: 21
Starting Rate: Rates start at €287 per night during the low season and €449 during the high season.
Dining: The Domaine’s restaurant, La Cuisine d'Amélie, serves seasonal Provençal dishes, a continental buffet breakfast of melt-in-the-mouth pastries, fresh yoghurts and jams, while lunch and dinner are an (only slightly) more formal affair, paired with wines from the Domaine’s vineyard.
Amenities: Heated outdoor pool, in-room wellness treatments, Nooānce LED masks sessions, Saturday morning yoga, restaurant, free WiFi, room service, breakfast buffet, electric bicycles.
Our favourite part of the hotel: Sitting under the dappled sunlight on the terrace, whether sipping a morning coffee, a mid-afternoon spritz, or an evening glass of rosé.
What’s nearby? All the rustic charm of Provence awaits in the handful of villages scattered across the surrounding countryside. The nearest, Lauris, is a sleepy settlement with an artist’s commune housed within its clifftop chateau, offering a glimpse of the region’s languid pace of life. Lourmarin, Cadenet, Cucuron, and Ansouis are all equally charming, though if you’re looking for something a little more lively, head to Aix-en-Provence for museums, shopping, and, yes, more wine.
Any personal neighbourhood recs? A short drive away, the Chateau La Coste winery boasts a collection of buildings and pavilions by some of the world’s best-renowned architects, and sculptures by top international artists. Think Storm King at a vineyard! Enjoy lunch at the Tadao Ando-designed restaurant, tour the Jean Nouvel wine production facility before a tasting, and catch a performance at the Frank Gehry music pavilion. Alternatively, take a stroll through the woods to discover large-scale works by Andy Goldsworthy, Richard Serra, Ai Weiwei, and many more. Tickets are required, but can be purchased on-site.
Closest airport: Marseille Provence airport is less than an hour’s drive. Or, since it’s Europe, the nearest train station is Aix-en-Provence TGV—just 45 minutes away by car.
