Hotels Provence & Cote d'AzurKeith Van SickleStay: Accommodation & Rentals in Provence

Benvengudo means Welcome to our Hotel in Provencal

Just below the famous hilltop fortress of Les Baux sits the boutique luxury hotel Benvengudo.  The name means “welcome” in the local language and it couldn’t be more appropriate.

Walking into the manicured grounds of Benvengudo is like stepping back in time, to a more simple and gracious era.  The hotel provides a rare mix of traditional and modern, and you’ll be reluctant to leave when your stay is over.  You’ll ask yourself – can’t we linger just a bit longer?

Benvengudo began fifty years ago as a simple, four-room county inn and restaurant, built by Daniel and Maryse Beaupied.  Daniel had trained as a chef under the legendary Paul Bocuse before earning a Michelin star of his own.

Guests flocked to the inn for its warm welcome and outstanding food and the couple slowly expanded it.  Over the years they added to the buildings and grounds and today there are 28 luxurious rooms.

Benvengudo Hotel Exterior Les Baux

Like many of the best French businesses – from wineries to cosmetics – Benvengudo stayed in the family.  Today daughter Carole and her husband Viktor manage the hotel and restaurant and they have taken them to a new level.

Several years ago, they embarked on an ambitious renovation project.  They spent millions to bring the Benvengudo up to modern standards, with upgraded rooms, new furniture and the all-important wifi.  But they were also careful to maintain its authentic Provençal charm and comfort.  Without that, it would be just another nice hotel, the kind you can find anywhere.

Benvengudo Hotel Interior Bedroom Les Baux

The result is a place that provides all the modern amenities while remaining true to its heritage.  I enjoyed having a drink on the terrace next to a lovely stone staircase, looking out over the grounds marked by lavender and roses.

And let’s not forget the food!  Daniel Beaupied may be retired but his high standards live on.  The kitchen is now overseen by Thomas Voisin, who joined Benvengudo from the famous Michelin-starred restaurant Auberge la Fenière in Lourmarin.  You can enjoy local cuisine made with top ingredients – a delicious homage to the bounty of the region.

Benvengudo Hotel Restaurant Dining

For an authentic Provençal experience in a luxury hotel, it’s hard to beat Benvengudo.  And now matter how long your visit, you’ll wish you could stay longer.

You can find more information about Benvengudo here.

Benvengudo Hotel Exterior Evening

Keith Van Sickle is the author of One Sip at a Time: Learning to Live in Provence, available at Amazon.

Photo credits:
Images provided by and published with the permission of Hotel Benvengudo.
Photo with the people enjoying Provence thanks to Keith Van Sickle.

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Keith Van Sickle

Keith and Val Van Sickle made their first trip to Provence decades ago, and it was love at first sight. After that, they came back every year until 2008, when they began a part-time life there, splitting their time between Provence and California.

Over the years, they’ve travelled all over Provence, seeing sights both well-known and obscure. Their French friends have introduced them to favourite restaurants and wineries and picnic spots and taught them funny local expressions (not all for polite company).

Keith now shares this local knowledge in his new book, An Insider’s Guide to Provence. Packed with the Van Sickles’ favourite things to see and do, it’s a must-have for anyone travelling to this glorious corner of France.

Keith previously published two books about the couple's experiences in Provence. One Sip at a Time: Learning to Live in Provence, and Are We French Yet?, both are available from Amazon.

You can see all of Keith’s blog posts at Life in Provence.

5 Comments

  1. Julie Mautner
    July 5, 2017 at 11:53 am — Reply

    Keith, I love this hotel…it’s really special. Very nice to see you feature it here!

    We missed you guys last night at the 4th of July fete at the Bar Tabac in St. Remy! Patrick outdid himself with great BBQ, cole slaw, brownie cake, sparklers, American flags and live American music…tres fun!

    • July 7, 2017 at 3:25 am — Reply

      Hi Julie: It sounds like tres fun – July 4th St Remy style!

  2. July 7, 2017 at 9:56 am — Reply

    Hi Julie, maybe next year. We’re back in the States and watched fireworks with friends while eating typical American fare: Kung Pao chicken! :-)

  3. March 4, 2021 at 8:42 am — Reply

    Hi Keith. Wow! This is a lovely hotel.

    • March 5, 2021 at 9:47 am — Reply

      Thanks for reading Keith’s article. Yes, Benvengudo is a lovely hotel.

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