Cozy French Weekend Getaways (And What To Pack)
By Gee Marling
We’ve picked three French rural hotels that offer nurturing and indulgent ways to relax. Whether your idea of unwinding involves fine-dining, walking or riding, or spa therapies such as massage, facials and scrubs, these stunning retreats offer beautiful, peaceful surroundings where you can relax and reflect, away from the hubbub of the city.
© Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel & L’Occitane Spa
Best for: Rural luxury, "Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel & L’Occitane Spa, Luberon"
Nestling in the stunning countryside of Alpes de Haute Provence and dating from the 17th century, Le Couvent des Minimes is a beautifully renovated monastery with 46 rooms and a L'Occitane Spa. There’s much to explore and experience including two restaurants serving provencal and mediterranean-inspired cuisine, as well as two bars serving wine from the hotel’s cellar. The spa is a big pull with six treatment rooms, and there is an outdoor heated swimming pool, fitness room and floodlit tennis court. Within the manicured grounds of the hotel you’ll enjoy the sweet scent of herbs cultivated on the raised provencal terraces, and if you have competitive tendencies you’ll find it hard to resist the pull of the petanque pitch. The surrounding countryside, framed by the alps, is perfect for long walks and wandering around the pretty towns of Mane, Gordes - arguably the prettiest town in the Luberon region - or a 50 minute drive away you have all the cultural and historical riches of Aix en Provence.
couventdesminimes-hotelspa.com
What to pack
The chaste history of the monastery may arouse a desire for modest display so take the elegant and discreet Ilona Bodysuit in Navy/Black as a mark of respect to past inhabitants.
Ilona Bodysuit in Navy/Black © Ernest Leoty
© Le Barn, Bonnelles
Best for: Back to Nature "Le Barn, Bonnelles"
If you’re a city dweller who dreams of the simple life, this hotel - a word that doesn’t adequately fit this place - will very likely be your idea of heaven, because it’s all about the countryside at Le Barn. If you want the finesse of a luxury hotel, but the ambience of a French homestead, this is the place for you. Surrounded by horses - which you can ride if you so wish - and the Rambouillet forest, the hotel is located on the 200 acre estate of La Cense, a stud farm and major centre for the study of animal behaviour. If horses aren’t your thing, there’s a wellness centre, scandinavian hot tubs, a vegetable garden - which you are invited to lend a hand with - and less than 2km away is the Château de Rochefort, an exceptional 18 hole golf course. The interiors, masterminded by design studio be-poles, are inspired by the French countryside and American shaker style with a strong focus on natural materials and a rich, earthy colour palette. Conveniently it’s only 35 minutes away from Paris Orly airport.
What to pack
Let the rustic red roofs of the barns inspire you and take the Diane Bra in Aubergine and Red and the Saskia Leggings in Aubergine, perfect for jogging around the grounds in.
The Diane Bra and Saskia Legging © Ernest Leoty
© Les Sources de Caudalie
Best for: Vinotherapy, "Les Sources de Caudalie, Bordeaux"
Beloved by beauty product junkies the world over, the founders of Caudalie - Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas - began to harness the healing properties of grapes nearly 20 years ago on their family vineyard. The hotel is inspired by the “French Paradox” – a study that suggests a French diet and lifestyle, particularly in Southwest France, is conducive to good health. This is a concept that resonates with Ernest Leoty as a brand, believing as we do that a healthy life has room for both yoga and a glass of wine with friends. Naturally you’ll want to sample the offerings of the Vinotherapie Spa with its signature scrubs, wraps, massages and facials, but the 2 Michelin stars of La Grand’Vigne restaurant should also be experienced alongside the property’s wine which you can enjoy with the sommelier at Rouge, the on-site fine grocers. The Premier Cru of spa hotels.
What to pack
Taking inspiration from the grape-inspired surroundings why not take our Perform Bra and Perform Leggings in Purple to sample the wellness activities on offer including cycling, tennis, swimming.
The Perform Bra and Perform Legging in Purple © Ernest Leoty
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