Ref. : F25313
Provence and the Cote d Azur
(France)
24 persons - 12 rooms - 1078 sqm
Rates: on demand
This sumptuous turreted chateau is the last word in luxury. Set against the undulating landscape of sunny, slow-paced Provence, it offers a magical backdrop for a luxury stay and promises uncompromising serenity and indulgence. 
Splendour and sophistication set the tone as soon as you sweep up the gravelled drive to this exquisite luxury chateau – unless you should choose to arrive by air and land at the castle’s very own helipad.
Its grand, honey-coloured walls are steeped in history and infused with wonder and enchantment. For centuries, this luxury property was the abode of Provencal Counts; today, it is a beautiful family home that has been lovingly restored to retain its regal splendour and authentic Provencal charm to ensure that guests will live like kings without a care in the world.
The chateau sleeps twenty-two guests in eleven suites, most of them reachable by a lift. Each has its own signature style inspired by the castle’s history. The one thing they all have in common is their sumptuous décor and furnishings, and they all come with luxurious drapes, uplifting views and chic en-suite bathrooms that ooze French style. Guests are assured all the space and privacy they could wish for, while the grand dining and reception rooms are ideal for socialising. An endless table in the Orangerie is ideal for banquets or entertaining a full house (guests can even top off the evening in style with an after-dinner cigar in the smoking room), while the kitchen has a smaller table and a homely atmosphere making it ideal for smaller numbers or grazing throughout the day. Facilities also include a steam room and jacuzzi where guests can unwind at leisure.
One of the chateau’s most striking features is the impeccably manicured garden and feature-piece fountain, which can be admired from inside through beautifully framed windows, or while strolling along the pathways. One of the best views, however, is unarguably from the rooftop jacuzzi at the top of the keep which offers a 360° vantage point – simply add a chilled glass of fizz for the ultimate luxury experience! The sprawling grounds cover 140 hectares of vineyards and 20 hectares of garden, with a fabulous pool which will delight lazy dippers and serious swimmers alike, a tennis court, and a petanque pitch. The property also comprises a chapel.
If you can muster up the courage to venture outside of your luxury retreat, then Provence has much to offer. The region is famous for its lavender fields, olive groves, and leisurely lifestyle. It’s also one of France’s most popular wine regions, so visiting the local wine makers is a good place to start. Grenache grapes grown on sun-drenched land abundant with aromatic plants result in an exquisite rosé wine such as Côtes de Provence or Bandol which are ideal served chilled and enjoyed in the sun with friends. However, the region also produces full-bodied reds and some white wines.
The postcard town of Aix-en-Provence is on the doorstep, where you can soak up the colours and fragrances of the local market, enjoy a café au lait at on the idyllic Cours Mirabeau boulevard or discover the life of the French artist Paul Cézanne by visiting his former workshop. Or head out to some of the picturesque villages nearby for a slice of authentic Provencal charm; Lourmarin is officially named one of the most beautiful villages in France and sits in mediaeval splendour on a hilltop, while Bonnieux will impress you with its rolling lavender fields and snuggly-set houses.
For something a little more energetic, head to the Sainte-Victoire mountain (frequently featured in Cézanne’s paintings) for a spot of hill walking, rock climbing or mountain biking. The coast and the bustling maritime city of Marseille is a short drive away, packed with things to see and do – visit the stylish Mucem museum which recounts the history of Mediterranean civilisations, enjoy an authentic bouillabaisse (traditional fish stew) down by the harbour, or take a kayak out on the Calanques and revel in the tranquility of the open waters. The Calanques is the name given to the stretch of craggy cliffs between Marseille and Cassis and the name of a nature reserve which can be explored on foot or by bike – great for fleeing the crowds and snapping some stunning scenery in peace.
This property can comfortably accommodate several families or eleven couples.
Services include a butler, housekeeping and breakfast.
Indoors:
Ground floor
- 41 m² lounge
- 46 m² dining hall with seating for 24 guests
- 33 m² kitchen
- Steam room
- Smoking room
East Wing
- Suite No.1: 55 m², king size-bed, separate study, en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, toilet
- Suite N° 2: 60 m², mezzanine king-size bed, 2 lounges, one with a single bed in it, en-suite bathroom and toilet
First floor
- 67 m² living room
- Suite N°3: 50 m², king-size bed, walk-in wardrobe, en-suite-bathroom with bath and shower, toilet
- Suite N°4: 72 m², king-size bed, walk-in wardrobe, en-suite-bathroom with bath and shower, toilet
Second floor
- Suite N°5: 29 m², king-size bed, walk-in wardrobe, en-suite-bathroom with bath, toilet
- Suite N°6: 32 m², king-size bed, walk-in wardrobe, en-suite-bathroom with bath and shower, toilet
- Suite N°7: 30 m², queen-size bed, walk-in wardrobe, en-suite-bathroom with bath, toilet
- Suite N°8: 30 m², queen-size bed, suite-bathroom with bath and shower, toilet
- Suite N°9: 29 m², queen-size bed, suite-bathroom with bath and massage jet shower, toilet
- Suite N°10: 60 m², queen-size bed, in wardrobe, en-suite-bathroom with bath and shower, toilet
- Suite N°11: 30 m², queen-size bed, suite-bathroom with bath and shower, toilet
- Shower room
- Separate toilet
All suites are conditioned and have satellite TV.
Outdoors:
- 20 ha of spacious grounds and 170 ha of vineyards
- A chapel
- Heliport
- A 21 x 7 m heated pool (minimum temperature 25°)
- A jacuzzi
- A tennis court
- A petanque pitch
- A ping-pong table
- Bicycles
- Vineyard tours and wine tasting
- Horse-riding
- Golf: 4-hole and 18-hole courses within a 20 km radius
- Canoeing on the river Gardon
- Aix-en-Provence: markets, shops, museums and the home of the artist Paul Cézanne
- Hill walking, rock climbing or mountain on the Sainte-Victoire mountain
- Picturesque Provencal villages: Lubéron Lourmarin, Ansouis, Bonnieux, and the lavender fields of Saignon.
- The Calanques de Cassis
- Marseille – a vibrant port town with shops, restaurants and nightlife
- Festivals throughout the year: the Lyrical Art festival in Aix-en-Provence; International Piano Festival in La Roque d’Antheron; the Avignon performing arts festival; the Orange Festival and the Easter Festival in Aix-en-Provence
- Aix-En-Provence TGV train station 30 km
- Marseille-Provence airport 50 km
- Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes airport 90 km
Location, for information purposes only
Sally W. (USA), 20/11/2024
October 2024 / Few days stay: "We enjoyed our stay at the Pearl de Provence very much and we really did have an amazing time! It really was an incredible venue. We appreciated the assistance of Chicvillas finding the property."
