Have a very Luxury Christmas in Provence

If you are going to be in France this year’s Christmas holidays and are looking for somewhere to stay, do or see then come to Provence and enjoy a bit of pampering, a perfect way to face the start of 2013. Here is a list of a few of the luxury breaks and ideas from some of the leading luxury hotels of the region. The list is not exclusive and as I receive more information from hotels I will add them on.

Since this is not a list ordered according to any specific criteria I have listed the Hotels by their town names alphabetically.

La Mirande – Avignon

La Mirande is literally across the road from the monumental Papal Palace in the centre of Avignon. Over the Christmas and New Year period they have several offers.

The first is a pre-Christmas offer with a festive market with Artisans, animations for Children, tasting of Christmas fare by the hotel’s chef, wine tasting, mulled wine, waffles all in and around the hotel. All this and One night in a Large Deluxe Double room, a buffet breakfast. The afternoon Christmas “goûter” served in the patio of La Mirande and the Christmas present from La Mirande made by one of the artisans at the artisan’s market.

From the 14^th to the 16^th December Prices from 305€ for two

And for Christmas day a 7 course Christmas dinner, one night with buffet breakfast included from 547€ for two.

L’Abbaye de La Celle – La Celle en Provence

The first of two of Alain Ducasse’s Inns on our list, in the heart of La Provence Verte, here is a Christmas offer for Gourmets.

3 nights in a superior room (upgrades possible according to availability. All breakfasts. Cocktails on your arrival. Christmas gifts and a personalised welcome in room. A Gourmet dinner on Christmas Eve with two starters, two main courses cheese and dessert.   A Gourmet lunch on Christmas Day with two starters, two main courses cheese and dessert.

Prices from 1 195€ for two.

Hotel Crillon le Brave – Crillon le Brave

Perched at the top of the hilltop village of the same name here is one of the most romantic settings in Provence to spend a gourmet Christmas. Over Christmas there will be cooking classes, a concert on the 23^rd and their special Christmas gourmet offer.

One night including breakfast and either Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas lunch for two.

Prices from 299€ for two.

La Bastide de Gordes – Gordes

With an access to the stunning hilltop town of Gordes enjoy the New Year with gourmet delights and the Luxury Spa.

3 nights in a double room.  3 breakfasts.  New Year’s Eve Gourmet Dinner.  1 Dinner (Bastide Menu)

Access to the Open Spa: Chromatic pool, Jacuzzi, hammam and fitness room.

From 705,50€ per person

Le Couvent des Minimes – Mane en Provence

Nestled in La Haute Provence discover « another » Provence based at Le Couvent des Minimes

1 night in a double room. A selection of Christmas treats in your room. Buffet breakfast. A choice of either Dinner on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day lunch both at the Le Clôitre gourmet restaurant. Prices start at 240€ per person

La Bastide de Moustiers - Moustiers Ste Marie

The other Alain Ducasse Inn on our list, the setting of this hotel near the village of Moustiers Ste Marie is perfect for Christmas. The offer is nearly identical to that of L’Abbaye de La Celle.

3 nights in a superior room (upgrades possible according to availability. All breakfasts. Cocktails on your arrival. Christmas gifts and a personalised welcome in room. A Gourmet dinner on Christmas Eve with two starters, two main courses cheese and dessert.   A Gourmet lunch on Christmas Day with two starters, two main courses cheese and dessert.

Prices from 1 235€ for two.

If you would like more information on Christmas and New year offers contact us using the link on the right.

A University for Scents and Flavours

In the town of Forcalquier, within the walls of  Le Couvent des Cordeliers, a converted 13th century convent, can be found the UESS or Université Européen des Saveurs et Senteurs, the Europen University of Scents and Flavours. This institution is dedicated to research and training  for the study of aromatic and scented plants, vital for the development of the cosmetics and food industries, which are particularly active in the region.

It also organises specialized training courses with participative activities relating to the senses, especially taste and smell, for professionals and the general public. One of these is the Perfumers Workshop. Created by the Master Perfumer from Grasse, Lucien Ferrero, this workshop enables beginners to gain and the skilled to improve their olfactory knowledge. The aim is to learn the bases of a perfume composition and to create a customized and unique perfume. At the end of the workshop the participants take home their very own flacon of self-made perfume.

It seemed essential to us that this should be an experience to share with our guests. The chance to create your own perfume is rare indeed. What we wanted however, was to personalise the experience even further by privatising the workshop which is normally organised for the general public.
So even if you are just two, we can offer you a unique and totally personalised perfume experience. 

If you would like to  create your own perfume with a bit of added luxury on the side try our Luxury, Spa and Perfume Creation in Haute Provence 

This truly unique experience is also part of the Springtime in Provence Luxury Small Group Tour

To find out more on the UESS and the workshops visit their website : www.couventdescordeliers.com