Hotel Le Pigonnet - Esprit de France

Le Pigonnet is situated in an 18th century manor house with an ivy-encased entry, green shutters, and a terra-cotta roof. It's perfectly Provencal. From the property's extravagant gardens, Cézanne is said to have painted "Mont Saeinte-Victoire." Since then, Le Pigonnet has maintained the status of its distinguished past as one of the most highly regarded hotels in Aix-en-Provence. Guests rave about the meticulously manicured gardens which feature chestnut trees and topiaries, arched pathways and statuettes, flowers and small fountains, plus a heated outdoor pool and lots of sitting and dining areas, too. Inside, classic French Provencal style is paired with more modern details, while grand windows let in lots of natural light. Common areas feel homey yet high end, with tiled floors, light blue wainscoting, and a tastefully eclectic range of elegantly upholstered furniture. The bar has a classic English-pub feel with wood paneled walls and a mirrored ceiling, while the restaurant features a series of huge arched French doors that look out into the garden. Set slightly away from town, this is an ideal spot for leisure travelers, especially couples.

The hotel is situated at the end of a private street in a quiet area, about a 15-minute walk from the historic center of Aix-en-Provence and Cours Mirabeau, a long pedestrian boulevard known for its shops, cafes, fountains, and plane trees. Le Musée Granet, which includes works by Francois Granet, Cezanne, Picasso, Matisse, Monet, and Van Gogh, is about a 20-minute walk or six minutes by car. Other attractions are a bit of a hike but still reachable on foot in about 25 minutes, including Saint Jean de Malte, Aix-en-Provence Festival, and Aix Cathedral. Marseille Provence Airport is about a 25-minute drive. Valet parking is free, and the hotel offers free shuttle service into town.

Individually decorated guest rooms feature contemporary, Provencal-inspired decor. Though not overtly luxurious (some guests are disappointed), entry-level rooms tend to be roomy and bright with wood floors, neutral light walls, and nice details like upholstered armchairs, wainscoting, or velvety headboards. Suites can be more extravagant, adding antique furniture, ornate gold-framed mirrors, or parquet floors. Bathrooms are modern and spacious, often fully tiled in beige with separate toilet vestibules and walk-in rainfall showers or combined showers and tubs. They're outfitted with hairdryers, robes, and slippers. Rooms are air conditioned and include high-end amenities like minibars stocked with local products, Nespresso coffeemakers and electric kettles, flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Suites might add expansive private terraces, separate living areas, iPhone docks, whirlpools, or other extras. Posh touches such as turndown, baggage, and room service adds to the luxe feel of rooms as well. Guests suggest springing for a garden-view room.

Luxury hotel expectations are squarely met by Le Pigonnet's features and attentive staff. La Table du Pigonnet, the hotel's fine-dining restaurant, is well-regarded and serves up seasonal dishes on the terrace in the summer or in a bright windowed dining room in colder weather. A nice buffet breakfast is served daily (on the terrace in the summer), though it costs an extra fee. In the winter, Le 1924, the hotel bar, which has a classic English-pub feel, serves drinks and light fare from afternoon until late, while in summer the bar moves to the teak terrace outside, Côté Jardin. Live music plays some evenings. Room service is available during limited hours. A small but charming spa provides treatments and also has a sauna, steam room, hammam, and small fitness area. Yoga lessons are offered weekly during the summers. The hotel's petite outdoor pool is situated in the garden, and it's surrounded by a grassy area with loungers -- it's only opened seasonally, though. The meticulously manicured gardens have plenty of spots for relaxing, plus chess tables and even a bocce court. Staff offer concierge service and can help with tickets or arrange for childcare or laundry service. The hotel offers free cribs, free Wi-Fi, and free valet parking. Pets are allowed, though they incur an additional fee.