Luxurious Escapes to Roussillon’s Ochre Havens
Introduction
Nestled in the heart of Provence, Roussillon stands as a testament to the natural beauty and artistic heritage of France. Famous for its vibrant ochre cliffs, this village offers a unique palette of colors that paints the perfect backdrop for an exclusive getaway. Luxury travelers seeking an experience that combines natural splendor with refined comfort will find the Luberon region’s finest hotels to be unparalleled havens of opulence. From Palace hotels with Michelin-starred dining to intimate Relais & Châteaux retreats overlooking lavender fields, each property promises a memorable stay immersed in Provençal elegance.
TOP 10 LUXURY HOTELS IN ROUSSILLON & THE LUBERON
1. Airelles Gordes, La Bastide
– Price: €1,200-2,500/night
– This magnificent Palace hotel is perched on medieval ramparts in the heart of Gordes, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Luberon Valley. The property features 34 rooms and 6 suites decorated with over 2,000 antique artworks and period furniture sourced from prestigious French dealers. Guests can dine at Clover Gordes by Michelin-starred chef Jean-François Piège, relax at the 1,700 sqm Sisley Spa carved into ancient rock, or lounge by the stunning infinity pool overlooking cypress trees and vineyards.
– Best season: April to October
– Insider tip: Request a valley-facing room for the most spectacular sunset views over Provence, and don’t miss the champagne breakfast on the main terrace.
– Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
2. Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa
– Price: €400-900/night
– This stunning 5-star Relais & Châteaux property is set in a beautifully restored 13th-century wine-making village surrounded by vineyards and lavender fields. The 63 rooms and suites offer contemporary Provençal elegance, while the award-winning 2,000 sqm spa, two outdoor pools, and three restaurants (including the gourmet Avelan) provide endless opportunities for relaxation and indulgence. The on-site winery offers exclusive wine-tasting experiences of Côtes du Luberon vintages.
– Best season: June to September (lavender season)
– Insider tip: Book a wine-tasting session at the estate’s own Vignobles de la Coquillade and rent e-bikes to explore the surrounding villages at sunset.
– Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
3. Le Mas des Herbes Blanches Hôtel & Spa
– Price: €350-800/night
– A luxurious 5-star Relais & Châteaux retreat set in a former Provençal farmhouse with sweeping views of the ochre cliffs of Roussillon and the Luberon massif. The 48 rooms and suites feature elegant contemporary design with private terraces, while some offer exclusive access to semi-private pools. La Table du Mas restaurant serves refined regional cuisine, and the spa offers Sothys treatments in a serene setting with indoor pool, hammam, and jacuzzi.
– Best season: May to October
– Insider tip: Book a suite with private pool access and request the chef’s truffle menu during the winter truffle season (November-March).
– Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
4. Capelongue, a Beaumier Hotel
– Price: €350-750/night
– Perched on the edge of the Claparèdes plateau with spectacular views of Bonnieux and Mont Ventoux, this 5-star hotel combines Provençal authenticity with contemporary refinement. The 57 rooms and suites are designed around a central square in the style of a traditional hamlet. Michelin-starred restaurant La Bastide by chef Noël Bérard showcases local produce, while La Bergerie offers wood-fired cuisine. The Roman-inspired spa features an indoor pool and luxurious treatment rooms.
– Best season: April to October
– Insider tip: Dine at La Bergerie for an exceptional lamb from Sisteron cooked over an open fire, and book through Amex FHR for complimentary upgrades.
– Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
– Price: €450-1,000/night
– This magnificent 5-star boutique hotel occupies an entire medieval hilltop village with stunning views of Mont Ventoux. The 34 rooms and suites are spread across nine beautifully restored 17th and 18th-century stone houses, featuring contemporary design by Charles Zana with terracotta tiles and linen textiles. Two restaurants showcase Provençal cuisine, while the Spa des Écuries by Tata Harper occupies 18th-century vaulted stables with an indoor pool. The infinity pool offers one of Provence’s most spectacular views.
– Best season: May to September
– Insider tip: Ask the sommelier to arrange a private wine-tasting tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards, and enjoy live piano music on the terrace at sunset.
– Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
6. Hôtel & Spa Les Sables d’Ocre
– Price: €180-350/night
– Set just a 5-minute walk from the center of Roussillon, this charming hotel offers direct access to the famous ochre trails. The property features elegant rooms decorated in warm Provençal tones, an outdoor pool surrounded by Mediterranean gardens, and a wellness spa offering relaxation treatments. The terrace restaurant serves regional cuisine with views of the ochre landscape, making it an ideal base for exploring the Sentier des Ocres.
– Best season: April to October
– Insider tip: Book early morning access to the Sentier des Ocres before the crowds arrive, and enjoy the spa after a day of hiking.
– Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
7. La Clé des Champs Hôtel & Spa
– Price: €200-400/night
– This intimate boutique hotel offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Roussillon’s ochre country. Spacious rooms feature elegant Provençal décor with modern amenities, while the outdoor pool provides refreshing respite during warm summer days. The on-site spa offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, and the property’s central location makes it perfect for exploring the village’s galleries, artisan shops, and the famous ochre trails on foot.
