Hameau des Baux

Provence’s allure — cypresses, pastis, shimmering Mediterranean sun, rustic country cuisine — hardly needs introduction. Nevertheless, you could do worse by way of a primer than Hameau des Baux, a verdant masterclass in southern France’s bounty. Almond, fig, and olive groves flourish plentifully, matched in every direction by lavender window-boxes and, further, miles of tranquil vineyard. Here the hotel more or less is the village, a secluded clutch of limestone-and-shingle buildings huddled around a central square. Here, as always, life revolves around the pétanque court and the table; in this case, a delightful food-truck kitchen delivers plein-air satisfaction: hearty local plates, lazy conversation, and a steady flow of the region’s famously full-bodied nectars.

Post-meal, take advantage of the pool and tennis court at your leisure, or marvel at the surprisingly contemporary artwork and accessories at the on-site gallery or boutique shop. All that easy living probably calls for a nap in one of the 20 bedrooms and suites, repurposed from the village’s original fixtures (school, chapel, stable, mill…), all gorgeously aged: worn wood planks below and beams above, exposed bricks alternating with plaster, and picturesque casement windows. It’s a distinct pleasure to drift off to sleep to the drowsy hum of cicadas, never mind the view on waking from private terraces overlooking the lush slopes of nearby Alpilles Natural Park.

You’re here to disconnect, ideally, but no fear: you won’t have to do without complimentary wi-fi and satellite TVs, and the interiors are rife with thoughtful touches like a refreshment station and oversize coffee-table hardbacks. Bathrooms feature roomy tubs and a rainshower stalls accompanied by olive oil treatments and Nuxe bath amenities. Really, the best thing about a spot like this is that it doesn’t just end at the property line: all of the region’s hamlets have their own take on the Provençal worldview, each hosts a bustling street market, and most are within a sunny day’s ramble. What better way to explore than renting one of the hotel’s vintage convertibles for a nostalgic Grand Prix experience?

How to get there: Hameau des Baux is located approximately 65 km by car from Marseilles Provence Airport via A7, A54, and D27.