In the much-coveted golden triangle of Mont Ventoux, Dentelles de Montmirail and the Luberon, Crillon Le Brave sits at the heart of Vaucluse, Provence, far from the feverish hustle and bustle that descends on the region every season. A stunning five-star hideout for those looking to switch off from the urban frenzy and reconnect with their deeper truth in an exquisitely authentic natural setting.

Against a backdrop of hypnotically beautiful landscapes sits a wonderful labyrinth of 17th- and 18th-century buildings covered in Virginia creeper. Enter and turn here for a secret passageway, there for a breathtaking panoramic terrace. In the centre of the maze, a hundred-year olive tree stands watch. At Crillon le Brave, the hotel literally merges with the surroundings. More than a concept or destination, it’s a private refuge with luxurious heritage.


THIS ONE IS EVEN MORE HONEST AND DESIRABLE

In the spring of 2017, Hotel Crillon le Brave joined the Maisons Pariente family business which specialises in property investment and high-end hotel development. It was love at first sight for the Pariente family on their first visit to Crillon le Brave. Emotion provides the initial impetus for all projects, calling them towards a unique experience.

As well as being joint owner of mountain l’Apogée in Courchevel with Xavier Niel, the Pariente family curates secret escapes and exclusive retreats in the stunning surroundings of Saint-Tropez with Lou Pinet and Meribel with Le Coucou, and is also involved with various other ongoing hotel developments in Paris. At Crillon le Brave, the family is looking to write a new story for this destination – one completely in tune with the expectations of a demanding French and international clientele.


EVERYTHING CHANGES AND YET NOTHING CHANGES

The five-star hotel's key assets have continued to draw visitors over the years. So no changes have been made to the stunningly beautiful natural setting, the historic charm of the magnificent architectural complex in honey-coloured Crillon stone, the restaurant renowned for its sophisticated fare, or the intimate, incredibly comfortable and elegant ambiance sustained by an attentive and efficient team.

For the 2019 season, interior designer Charles Zana and firm Elias Guenoun Architecture have given a new flavour to the hotel’s common areas without compromising on the hotel’s character or identity. The restaurants and bar boast a brand-new look, where timeless Provence codes find a whole new sense of modernity. The Pariente family’s aim is to go one step further and make this outstanding spot a prime example of French art de vivre for beauty connoisseurs the world over.


A SECRET ROOFTOP FACING MONT VENTOUX

The king of Vaucluse, Mont Ventoux overlooks the surrounds of its majestic silhouette, snow-capped in winter and sun-drenched in summer. It’s a legendary challenge for cyclists worldwide who come to take it on in springtime – the 'Provence Giant' which weighs up the Rhone Valley from its 1912-metre peak and reigns over the whole of the Comtat Venaissin.

With the foothills of Ventoux on one side and the Dentelles de Montmirail on the other, the medieval village of Crillon le Brave is one of the highlights of dreamlike Provence, between Malaucène, Mazan, Pernes-les-Fontaines, Bedoin and Saint-Didier, and Carpentras, Avignon and Luberon a little further afield.

Unobstructed views on the balcony show vines and olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see in an idyllic scene and completely unspoilt landscape.


A FABULOUSLY AUTHENTIC SETTING

Before giving his name to a village founded in the 17th century, Crillon le Brave was the name of local hero, the Brave Crillon. His bronze statue welcomes visitors just opposite reception. Here, the hotel is a fully fledged part of the village with various private houses, acquired over time since 1989, enhancing the sense of togetherness. Each has a name and a story. The current nine houses form an incredible architectural complex and enchanting jumble of stone houses with traditional Genoise tiling and small courtyards linked by pedestrian alleys and galleries, some of which lead to spectacular views of the surrounding area. Have fun losing yourself in this extraordinary labyrinth for the joy of discovering the lovely surprises Crillon has in store.

Ubiquitous are the low dry stone walls consumed by scented creepers, Flights of stone stairs leading to an incredibly romantic and unexpected bluff, Village battlements, crossed through a hidden door cut into the wall, Shady pergolas and a fountain that sings just above the heated outdoor pool, Venerable cypress trees watching over a forgotten well and, just below, the Château de Crillon and its medieval crenels. While some places tell a story, Crillon le Brave invites guests to experience theirs and rediscover their inner child.


AND THE PRESENT MOMENT LINGERS ON IN THE SUN

Some guests come to forget the frantic pace of everyday life, to seek peace, quiet and tranquility and, ultimately, to find themselves. Fill up on nature and get away from it all, with yoga and detoxing upon request. Some guests come to savour the epicurean joy of Provence’s incredible abundance, from southern fruits and vegetables to black truffles. Périgord truffle only. Some come to hunt for treasure at the Côtesdu-Rhône vineyards and collect bottles with prestigious labels, from Beaumes-de-Venise to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Some come to conquer Mont Ventoux by bike. The most ambitious take on the South face on the hotel side, the maddest travel all three routes over the same weekend, while the most contemplative go at a leisurely pace. All dreams come true here. Some guests come to roam the artist workshops in the surrounding area, the museums or the bric-a-brac stores in Islesur-la-Sorgue. Others come to applaud on or off scenes at the Avignon, Aix en Provence and Chorégies d’Orange Festivals or the La Roque d’Anthéron International Piano Festival. The show always goes on.

All come to experience a different side of Provence at the Hotel Crillon le Brave. They don’t come for people, excessive tourism or roots. They come for a chic, cool, hedonistic quality. Exclusive to devotees of refined authenticity and total privacy, the ultimate modern-day quest.



