Luxury hotel holiday Chateau de Fonscolombe near Aix-en-Provence

The Chateau de Fonscolombe is today a 5-star Relais & Chateaux hotel with 50 rooms situated amid vineyards about 20 minutes’ drive north of the charming, historic city of Aix-en-Provence. The chateau dates from the 18th century and is built in the Quattrocentro style. It belonged originally to two large families of humanists, that of the Marquis de Saporta and Fonscolombe. Recently the chateau has been painstakingly restored but maintaining its rich history and the original decorations such as the Genoa leather and the Chinese wallpapers. Door frames, chandeliers and plasterwork have been restored, and all new materials selected to be in harmony with the setting and Provencal pastoral style. The approach to the Chateau de Fonscolombe is along an avenue lined with Lebanese Cedar trees. Surrounding the gardens of the hotel are vineyards (the hotel’s winery produces red, white and rosé wines) and in the distance you see the outline of the Luberon in one direction and the massif of the Mont Sainte-Victoire in the other. As you enter the chateau, elegance and beauty await you. Parquet flooring, tiling, a grand piano and an 18th century crystal chandelier are some of the authentic decorations. Relax in the lounge bar; savour a wine appreciation in the cellar of the chateau. Try your hand at snooker or read about local history in the library. There are two restaurants: one, the Table de l’Orangerie, with a Michelin star and the other, Le Temps Suspendu, where breakfast is served. Outside you will appreciate the 12-hectares of parkland, swimming pool and cycle hire. Bedrooms vary in size and are situated both in the main chateau and an adjoining building. The hotel offers talks and presentations at various times as well as yoga weekends and seasonal menus. A variety of activities are organised that take place at or near the hotel including perfume making, wine blending, truffle hunting, a Paul Cezanne footsteps hike, lavender workshops, and ceramic workshop. There is also wine appreciation and winery visits. This is a wonderful historic hotel, with authentic architecture and decoration, in a location that offers unrivalled possibilities for rest, relaxation, activities and exploration.