Dining at Château des Alpilles in St-Rémy-de-Provence and Feel like Royalty

On a warm evening, there’s no better place for a special meal than Château des Alpilles in St-Rémy-de-Provence. It’s a hotel-restaurant that has been delighting visitors since the 19th century.

A Spectacular Setting

Photo credit: ©Château des Alpilles Facebook Page

It’s not just that the food is delicious; the setting is spectacular, too. You arrive via a long driveway bordered by century-old plane trees. Tables are set in front of the château’s elegant façade, where you’ll find more of these magnificent trees—it’s like dining in a park. You may have trouble focusing on your food because the setting is so beautiful.

Legend has it that this land once belonged to a 13th-century knight, and 200 years ago the imposing manor house was built. The Bon family purchased the property in 1979, restoring it and adding several new outbuildings. Today this 5-star hotel welcomes guests in its 21 rooms and suites.

Photo credit: ©Château des Alpilles website

The restaurant has a lovely dining room in the manor house, and my wife and I have enjoyed pleasant meals there. But if you have the opportunity, eating outside is not to be missed. Where meals are served depends on the weather, so pick a warm evening when service is normally outdoors.

Excellent Food

The menu is small, with a focus on quality, and offers choices for every taste. The chef is able to accommodate food intolerances, which I appreciate as I have celiac disease (severe gluten intolerance). My wife and I have eaten at the château a number of times, and the food has always been excellent.

Photo credit: ©Château des Alpilles website

If you arrive early, take the opportunity to stroll the grounds—a full seven hectares. You’ll find regional favourites like magnolia trees, as well as more exotic ones like the ginkgo Biloba. Fountains are dotted here and there, and the views are wonderful.

Local Tip: Reservations are not always available, as hotel guests are given priority. Sometimes you can get a same-day reservation if guests choose not to dine that day, so calling in the morning can be helpful.

Photo credit: ©Château des Alpilles Facebook Page

Practical Information

Château des Alpilles
Route de Rougadou,
13210 St-Rémy-de-Provence
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 92 03 33
contact@chateaudesalpilles.com
Website

More St-Remy Travel Tips

How do you get a table at a romantic restaurant? Where is the best place to walk on a hot day? With so many market vendors, where do you start? Keith Van Sickle has the answers to some of those questions and many more in his latest publication, An Insider’s Guide to St-Rémy-de-Provence and the surrounding area. Each year, Keith Van Sickle and his wife, Val, immerse themselves in Provence for several months, embracing the local language and culture. They focus on learning French to deepen their appreciation and strengthen connections with locals, while exploring the region’s culture, history, gastronomy, and traditions. So, if you’re planning to be in the Alpilles, consider buying a copy of this handy reference guide, filled with numerous tips.

Guide to the Alpilles Villages

Full-Day Wine Adventure from Marseille: Exploring the Côtes de Provence Appellation

Join us for a captivating day tour as we explore the Côtes de Provence wine appellation! Your adventure begins by unveiling the beauty of Montagne Sainte Victoire, an iconic symbol of the area.

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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.