Château de la Gaude
Polished Provençal estate where 18th-century heritage architecture meets serious contemporary design, a working organic vineyard, and an ambitious gastronomic program. Formal but not stiff.
Le Art only holds dinner service Wednesday–Saturday; book well in advance as it fills quickly with non-guests too
Why It Matters
A genuine Relais & Châteaux Provençal bastide that is also a classified historic monument and a certified organic AOP Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence wine estate. Chef Matthieu Derible earned a Michelin star at restaurant Le Art within six months of opening. Three distinct restaurants, a spa with children's treatments, yoga classes, and contemporary artworks installed throughout the grounds — all 10 minutes from central Aix.
An 18th-century Provençal bastide on a 25-hectare working wine estate, Château de la Gaude opened as a 5-star Relais & Châteaux property in 2019. The historic main building is a classified monument — carved stone fireplaces, original ceiling mouldings, original parquet floors — while the adjacent longère building trades the grandeur for warmer copper-and-wood tones. Fourteen rooms total, a Michelin-starred restaurant, two more casual dining spots, an organic vineyard, a full spa, and a rotating contemporary art program scattered across the grounds. This is not a hotel that happens to make wine; the wine, the art, and the food are all equally central to the experience.
Where You'll Stay
10 room types available
Classic Room
Located on the 1st and 2nd floors of the main château building, a classified historic monument. Immaculate white walls, parquet flooring, custom contemporary furniture, original ceiling mouldings, carved stone fireplace, and large wooden doors. No elevator access.
26 sqm
Deluxe Room
Larger rooms in the main château building, offering more floor space while retaining the historic monument character: parquet floors, original mouldings, stone fireplaces. Clean, modern white palette with high-end contemporary furnishings.
38 sqmDuplex Suite
Spacious two-level suites in the longères building, the largest room category outside the unusual stay options. Warm materials and contemporary finishes across two floors, with the vineyard as backdrop.
67 sqmFamily Suite
The dedicated family option in the longères building. At 72 m² it is one of the largest on the property and configured for families. Same warm palette of copper, wood and dark tones as the rest of the longères.
72 sqmGabrielle — Unusual Stay
Second of three vineyard insolite rooms. Same format as Garance: 18 m², vineyard setting, stripped-back comfort and closeness to nature. Priced at €550 per night.
18 sqmGarance — Unusual Stay
One of three small insolite rooms set directly in the vineyards, away from the main buildings. Simple 18 m² cocoon designed for a reconnection with nature — think Provençal landscape views at sunrise, birdsong at night, and a complete absence of grand hotel formality. Shared naming convention with Gabrielle and Hortense.
18 sqmHortense — Unusual Stay
Third of three vineyard insolite rooms. Same 18 m² footprint and nature-first concept as Garance and Gabrielle. All three share access to the estate's full restaurant and spa program.
18 sqmMademoiselle Suite
The largest suite in the main château building at 66 m², offering a spacious and elegantly composed layout within a classified historic monument. The most impressive room in the bastide itself, combining château grandeur with contemporary luxury finishing.
66 sqmPrestige Suite
Suite-category rooms in the historic main château building. Retains all the architectural character of the monument — fireplaces, mouldings, large wooden doors — with elevated furnishings and a dedicated living area.
39 sqmSuite
Located in the longères adjoining the château. A completely different feel from the main building — copper tones, wood, grey and black accents create a warm, cosy atmosphere. Vineyard views from many. Artwork by Philippe Pasque and Robert Combas is integrated throughout.
41 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Artworks by contemporary artists Philippe Pasque and Robert Combas are installed throughout the estate — in rooms, in public spaces, and across the grounds. Guests can explore the collection on a self-guided basis while walking between the gardens, vineyard, and buildings.
The estate hosts seasonal events including harvest celebrations (September), Christmas and New Year dinners, truffle tastings, concerts and cultural festivals. The chapel and Orangerie salons are used for events. Check the estate calendar for the current season's programming.
Formal French gardens (jardins à la française) listed and preserved, with geometric parterres, fountains, and views of Montagne Sainte-Victoire. Contemporary sculptures are integrated throughout the garden pathways.
An outdoor heated pool reserved exclusively for hotel guests, open from May 1 to September 30, 10am–7pm. Access is complimentary for all hotel guests.
Hotel-arranged private transfers to and from Marseille Provence Airport (Nice too), Aix-en-Provence TGV station, and the city centre. Available on reservation, at additional charge.
A wine trail takes guests behind the scenes of the estate's 25-hectare organic vineyard — from vine to bottle. The AOP Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence wines are farmed biologically. Tastings also available at the wine cellar and boutique. Estate wines are served across all three restaurants.
Scheduled yoga sessions focusing on posture, muscle strengthening, strength, balance, flexibility, and circulatory/lymphatic reactivation. Held Tuesdays 4–6pm and Fridays 10am–12pm. Mats provided. €40 per class or €70 for both.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
One room adapted for guests with reduced mobility (PRM). Note: main château building has no elevator.
On-site fitness room available by reservation.
Renovated Orangerie salon and restored Chapel available for private events, weddings, and corporate gatherings.
Private, secure on-site parking with valet service.
Heated outdoor pool, hotel guests only. Open May 1 to September 30, 10am–7pm.
Estate wines available to purchase at the cave boutique. Gift shop also on site.
Private helicopter tower available at additional charge.
Included for hotel guests subject to availability. External guests pay €80 for 60 minutes.
BUILD YOUR CHÂTEAU DE LA GAUDE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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