Auberge de Cassagne & Spa

The Auberge de Cassagne & Spa occupies a renovated farmhouse originally built in1850, and it retains much of the old country charm of the region. Exposed wood beams, brick arches around doorways, terra-cotta tile floors, and plenty of period furniture and design elements maintain the feel of an old chateaux. In other areas, particularly the entryway, ultra-chic design stands out in contrast. Guests enter to an open, minimalist space in gray and white with two modern sofas checkered red and black, glass tables, and contemporary sculptures. Other areas in the hotel blend modern design with well-selected historic pieces for a beautiful look. For instance, charming "santons" -- hand-painted terra-cotta figurines depicting typical Provence residents (think lavender farmers) -- line shelves and antique furniture. 

Beyond the main farmhouse, rooms fill several buildings renovated from an old castle. They surround a beautiful garden with stone-paved paths winding between trees and shrubbery, and dotted with colorful flowers. This hotel is most popular with couples for its luxe environment, quality service, and peaceful atmosphere.

Auberge de Cassagne & Spa is in a residential area on the outskirts of charming Avignon in southeastern France. It is next door to an elementary and nursery school and across the street from a soccer field. Within a 10-minute walk, there are two restaurants, a pharmacy, and a butcher, but the area is mostly private houses. There is a public bus stop a two-minute walk from the hotel, but a car makes exploring the area much more feasible. There's an 18-hole golf course a six-minute drive from the hotel, while it is a 15-minute drive into the center of Avignon, where there are many shops, restaurants, museums, and sites to visit, including the historic Pope’s Palace. The hotel is in Provence, the oldest wine region of France, and many wineries can be visited in nearby Chateauneuf-du-Pape, a 20-minute drive away. It is a 10-minute drive to the closest train station, Gare de Montfavet. The nearest airport is Avignon-Caumont Airport -- a 20-minute drive away -- and the nearest international hub is Marseille Provence Airport -- a 50-minute drive. 

Sophisticated rooms are well-appointed and beautifully decorated, with varying designs depending on the type. Some are modern with a black, white, and gray color scheme, while others retain the Provencal style with terra-cotta tile and bold, colorful patterns. Despite these differences, all rooms are elegantly done with rich fabrics, beautiful wallpaper accents, and stylish furniture. Every room also includes high-end amenities like a minibar, coffeemaker, flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, and a safe. Higher-category rooms have extra luxuries like a separate shower and whirlpool tub, a flat-screen TV in the bathroom, and authentic Provencal decor and fabrics. Some also offer sleeper sofas, separate living rooms, and an extra bedroom and bathroom. Some, but not all, rooms have a furnished balcony or terrace, either on the beautiful park or overlooking the pool. 

All bathrooms are sleek and modern, some with shower/tub combos and rainfall showerheads, and others with a separate shower and whirlpool tub. Some bathrooms have heated towel racks and Japanese toilets with built-in bidets. A bathrobe, slippers, and a hairdryer are provided, as are free toiletries. 

The renowned restaurant serving gourmet fare is a highlight of the hotel. Breakfast is served buffet-style (fee), and lunch and dinner have both a set menu and a la carte options with regional and gourmet dishes available. There is a lovely indoor dining space, and a lush terrace with a French country feel. White linens cover tables set with vintage crockery under umbrellas and pergolas, and surrounded by delicate wrought-iron chairs.

The heated outdoor pool includes a wading section and a whirlpool. It is on an attractive patio, surrounded by trees and tall shrubbery for a private feel. Guests have free access to the spa's facilities, including an indoor pool with jets for hydrotherapy and sections for counter-current swimming. There’s a small whirlpool at one end, plus comfortable chairs and loungers all around. The spa also offers a sauna, steam room, massage rooms for one or two, and facial and body treatments. A tiny gym has a few cardio machines and weight-training equipment.

Table tennis, board games, lawn bowling, and French lessons provide guests with some on-site entertainment. Bike rentals are available for exploring the area, and there’s a concierge service to assist with bookings and sightseeing. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.