There’s romance—and then there’s Provence in the fall where autumn hues and golden sunrays paint sprawling vineyards, rolling fields, and ancient stone villages in a beauty beyond compare. And for a très magnifique escape to explore it all, head to one of these luxe French hideaways.
Terre Blanche, Tourrettes A 34,000-square-foot spa, two 18-hole championship golf courses, and four restaurants comprise this rambling 750-acre Provencal oasis. And while the property may be larger than the entire city of Monaco, nature is everywhere from the swan-strewn lakes, lavender and herbal gardens, and leafy walkways lined with flowers and desert shrubs. Terracotta stone abodes dot the grounds where every room is a suite, complete with your own private patio to soak in the scene. Or pull up a chaise at the infinity pool flowing into gasp-worthy Provencal valley views specked with 12th century villages like Fayance—a must visit for sipping Syrah straight from La Table d’Yves’s vineyards and digging into authentic French cuisine.
Le Mas de Pierre, Saint-Paul-de-Vence This 54-room gated stone chateau, once a former winery, feels like you’ve stepped into a Provencal country fantasy with soft hues, rustic birdcages, cottage-style wooden doors, and enchanting 19th century Parisian decor. Spend your days strolling the well-tended grounds of flower and vegetable gardens, stone fountains, and olive trees; or simply lounging in a daybed poolside. You can take a jaunt to the nearby stonewalled village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence where ancient blue-shuttered buildings house quaint boutiques and art galleries along cobbled streets—and the cliff-side panorama is mind blowing. In the evening, retreat back to the chateau for candlelit al fresco dining and the tenderest escargot you’ve ever tasted.
Hotel d’Europe, Avignon Once a retreat for Charles Dickens and Victor Hugo, this circa-1580 blue-shuttered stone mansion set in the heart of Avignon’s old town is Provencal charm at its best. There’s an ivy-draped courtyard with olive trees and wrought iron balconies, an elegantly dressed white marbled lobby, French writing on the walls, and chandeliers flowing down a grand staircase. Book a suite and you’ll never want to leave your sprawling terrace with stunning views of the Palais des Papes—though with Avignon’s old world buildings and narrow cobbled streets out the front door you’ll be hard pressed not to spend every waking second meandering this achingly beautiful city.
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