This mannerly French chateau and winery is stunning, upscale, and nether $200 per night about of the year

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  • Domaine de Fontenille in Provence, France is a chateau-turned-luxury hotel with an onsite winery, Michelin-starred eating place, spa services, and a tranquil pool.
  • If you've always dreamed of sipping wine in the French countryside at a palatial estate, Domaine de Fontenille offers an experiential, romantic stay that feels straight out of a fairy tale.
  • Rates typically exceed $300 per night in summer, just fall, winter, and early jump all see standard room rates under $200, particularly if you travel midweek. I visited in winter for two nights and paid $170 per night.
  • Read all Business Insider hotel reviews here.

There are a few things I specially love when traveling: the delight of discovering a world wholly dissimilar my own, a pampering hotel experience, infrequent nutrient, and crisp fresh air (context: I live in New York City).

I plant all four at Domaine de Fontenille in the Luberon region of Provence, France. The chateau and winery with a Michelin-starred eating house is located in the medieval village of Lauris. I had high expectations, envisioning an idyllic start to each day non unlike the opening sequence of "Beauty and the Animal."

Domaine de Fontenille typically starts in the mid $300s in high summer season, but significantly lower rates can be found most of the rest of the yr. Some quick online sleuthing revealed a price of $188 in winter, early on spring, and autumn. I visited midweek in winter with my husband every bit part of a larger holiday in Overnice. Nosotros paid $170 a night, for a Superior Room, which is the entry-level offering. Information technology felt similar a bargain for how luxurious the entire hotel seemed, and how well-appointed our room was.

Popular with tourists making their way through Provence as they sip wine and dip fresh bread into olive oil, Domaine de Fontenille is the kind of place you imagine you'd live if you lot were a baron or baroness retreating to your summer land estate. I know I did.

  • The first impression
  • The room
  • On-site civilities
  • What's nearby
  • What others say
  • What you demand to know
  • The bottom line
  • Book Domaine de Fontenille starting at $170 per night here

Go on reading to see why I was so impressed by Domaine de Fontenille in Provence, France.

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The former noble house dates back to the 18th century.
Emily Hochberg/Business Insider

As we entered Lauris I mentally noted every boulangerie I planned to visit, but but as speedily as nosotros entered, we were out and back in the country again.

The hotel, information technology turned out, was non in the town centre but a v- to x-minute drive away. Flanked past a large vineyard, perfectly coiffed gardens, and a serene fountain, the estate was magnificent even before taking in the slate blueish shutters, egg cream concrete walls, and delicate terraces. Forget "Beauty and the Beast," was this the "Audio of Music?"

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A Superior Room, with soaking bathtub.
Emily Hochberg/Business organization Insider

The room was incredibly spacious by European standards with more than than enough room for two people. The Rex-sized bed was incredibly comfortable and I loved the sleek, gimmicky bathroom with claw foot tub, walk-in shower, and double sinks, all equipped with Ren Clean Skincare products (which most definitely fabricated it into my suitcase).

The toilet, somewhat oddly, was in a separate area on the opposite end of the hotel room. The bath was then impressive that I took a bath, which I haven't done in years. It was lovely and subsequently, I slept like a baby.

Though there was 1 hiccup.

While window shutters make the chateau positively French, they're nearly impossible to shut. We missed turndown service (a highlight I love; it came with chichi cookies here) one dark and had to telephone call the front desk-bound for assist. Our egos were just slightly bruised.

For the same toll, the other entry-level room type is the "Washhouse Room" in a tiny villa tucked into the gardens. It's quite individual since information technology's and so split until other guests walk past while touring the grounds, that is.

For upgraded accommodations, The Executive Room comes with a peaceful individual terrace and extra space, while Prestige rooms and the Prestige Duplex feel like a beautiful pied-a-terre, and would be groovy for families. Other luxe suites are fully-serviced apartments and too ideal for larger groups or those looking to wholly indulge.

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One grade of dinner at Le Champ des Lunes.
Emily Hochberg/Business Insider

We dined on-site both nights as the hotel houses two renowned restaurants. I made a reservation for Chef Jérome Faure's Michelin-starred Le Champ des Lunes, which gets booked up past both visitors and locals (you lot tin make a reservation hither, through Trip Advisor).

We also ate at his less formal bistro, La Cuisine d'Amélie. Both were fantastic. The bistro was like walking into a French home to tuck into homemade fare, while the lauded Le Champ des Lunes offered the quintessential tasting carte du jour experience. I loved both, just gave a slight edge to the bistro for feeling a fleck more relaxed, while all the same refined.

Domaine de Fontenille's winery includes a tasting room with daily tours.
Emily Hochberg/Business Insider

While the hotel touts spa services, it'south actually one small room where local masseurs provide services when requested by guests. As such, bookings tin be limited. I indulged in a sixty-minute massage, and whether it was the result of the splendid handling, or my jet lag, I blissfully dozed off.

There's also a Hammam spa, merely it's awkward to employ if someone is getting a treatment at the aforementioned time as information technology adjoins their room. Yous almost have to interrupt someone'south spa service to gain access. I skipped it.

The pool was closed, though I imagine information technology's quite beautiful in the summer.

Fourth dimension must be devoted to Domaine'south ain winery. We missed the free daily tour but joined a complimentary vino tasting of red, white, and rose wines, and bought a canteen to take domicile.

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Not a whole lot. The town of Lauris is a short drive, but the primary area is simply one street with just a scattering of stores and cafes. The bustling city of Aix-en-Provence is about a one-half-60 minutes drive. The nearest airport is Marseille Provence Airdrome, a 50-infinitesimal drive, or Nice International Airport, approximately two hours away. Parking is free for hotel guests.

Check for inexpensive flight prices to Marseille or Prissy

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Who stays here:European and American couples and tourists, some families with older children.

We similar: The individual, quiet, high-end guest room that was spacious and chic with a great bath.

We love (don't miss this feature!): The entire estate — get to both restaurants, the winery, and relish the lush gardens. Staying here is an overall experience.

We think you should know: There's nix within walking distance of the hotel, and you really can't visit without a car. While at that place'southward plenty on-site to relish, you shouldn't miss seeing neighboring towns and villages. Make Domaine de Fontenille your base and allot time to both stick effectually and explore Provence.

Nosotros'd exercise this differently next time: I adored this hotel and then much, I would gladly pay extra (or save credit card travel points for it) to visit in warmer weather to take reward of the pool and grounds.

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Domaine de Fontenille is a fantastic choice to experience the quaint French countryside at a small, loftier-end hotel with excellent food and vino. It'south not for strict urbanites or those who prefer a sprawling resort with scheduled activities, but rather, those who want to savor a Provencal way of life.

The hotel is great at whatever time, but lower prices and fewer crowds in the off-season brand it non only accessible but relaxing. Pair with a stay in neighboring cities like Aix-en-Provence or Nice for a well-rounded visit to the southward of France.

Book Domaine de Fontenille starting at $170 per night for a Superior Room

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