Hôtel Crillon le Brave

Character and identity

This is essentially an entire Provençal hilltop village turned hotel: eight 17th-century stone houses rambling around a terrace and pool in the foothills of Mont Ventoux, with views that justify the climb. Thirty-six rooms spread across the warren of interlinked buildings, each with tommette tiled floors, soft regional palettes, and large bathrooms with walk-in showers. Dining runs three ways: a serious restaurant working Cavaillon melon, Carpentras strawberries and Caromb figs; a bistrot for regional classics; and a café-bar, all al fresco when the weather plays along. The spa, a more recent arrival, has quickly become a draw.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What you're paying for is the setting: a whole medieval village to yourself, with Mont Ventoux views and a real sense of seclusion despite the steady evolution of the property. Go for a suite in Maison Roche if you can, request the quieter sunbathing nook off the main pool, and time a visit for fig and melon season to get the kitchen at full stretch.