– Best season: May to September
– Insider tip: Request a room with a private terrace and book a couples’ massage at the spa for ultimate relaxation.
– Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
8. Omma – Le Clos de la Glycine
– Price: €150-280/night
– This charming boutique hotel occupies a prime position in the very heart of Roussillon, just steps from the famous Sentier des Ocres. The 9 intimate rooms feature traditional Provençal décor with views over the village, the red ochre cliffs, or the valley. The acclaimed Restaurant David serves refined regional cuisine on an outdoor terrace with panoramic views. Continental breakfast is served under the wisteria in summer, creating a quintessentially Provençal experience.
– Best season: April to October
– Insider tip: Reserve a table at Restaurant David for dinner with a view of the sunset over the ochre cliffs, and request a top-floor room for the best panoramas.
– Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
– Price: €120-220/night
– A warm and welcoming family-run hotel located just 150 meters from the center of Roussillon. The property features comfortable rooms with Provençal charm, a beautiful outdoor pool surrounded by lush gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation. The hosts provide exceptional personalized service and local recommendations, making it an ideal base for exploring the Luberon’s prettiest villages and ochre landscapes.
– Best season: May to September
– Insider tip: Ask the owners for their secret recommendations for the best local restaurants and hidden hiking trails in the area.
– Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
10. Hôtel Les Ambres
– Price: €100-180/night
– Set within a 1.5-hectare park of flowers and pine trees just 1.5 km from Roussillon village, this charming hotel offers 17 rooms decorated in traditional Provençal style. Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, private tennis court, and tranquil garden setting. The hotel’s peaceful location makes it an excellent value option for travelers who prefer a car-based exploration of the Luberon, with easy access to Gordes, Bonnieux, and the ochre trails.
– Best season: May to October
– Insider tip: The hotel is a partner of “La Provence à Vélo” cycling network – ask for recommended routes and cycling maps to explore the region.
– Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
Expert Travel Tips
1. Getting There: The closest international airport is Marseille Provence Airport, approximately 90 minutes by car. Alternatively, fly to Avignon (40 minutes) or take the Eurostar to Avignon TGV station. A rental car is essential for exploring the Luberon’s hilltop villages.
2. Best Time to Visit: Late spring (May-June) offers lavender in bloom and pleasant temperatures. Autumn (September-October) brings harvest season, fewer crowds, and golden light perfect for photography. Avoid August when French holidaymakers crowd the region.
3. Local Cuisine: Provence is famous for its gastronomy. Seek out local specialties including ratatouille, bouillabaisse, tapenade, and the region’s excellent rosé wines. Many luxury hotels offer cooking classes featuring Provençal techniques and local truffles in winter.
4. Cultural Experiences: Visit the Ochre Conservatory (OKHRA) to learn about the region’s ochre heritage. Explore the weekly markets in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (antiques), Apt (truffles), and Coustellet (farmers’ market). The Abbaye de Sénanque with its lavender fields is a must-see.
5. Outdoor Adventures: Beyond the ochre cliffs, the Luberon offers exceptional hiking, cycling (including the legendary Mont Ventoux ascent), and hot-air balloon rides. Ask your hotel concierge to arrange private guided tours or e-bike rentals.
FAQs
Q: What is the best way to get to Roussillon?
A: The most convenient option is flying into Marseille Provence Airport and renting a car for the scenic 90-minute drive through the Provençal countryside. Alternatively, take the TGV to Avignon (2.5 hours from Paris) and rent a car from there. Many luxury hotels offer private transfer services from either location. The drive from Avignon passes through charming villages and offers stunning views of the Luberon.
Q: When is lavender season in Provence?
A: Lavender typically blooms from mid-June to mid-August, with peak season usually in early to mid-July. The famous lavender fields around the Abbaye de Sénanque and the Valensole plateau are spectacular during this time. However, be aware that this is also the busiest tourist season. For a quieter experience with excellent weather, consider visiting in late May or September.
Q: Can I visit the ochre quarries?
A: Yes, the Sentier des Ocres (Ochre Trail) in Roussillon is a must-visit attraction. The trail winds through stunning ochre formations with two routes available (30 or 50 minutes). Entry is around €3. For a deeper understanding, visit the Conservatoire des Ocres et de la Couleur (OKHRA) in the former Mathieu ochre factory, which offers workshops and demonstrations of traditional pigment-making techniques.
Conclusion
A luxury escape to Roussillon and the Luberon offers an incomparable blend of natural beauty, refined comfort, and authentic Provençal culture. Whether you choose a magnificent Palace hotel overlooking the valley from Gordes, a vineyard-surrounded retreat in Gargas, or an intimate boutique hotel in the heart of the ochre village, this enchanting corner of Provence promises unforgettable experiences. From Michelin-starred dining and world-class spas to cycling through lavender fields and discovering ancient villages perched on hilltops, the Luberon delivers the ultimate French countryside escape for discerning travelers.