SUITES & ROOMS

PURE SIMPLICITY, ULTIMATE REFINEMENT

In the 15 rooms and 18 suites (including one detached family house), the red floor tiles characteristic of Provence contrast with a warm yet understated decor. Throughout, a bright and airy ambiance encourages rest and luxurious relaxation with a strong focus on linen along with natural halftone shades, cosy throws and soft materials.

All rooms and suites are unique with secondhand furniture and selected antiques, each set out based on the architecture of the house. Indoors, you’ll find the same unique charm as outdoors with a picture window looking out onto Mont Ventoux, windows like full-size paintings overlooking the surrounding area and two-person baths with views. It’s anything but standard with a sense of poetry on all floors.

SIMPLICITY AND CUSTOMISATION: AN IDEA OF FIVE-STAR SERVICE

Always there when you need them but never intrusive, the hotel teams – from housekeepers to porters – display exceptional attention to detail, pre-empting desires and anticipating needs. All share the same warm and discrete manner and care only about keeping guests happy to make each stay the perfect holiday.



SPA

RESTORE VITAL ENERGY, BODY AND SOUL

Another world, away from it all. In the 18th-century vaulted stone former stables, XXL bouquets of lavender sit in the restored stone mangers. Under imposing arches, the honey-coloured Crillon stone makes for an incredibly gentle ambiance in an intimate, subdued setting perfect for completely switching off. Protected from outside noise and daylight, the Spa des Ecuries is just the place to soothe overworked guests.

In this protected sanctuary, they can take full advantage of the holistic treatment techniques of English brand Bamford in one of the three rooms (one double). Completely tailored to the personal needs of each guest, the face and body treatments draw on the active principles of organic plants and essential oils. Nature’s healing powers combine with the expertise of spa therapists, allowing guests to emerge as their best selves.

Personalised programs are available upon request: sports preparation and recovery, yoga, meditation, slimming and detoxing, anti stress cures, Mum-to-Be treatments, etc. The spa is open every day from 10 am to 8pm during the season.




FOOD AND DRINK

PROVENÇAL PLEASURES

Think Cavaillon melon, Carpentras strawberries, the long black fig of Caromb, Alpilles lamb, Provençal pistou and Bergeron apricots from the Rhône Valley. Not to mention tomatoes, courgettes and aubergines – the stars of Provence markets! At the Hotel Crillon le Brave, Mediterranean cuisine is served in original, gourmet and bistro versions.

LA MADELEINE

The menu at this gourmet restaurant is enhanced with refined products, prepared with a genuine Mediterranean flavour. Chef Julien Marseault will send you on a relaxing stroll between authentic Provence and his native Brittany. His elegant, graphic dishes display superior technical skill, bringing out the best in the ingredients. His inspiration comes directly from the markets and terroir of Vaucluse. He also admits to having a particular fondness for Coquilles Saint Jacques and wild game. His signature dish, “Breton lobster, Comtat Venaissin nectarine, smoked beef and young purslane shoots” returns to the menu each season, as does his dessert “Blown sugar and Carpentras strawberries”.

A selection of à la carte dishes and tasting menus with fresh market produce from €85 a head. Wine pairings selected by the Head Sommelier. The Chef and his team welcome you daily for dinner from 7.00pm to 9.30pm.

LA TABLE DU VENTOUX

The beating heart of the hotel, from morning to evening, where you go to bask in the sunshine while casting an eye over the spectacular vista. Where the cuisine is authentic, local and delicious. Julien Marseault offers a range of fresh regional produce to savour within a relaxed setting. Why not enjoy your meal at the poolside or even on the bowling green?

When you wake up in the morning, you’ll be greeted with an abundance of sweet and savoury treats prepared by the Pastry Chef, elegantly presented on an plentiful buffet by the interior designer. Baskets overflowing with fresh fruit, detox juices, teas and infusions from the aromatic garden, coffee from the local roaster, pastries, boiled eggs, or eggs Benedict... There’s something to suit all tastes!

A snack buffet is also open every afternoon. Every Sunday, indulge in a delicious brunch, offering a generous selection of products from the local area and beyond. Grills, salads, seafood, mature cheeses, and a dessert buffet... mouth-watering delicacies to enjoy with a splendid view of the majestic Mont Ventoux. The evening is bathed in a warm ambience and the soft light of the setting sun, bringing the colours of the “Giant of Provence” to life. Several evenings a week, the show unfolds with live music under the stars.

Restaurant open every day.
Breakfast is served from 7.30am to 10.30am.
Lunch is served from 12.00pm to 2.30pm.
Dinner is served from 7.00pm to 9.30pm.
Musical entertainment on Tuesday and
Thursday evenings from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.


THE SOMMELIER’S TREASURE

From plate to glass, inspiration remains local with a premium selection from an exceptional terroir. As if by magic, renowned designations seem to converge around the hotel. Think Côtes du Rhône AOP Ventoux, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Beaumesde-Venise, Gigondas and Vacqueyras.

If you want to fully appreciate the region’s remarkable wine heritage, join for one of the Winemaker Evenings, organised by the hotel's team on Monday evenings during May and June, in the company of owners of prestigious estates.

The Head Sommelier also invites you to step inside the wine cellars for private wine-tasting sessions.



More information

HOTEL CRILLON LE BRAVE *****
Place de l’Eglise, 84410 Crillon Le Brave
+33(0)4 90 65 61 61
www.crillonlebrave.com

GETTING HERE
Avignon: 40-minute TGV ride
Aix and Marseille: 1 hr 30 mins
Geneva: 3 hrs 45 mins
Lyon: 2 hrs 30 min

If you are interested in booking your stay at Crillon le Brave, a luxury boutique hotel in Provence, please call us on +44 20 7148 1778 or send us an enquiry.