Autumn at Coquillade Provence
November 23, 2021 by Laura Fishman
Photo Courtesy of Coquillade Provence
Situated in the heart of France’s Luberon region near charming ancient hilltop villages, Coquillade Provence is truly a Provençal retreat that celebrates the bucolic beauty of this region, especially during autumn. It has long been a secret hideaway for cyclists and those seeking an active holiday or an indulgent reprieve from the busier summer months.
Photo courtesy of Laura Fishman
Autumn brings a refreshing breeze, clear sunny days illuminated by the vibrant foliage of gold, deep orange and burgundy hues complimented by the sensational sweet smell of grapes picked from their vines to produce wine for the last harvest of the year.
Photo courtesy of Laura Fishman
Coquillade has many dimensions and feels very spacious compared to other hotels in the area. The property’s grounds and its architecture are designed for guests to comfortably walk through its meandering paths and connect deeper to nature while exploring its forest trails. As you drive up to the property, its vast views over the surrounding vineyards instantly transport you to a more tranquil world.
Photo courtesy of Laura Fishman
This charming Relais & Chateaux 63-room property rests on 104 sweeping acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, 90 of which are dotted with sumptuous vineyards, lavender fields, olive groves, a lovingly manicured garden and soaring Cyprus trees.
Photo courtesy of Coquillade Provence
Coquillade was once a small village consisting of bastides (homes), situated on rolling hills of the Luberon. Its oldest bastide dates back to the 11th century and continues to imbue a quintessential Provençal charm.
Photo courtesy of Coquillade Provence
Today, the North side of the property offers 28 rooms, which reside in these authentic bastides with original stone detailing and quaint pastel wooden shutters. The South side is home to 35 new modern guest rooms in suites situated near the spa, fitness center and outdoor pool area, which were constructed in 2015. These accommodations offer a balcony or terrace from which to marvel at the breathtaking views of Luberon and Mount Ventoux.
Photo courtesy of Coquillade Provence
Coquillade Provence now offers five additional luxury pool suites.
Photo courtesy of Coquillade Provence
For those seeking more space, the Bastide Les Vallats is a luxurious six-bedroom villa with a private outdoor pool for 12-14 guests. It is perfect for a family retreat or a special celebration. All the guest rooms and public spaces of the resort are outfitted with the owner’s private collection of modern art and paintings.
Le Colorado Provençal, Photo courtesy of Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa
The Luberon region is still delightfully under-the-radar, and while most Americans travelers will visit Aix-en-Provence, the Luberon is home to some of the country’s most striking natural landscapes, such as Fôret des Cedres and Le Colorado Provençal.
Photo courtesy of Laura Fishman
For years, cycling enthusiasts have been marking the Luberon on their itinerary. The owners of La Coquillade are founders of BMC, a high-end Swiss biking company, where the sons grew up exploring the region with their parents.
Photo courtesy of Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa
Here, guests have access to an exclusive Cycling Centre equipped with world-class high-end racing bikes and e-bikes to mountain bikes, road bikes and ones outfitted for children.
Photo courtesy of Laura Fishman
With your cycling guide, you can cruise through the Luberon to visit sought-out quaint ancient hilltop villages such as Gordes, Ménerbes, Roussillon, Lacoste, Bonnieux and Saigon to name a few, which are more easily accessible by bike than car and offer extraordinary panoramic views of the Luberon, along with adorable restaurants to stop for lunch or cafés to sit and linger over coffee.
Abbaye de Sénanque, Photo courtesy of Coquillade Provence
Further afield, determined cyclists can reach the summit of Mount Ventoux or bike to see the lavender fields in the height of summer at Abbaye de Sénanque or see the gardens at the Abbey of Valsaintes tucked away in Simiane-la-Rotonde.
Antoine Villegas, Photo courtesy of Laura Fishman
Coquillade’s well-connected Concierge team holds the keys to the best experiences and charming hill-top villages to explore. Antoine Villegas, featured above, is their Head Concierge.
Photo courtesy of Coquillade Provence
Guests will find all the charms of a Provençal retreat, from quaint bastides to elevated dining experiences that harness local produce and wines at their award-winning Autero Winery.
Photo courtesy of Laura Fishman
Enjoy a bountiful breakfast in the morning with savory omelets, fresh baked breads, warm flakey pastries and a decadent assortment of cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and anything you are craving. The sweeping views of the vineyards elevate your dining experience even more, and will inspire you to start your day exploring the stunning surroundings.
Cipressa, Photo courtesy of Coquillade Provence
Savor an authentic Italian lunch or dinner of wood-fire pizza, homemade pastas, and antipasti, inspired by the delicacies of the Amalfi Coast at Cipressa.
Avelan, Photo courtesy of Coquillade Provence
In the evening, venture on a global culinary journey for a memorable diner at the high-end atmospheric restaurant, Avelan, helmed by Chef Theirry Enderlin.
Lalique Bar, Photo courtesy of Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa
Before turning in for the evening, head to the elegantly designed Lalique Bar to enjoy a nightcap or a variety of smooth libations, spirits, and wines.
Spa Mêilaij, Photo courtesy of Coquillade Provence
After a day of exploring, awaken your senses at the renowned 1,700-square-foot Spa Mêilaij and Wellness Centre that offers rejuvenating treatments and holistic retreats inspired by its bucolic setting, plus a sauna, hammam and steam baths, ensuring ultimate relaxation.
Fitness Centre, Photo courtesy of Coquillade Provence
There is also a fully equipped fitness center, indoor swimming pool and a yoga room. Live in the moment here by unwinding by their palatial outdoor pool surrounded by soaring Cypress trees and olive groves.
Photo courtesy of Coquillade Provence
Coquillade Provence is a special place to share with your loved ones, especially for those planning a destination wedding. The property boasts intimate and romantic settings, such as an outdoor vine-covered pergola perfectly situated next to their lush garden, which overlooks the property and its vast vineyards.
Photo courtesy of Coquillade Provence
While autumn is sensational in the Luberon, Coquillade is open all year-round, providing guests with the unique opportunity to experience the beauty of each season in Provence, which unveils something new and unexpected-whether it is the poppies appearing in the early spring, the famed lavender blooming in mid-June or the radiant sunflowers blazing in July and August, to smelling the last harvest of the vines in September.
Photo courtesy of Laura Fishman
All year, sunrises and sunsets are a feast for the eyes, blending yellow, orange, and magenta hues that look like the backdrop of an Impressionist painting.
Photo courtesy of Coquillade Provence
Here at Coquillade, it is all about living in the moment, immersing yourself in nature and igniting your senses- and it lingers with you after you return home and keeps you dreaming of your next visit back to France and your continued pursuit to discover even more of the beautiful Luberon region.
Situated near the village of Gargas just 30 miles east of Avignon, Coquillade Provence is set near the heart of Luberon National Park in France’s Provence region. Guests can arrive at Marseille Provence International Airport (MRS) which is a one-hour drive or 15-minutes away by helicopter. For those flying privately, jets can arrive at Avignon Airport (AVN) which is a 30-minute drive. Nice International Airport (NCE) is a 2.5 hour drive away or 30-minutes away by helicopter. From Paris, guests can take the TGV train to Avignon which is approximately a 3-hour commute (train + transfer)
Meet Coquillade’s Former General Manager Alain Bachmann
Contact:
Coquillade Provence-Relais & Chateaux
Le Perrotet
84400 Gargas
France
Telephone: +33 4 90 74 71 71
Email: info@coquillade.fr
Website: https://coquillade.fr/en/
