Plan to Visit the Artist Ai Weiwei Installation at Chateau La Coste

There is a permanent installation by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei at Chateau La Coste. It’s entitled Ruyi Path after the ceremonial sceptre that symbolizes power and good fortune in Chinese history. The artist has followed the shape of the sceptre for a new pathway that weaves between the forest trees at Château La Coste.

…Continue reading here for details on this recent installation that uses cobblestones from Marseille to join ancient paths on the vineyard property.

Year-round Activities at Château la Coste

The vineyard is a short 20-minute drive from the centre of Aix-en-Provence, and with so many activities, it’s a great place to visit any time of the year.

On a sunny day, the Art & Architecture walk will keep you warm as you climb the slope to the Tadao Ando Chapel. La Chapelle is at the highest point of the vineyard, with a view of the grapevines and the Luberon massif in the background. The walk takes approximately 2 hours, at a moderate pace, and costs 15€ for adults. There is a guided tour in English at 14:30h daily. Booking in advance is recommended.

Dining Options at the Vineyard

The Tadao Ando Cafe located inside the art centre is at the heart of the action. Its contemporary design fits well within the setting. They offer indoor and outdoor dining for both lunch and dinner with a la carte menu options.

Francis Mallmann, the famed Argentinian who loves to grill anything and everything. His menu is designed to keep you warm. Your meal will cost roughly 100€ for three courses.

Inside Villa la Coste, Gérald Passedat serves up Michelin gourmet food at his one-star restaurant Le Louison. The five (5) course set menus range from 95€ -165€ per person.

The hotel is also Salon for a more casual setting with “bistronomic” food, a tasty fusion of gastronomic and bistro. The restaurant is open daily for lunch (38€) and dinner 50€.

Château la Coste is a great place to go for a casual lunch.

Art and Wine

Paddy McKillen, a wealthy Irishman, purchased the old bastide and surrounding land in 2002. This is a man who knows about premium quality. He is the majority owner in several high-end hotels including, London hotels Claridges and the Connaught. His vision for a world-class setting for contemporary art and architectural structures along with good wine started in 2004.

Chateau la Coste

McKillen hired Jean Nouvel, a French architect, to develop the site master plan for the vineyard. The site’s principal buildings include; an arts centre and chapel (designed by Tadao Ando – Japan), the music pavilion (Gehry Partners – US) and several buildings related to making wine. This group of world-renowned architects was challenged to work within the natural surroundings and the existing buildings, including a bastide from 1682 in the Venetian-style.

SPA Time

Villa la Coste at Château la Coste: Minutes from Aix-en-Provence outside the village of Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, this property delivers pure escapism. The vineyard is well-known for its contemporary architecture and art walk. The 5-star luxury hotel spa has seven (7) treatment rooms. The problem is choosing between the wellness menu items, including salt treatments, mud baths and aromatherapy massages. Enjoy the sauna, hammam, or Vichy shower. Spend a day, a half-day or become a member.