Curator’s statement
Villa Le Coste, part of the Château La Coste estate, is tucked into the heart of Provence, about 30 minutes from Aix-en-Provence. It’s one of those rare properties that seamlessly blends art, architecture, wine, and wellness—an ultra-luxury retreat set among biodynamic vineyards and rolling hills. One of the true highlights is the connection to the wider Château La Coste estate—guests have access to the extraordinary open-air contemporary art and architecture walk, featuring works by Tadao Ando, Louise Bourgeois, and Ai Weiwei. There is also a private invitation-only pavilion, a museum-like space that houses rotating exhibitions from the owner’s collection, which makes a stay here feel even more rarefied and insider.
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Where to stay in Provence
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Things to do in Provence
The property itself is intimate compared to many European countryside resorts, with around 28 suites and villas, each designed in a clean, contemporary style with private terraces and sweeping views of olive groves and vines. The interiors lean more toward understated modern elegance than rustic charm, but the setting grounds everything in Provençal authenticity. Here are five ways to enjoy your time without ever needing to leave the grounds:
Art & architecture walk: Explore over 40 large-scale works by world-renowned artists and architects (Tadao Ando, Ai Weiwei, Louise Bourgeois, Frank Gehry, etc.) scattered across vineyards and olive groves.
Wine tasting & vineyard tour: Taste Château La Coste’s organic wines and learn about its biodynamic winemaking process in the stunning contemporary winery designed by Jean Nouvel.
Private pavilion & exhibitions: Access the invitation-only exhibition spaces that showcase rotating contemporary art from the owner’s collection.
Spa & wellness treatments: Indulge in treatments using local Provençal botanicals, hammam rituals, or yoga sessions overlooking the hills.
Dining experiences: Enjoy Michelin-starred dining at Restaurant Hélène Darroze, or choose vineyard-side dining with seasonal Provençal menus at one of the estate’s other restaurants.
Places to eat & drink in Provence
Restaurant Hélène Darroze at Villa La Coste: Michelin-starred fine dining from celebrated chef Hélène Darroze, showcasing the very best of Provence with a refined, contemporary touch. Think hyper-seasonal menus, exquisite wine pairings, and dishes that balance elegance with a deep sense of place.
Vanina: The Italian restaurant on the estate, serving authentic wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, and classic dishes with a Provençal-Italian flair. It’s more relaxed than the fine dining options and perfect for a long, convivial meal.
Argentinean Restaurant (Francis Mallmann): Celebrity chef Francis Mallmann brings his signature open-fire cooking to Provence. Expect dramatic dishes prepared over flames and embers, paired with estate wines. A true experience for food lovers.
Need to know
For a truly unforgettable experience, take one of the estate’s house e-bikes for a ride up the nearby hillside, winding through vineyards and olive groves. At the summit, you’ll be greeted with a carefully prepared picnic, making the journey as delightful as the destination.
When to go: Spring (April–June) is glorious, with wildflowers and lighter crowds before the summer heat sets in. Harvest season (September–October) is particularly magical if you want to see the vineyards at their liveliest. July and August can be busy and hot, but the long golden evenings are beautiful if you don’t mind the energy. Winter is quiet, serene, and deeply private, perfect for those who want a cocooned retreat.
The spa is a sanctuary in its own right, drawing on local botanicals and offering tailored treatments. Dining is exceptional: multiple restaurants on property, from fine dining to more relaxed vineyard-side meals, all with a focus on seasonal Provençal ingredients.
Villa Le Coste feels more serene and exclusive than many countryside resorts—this is a place to slow down, take in the art, taste the wine, and recharge in utter privacy. It remains one of Provence’s most coveted stays, and advance booking is a must.
Travel Advisor
Stephanie Bloom
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