Château de La Gaude

The basics

Château de La Gaude is very much a culinary destination, even for those who aren’t staying the night. It has multiple restaurants, including Le Art, which earned a Michelin star within months of opening. The on-site winery, which creates small batches of blended red, white, and rosés—including a sparkling rosé made primarily from Grenache noir grapes—is another big draw. For those keen to sample the wines, joining a tour can be a great solution for visiting; most include round-trip transportation, saving the need to appoint a designated driver. Many tours of the region visit multiple wineries and typically last a day. Wellness fans can also head to the spa for a hydrating facial or an invigorating massage.

Things to know before you go

• Château de La Gaude is a must for fans of fine wine and fine dining, as well as anyone looking for a romantic and historic place to stay.
• If you aren’t staying at the hotel or visiting as part of a tour, you’ll need to contact the property in advance for restaurant, spa, and winery reservations.
• If you’d like to stay the night, it’s wise to book well in advance as hotel rooms are limited.

How to get there

Château de La Gaude is located in the northeastern outskirts of Aix-en-Provence, around a 10-minute drive from the city center, where the railway station is located. It’s about a 30 minutes by car from Marseilles, where the closest major airport is situated. The château is about 30 minutes on foot from the nearest bus station, so you're best off coming by taxi, rental car, or with a tour.

When to get there

The château and its restaurants operate throughout the year, but many people opt to visit Aix-en-Provence and the surrounding region during the warm summer months when the region’s famous lavender fields are in bloom, typically from June to July. If you want milder weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting in early fall or late spring, instead. Note that restaurant timings vary, and reservations are requested.

Provencal Food

Some of France's most beloved dishes hail from the Provence region, from salade niçoise to ratatouille. Other well-known treats from the region include bouillabaisse—the signature dish of Marseille—and aioli. Bread lovers won't want to miss fougasse, France's answer to focaccia, and calissons, marzipan-like fruit confections.