Need a Luxury Escape to Provence? Hotel Capelongue Delivers

Our vacation in Provence began with an overnight flight from North America to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, followed by the TGV to Avignon. As we wound through the Luberon Valley, our driver pointed out the famous perched villages. We caught a fleeting glimpse of Lacoste and its château, once home to the Marquis de Sade, long before Pierre Cardin restored the ancient structure. As we reached Bonnieux, we saw how nature defined architecture, with the town looking like a stone layer cake on a slope. Arriving at the five-star Hotel Capelongue, perched on a plateau just beyond the village, felt like stepping into a warm embrace—a perfect place to pause and breathe.

The Hotel

Hotel Capelongue, opened in 1980 as a sumptuous retreat, evokes the charm of a Provençal hamlet. Spacious rooms overlook resort amenities: a sparkling pool, a tranquil spa, a modern fitness centre, a racquet court, and enticing restaurants. Perched atop the Claparèdes plateau, the resort offers sweeping views of the Luberon Valley. At Capelongue, there is a hush of tranquillity that makes it a vacation refuge just minutes from Bonnieux.

Photo credit: ©Capelongue

Building on its luxurious offerings, Capelongue was our charming hotel sanctuary for a week in Provence. The hotel is just the right size with 57 guestrooms and suites with postcard-perfect views of the Petit Luberon and lush grounds. Located just outside Bonnieux, Capelongue’s team warmly welcomed us with opportunities for sports, wellness, and delightful cuisine. It was a true haven of relaxation, so it was no surprise we found it hard to say goodbye to this special place.

Photo credit: ©Capelongue

After a restful night, our first Provençal morning began in soft sunlight with a gentle yoga class. The scent of warm croissants and robust coffee led us to La Bergerie, where the breakfast buffet, a gourmet spread of fresh pastries, assorted cheeses, and regional specialties, stirred every sense. Choosing what to savour felt like the day’s sweetest dilemma.

Photo credit: ©Capelongue

Active Relaxation

Energized by breakfast, we decided to get some exercise. Capelongue offers a range of on-site fitness options, including a padel court for lively racquet games and a gym outfitted with Technogym equipment. The fitness centre also hosts scheduled yoga and Pilates classes, offering diverse ways to stay active.

Photo credit: ©Capelongue

To further embrace the Provençal landscape, Hotel Capelongue has direct access to sun-dappled pine forests. Beyond the hotel’s gates, guests can stroll or bike along winding trails in the Luberon Valley. Explore at your own pace, or allow the hotel’s welcoming staff to arrange a guided tour showcasing local flora and fauna for a vivid outdoor experience.

Ah Spa!

Unwinding was our top priority, and Capelongue’s blend of luxury and wellness made it the ideal choice. The spa pampers guests with signature treatments using ‘Oh My Cream’ and Susanne Kaufmann products. Therapists melt away tension with nurturing facials or massages. Guests seeking relaxation beyond the treatment rooms can linger in the mosaic-tiled hammam, bracing cold bath, or timeworn Roman bath.

Photo credit: ©Capelongue

Gourmet Delight

No exceptional vacation is complete without memorable meals, and Capelongue delivers. At its centre, La Bastide—the Michelin-starred showpiece—sees Chef Noël Bérard and his team transform Provence’s local bounty into vibrant, artfully plated dishes. The menu captures the region’s colours and aromas: shimmering seafood, rustic meats, lush produce, hand-selected cheeses, and locally roasted coffee. Dine Tuesday through Saturday for dinner, or Friday and Saturday for lunch. Save room for the finale—the black-olive ice cream from Nyons leaves an indelible impression.

Photo credit: ©Capelongue

A second on-site restaurant, La Bergerie, offers relaxed terraces overlooking Bonnieux, inviting guests to unwind over Provençal staples. Chef Mathieu Guivarch and his team serve classics—golden pissaladière, crisp panisse, herb-laced tapenade, and rustic caillette—alongside smoky wood-fired mains.

Photo credit: ©Capelongue

Beautiful Bonnieux

The Luberon Valley connects historic villages and stunning landscapes, attracting visitors from afar. Bonnieux is a delightful destination in the Luberon. The village is known for its narrow streets, lively weekly markets, and inviting cafés and shops. Panoramic views of the Luberon and the Calavon River make the climb to the 12th-century Vieille Église (old church) well worth it. On clear days, you can see Provence’s impressive Mont Ventoux in the distance. Discover Bonnieux’s charm on a guided walking tour, which can be conveniently arranged through the hotel.

Photo credit:©Paul Shawcross

Beyond Capelongue

Hotel Capelongue delivered everything we imagined: plush luxury, exquisite cuisine, and active pursuits. The surprise was how irresistibly inviting the poolside loungers were, making venturing out feel unnecessary. Yet the staff’s cheerful encouragement led us on unique adventures beyond the property line.

Highlights included the bustling Friday market in Lourmarin, where Capelongue’s sister hotel, Le Moulin, sits in the lively village. During truffle season, the hotel staff can arrange a hunt with a local rabassier (truffle hunter) and their eager hounds. Vineyards across the Luberon Valley invite you to savour sunset-coloured wines of Provence. For a distinct adventure, follow a local guide ‘In the donkey handler’s footsteps.’ Time spent at Hotel Capelongue slips by in a sun-drenched blur.

Photo credit: ©Capelongue

Book Your Stay

Capelongue distills the essence of Provençal luxury: attentive, intuitive service; thoughtful amenities; and panoramic vistas, all celebrating an unhurried, artful pace of life. Treat yourself—reserve your stay today.

Hotel Capelongue is a luxury hotel in Provence.
Les Claparèdes,
550 Chemin des Cabanes,
84480 Bonnieux, France

Awarded a Michelin Key and ranked as the 2nd Best Hotel in France in the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards.

Photo credit: ©Capelongue

From Nice: Full-Day 4x4 Alpine Escape with Local Food & Wine Tastings

Hop aboard a premium 4x4 Ford Raptor and venture far from the bustle of the French Riviera into the hidden mountain landscapes of Nice. This exclusive experience takes you off the beaten path to explore the soul of alpine Provence, where perched villages, wild valleys, and enduring local traditions await.

Book this Experience

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).