A Summer Escape to Crillon-le-Brave

Stacie Flinner x Crillon Le Brave Best Hotels in Provence France-49.jpg

In July, David and I were thrilled to return to one of our favorite places in Provence – Crillon-le-Brave. The hilltop town and hotel by the same name are in a quiet part of the Vaucluse countryside, and a wonderful destination for a low-key lounging. Hotel Crillon-le-Brave had recently completed a renovation, so the rooms had a whole new look since our last visit in September 2017. I loved the utterly chic St. Tropez vibe which contrasted youthful interior finishes with the well-kept medieval town. A member of the Maison Pariente collection, which includes properties from Paris to St Tropez, you can feel the groups signature bohemian influence in the design and color scheme.

During our visit many of you messaged me to share special memories from your own stays here – and I agree it’s a wonderful place for a honeymoon or celebratory escape! Between the gorgeous meals and spectacular pool overlooking the valley and Mont Ventoux it’s the perfect spot for those who “love to do nothing”. A lazy rotation between our morning coffee on our balcony, to breakfast on the terrace, a dip in the pool, then back for a long lunch, you barely need to go more than a few steps throughout the day. And while the scenery only changes with the shifting light there are many thoughtful details to capture your attention at every turn, like the homemade pastries that greet you upon arrival to the local lavender threaded into each dinner menu. The staff love to surprise and delight.

If lounging isn’t in your DNA there are many local outings from olive oil tasting to antiquing – and on this trip my favorite excursion was visiting the market in Sault. Started in 1515 and one of the oldest continuous markets in France, this pretty town comes alive on Wednesdays as treasure hunters mix with spandex-clad bicyclists shopping for everything from linen to lavender. The drive (or very long bike ride if you’re into that sort of thing) to Sault is beautiful in summer, as the town is at the heart of Provence’s lavender production and the fields look like a soft purple corduroy blanketing the hills. I was there the first week of July and although I was a little early it was still beautiful.