DOMAINE DE FONTENILLE, PROVENCE, FRANCE
STAY
Domaine de Fontenille
After extensive renovations Domaine de Fontenille opened it's doors to guests in October 2015. This beautiful 17th century manor is located in the Luberon and is a great base to explore the picture-perfect villages of Provence.
It really is what I would call the 'quintessential Provencal country house'. The warm, honey coloured stone used on the exterior is complimented by large windows and celadon green shutters. The renovations have retained much of the original character of the building, however many of the furnishings and fixtures have a contemporary edge to them that I adore.
The distant rooftops of Lauris (the closest village) and an enormous, perfectly manicured green lawn greeted us each morning when we eagerly opened our shutters. What better way is there to wake up in the morning than to the peaceful sounds of birdsong in the ancient plane trees and water trickling gently in the nearby fountain?
The heated outdoor pool is one of the loveliest I have seen in an inviting shade of turquoise blue surrounded by sun lounges ideal for relaxing.
The small gym and spa are excellent, and the dining options are fabulous thanks to their Michelin starred Chef Jérôme Faure. You have the option of casual dining at ‘La Cuisine d’Amélie’ or amazing fine dining at ‘Les Champ des Lunes’.
The owners love Art so you will see beautiful pieces around the property as well as at their in-house gallery.
It's the small, personal touches that really add to the experience of where you are staying, and Domaine de Fontenille didn't disappoint. I particularly loved receiving a small card each evening with the weather forecast, an inspirational quote of the day and the following days breakfast menu accompanied by a small tray of handmade treats!
Visit the adjacent Domaine De Fontenille winery for some afternoon wine tasting.
Enjoy a morning walk or borrow a hotel bike and head in to Lauris, the closest village for a wander.
Make sure you take your time to enjoy a long, lazy breakfast on the terrace each morning drinking in the wonderful views. I then suggest returning to the terrace in the early evening and ordering a bottle of house Rosé. Enjoy it soaking up the last rays of the sun overlooking the spectacular, immaculately kept garden - heaven!
It’s essential that you have a car here as there is so much to see and do in this amazing part of the world!
