French adventures are always a good idea. When you’ve already stayed at the very best boutique hotels in Paris, it may be time to discover what the south of France has to offer. Claiming a prime address at the heart of Gordes – “the most beautiful village in the world” overlooking the lavender fields of Provence from a hilltop, Airelles Gordes, La Bastide lives up to its picturesque surroundings.

Airelles Gordes, La Bastide review

Airelles Gordes, La Bastide exterior of hotel
The hotel cuts a stunning figure on the hillside

Prepare to be wowed by the sheer magnificence of the property, even before stepping foot inside its historic grounds. As you embark on the curvaceous journey to Gordes, an awe-inspiring sight unfolds before your eyes: the hotel, adorned with resplendent hanging gardens, gracefully perched atop a neighbouring hill. Majestic cypress trees punctuate the landscape, adding a touch of enchantment to this breath-taking panorama.

As I stepped inside the five-star oasis – one of the 31 hotels in France to have been awarded the exceptional Palace distinction, I embarked on a journey through time. The meticulously curated period furniture and sumptuous fabrics create a regal ambiance. As I gazed upon the impeccably attired staff, clad in uniforms inspired by the traditional costumes of Provence, I couldn’t help but feel as though I had stepped into the embrace of an 18th-century countryside castle.

The rooms

Airelles Gordes, La Bastide guestroom
Bedrooms are each unique and inviting

Within the storied walls of the property, a collection of 40 rooms and suites await, each featuring a unique design, as would the bedrooms of a family house. Evoking a sense of warmth, these rooms also draw inspiration from the allure of an 18th century French country house – also known as a “bastide”, with details such as patinated woodwork, wooden floors, carefully selected antique furnishings and artworks, as well as precious toile de Jouy fabrics. In my room, expansive windows framed the views of the valley while also allowing the glorious Provencal sunlight to flood through.

Not all bathrooms feature a bathtub but the freestanding one in mine called for relaxation.

Eat & drink

Clover Gordes by fame French chef Jean-François Piège
Try to get yourself a table at Clover Gordes by chef Jean-François Piège. You won’t be disappointed!

The gargantuan breakfast, served buffet style in the splendour of fine-dining restaurant L’Orangerie or on the cliff side terrasse, sets the tone. This epicurean experience is not to be missed if you want to treat yourself to a range of local products-infused dishes. The sweet buffet overflows with homemade cakes, pastries, tarts and small biscuits, leaving you with no choice but to indulge.

Though the breakfast can easily keep you well fed for an entire day, it would be a shame not to make the most of the wide range of cuisines available at Airelles Gordes, La Bastide. As you can imagine, and to my immense pleasure, Provencal flavours steals the show.

I love the cuisine from the South of France, it has a special taste of nostalgia and holidays to me. I was therefore excited indeed to score a table at Clover Gordes by famed French chef Jean-François Piège. For the Emily in Paris fans out there, the restaurant’s panoramic terrasse served as the charming setting for the “L’Esprit du Luberon” restaurant seen in season three of the Netflix show. The menu is centred around local produce, and I recommend opting for the five-course tasting menu in which each dish is paired with a different olive oil from the region. An extra order of the pistou pasta is also a great idea.

I also had dinner at restaurant LE TiGrr, where stunning views are paired with innovative cocktails, DJ tunes, and Asian influences. Skip the dumplings and focus on the sushi platters to share and the signature rolls.

The cocktail bar is probably the beating heart of the Bastide, and you’ll have to go there early to claim one of the outside tables and toast to the sun going down behind the valley. Order a glass of rosé from Provence to blend in with the locals, sip on Champagne to match the occasion or trust the team with one of their signature cocktail creations.

Three days weren’t enough to taste my way through all the dining outlets available but know that you can also treat your tastebuds to elevated regional specialties at L’Orangerie, trattoria-style Italian cuisine at La Bastide de Pierres and pastel macarons at the on-site Ladurée tea-room. What’s more, all the snacks from your in-room mini bar are complementary and, as you can expect from such a place, these are not your classic chips and popcorn. Cue nougat and calissons, both sweet Provencal specialties, almonds with black truffle and a choice of biscuits from cult premium Parisian food hall La Grande Épicerie.

Extra bits

There’s of course the usual gym and swimming pool. The latter, flanked by chic loungers and cypresses, being quite magnificent. There’s also a children’s pool, next to a superbly equipped kid’s club, as well as an indoor pool found at the Airelles Spa. But what truly sets this stunning property apart is the impeccable attention to detail. This permeates every aspect of your stay, ensuring a memorable experience awaits.

From the very moment you step into your room, an ensemble of thoughtful gifts are meticulously arranged upon your bed, evoking a sense of anticipation and wonder. As I discovered, a chic Panama hat, a pool bag, and a plush fouta towel elegantly beckoned me to bask poolside.

This serves as a tantalising glimpse into the nightly surprises that await upon returning to your room after the turn-down service. Among them, a travel-sized version of the property’s signature perfumed candle, crafted in partnership with Trudon, the illustrious French candle manufacturer founded in 1643.

The hotel’s expansive grounds, and the Luberon region, serve as a playground for bespoke experiences curated by the concierge team to elevate the sense of extraordinary. Whether you’re looking to ride through the picturesque landscapes on one of the Airelles’ electric bikes, indulge in a luxurious picnic basket prepared by the talented kitchen team, meander through the farmer markets of Provence ,or soar above the lavender fields in a hot-air balloon, they are here to help.

When my time came to bid goodbye to Airelles Gordes, La Bastide, and its suspended atmosphere, things were made undeniably smoother with a complimentary box of Ladurée macarons. This sweet departure gift served as a final indulgence, a special gesture which encapsulated the essence of this hotel where every moment is carefully curated to create a lingering memory of exceptional hospitality.

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