La Coquillade: A Chateau Hotel in the Heart of Provence’s Luberon Valley

La Coquillade is reminiscent of a majestic Tuscan villa, with cypress trees lining the grand entrance and birds chirping in the distance. However, this 100-acre Relais & Châteaux property is located in the heart of Provence’s Luberon Valley, with views to the Vaucluse Mountains and Mont Ventoux. Its location was historically the site for migrating birds, including the crested lark (Couquihado in Provençal), hence the name. Surrounded by vineyards and fields of lavender, this complex of 63 rooms and suites dates back to the 11th century, with most of it augmented and restored in recent years.

Much like the surrounding villages of the Luberon, La Coquillade composes its own unique hamlet. Charming Provençal villas are strewn throughout the property, all revealing private rooms with terraces. Positioned amidst 89 acres of vineyards in the Aureto wine-growing region, they produce their own varieties of red, white and rosé, available at their three restaurants: Gourmet, run by two Gault & Millau head chefs, Ristorante, an Italian establishment, and Bistro, with a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Chef Christophe Renaud heads the culinary team at Bistro, with pastry Chef René Solnon concocting masterful desserts.

When is comes to relaxation, the Coquillade SPA, new to the premises since 2015, reveals 1500m2 of serenity for both mind and body. After invigorating in the eucalyptus hammam, ice shower or with a full body massage, the afternoon can by spent lounging by or swimming in one of the two heated swimming pools, or playing a game of tennis or pétanque. To explore the neighboring region, La Coquillade has state of the art “BMC Cycling Center” with an array of bicycles to choose from, including electric and mountain bikes.

It’s easy to understand why this five star Relais & Châteaux property ranks so highly among luxury retreats in Provence. La Coquillade proves not only a hotel and spa, but a destination.

La Coquillade: 84400 Gargas, Tel: +33 4 90 74 71 71. From 180 euros/night.

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