Saint-Rémy-de-Provence has all the slow charm of a Provençal market town with the attractions of a much bigger metropolis. Twenty kilometres from Avignon, the town is synonymous with Vincent Van Gogh, who produced about 150 paintings during a year here, and it remains a favourite with the many artists who live and work in the region.
Adding to the appeal of St-Rémy’s galleries, Roman ruins, boutiques and a handful of highly regarded restaurants is the new seven-suite Hôtel de Tourrel. The impressive stone features of a 17-century mansion in the centre of town are matched with cool white walls, parquet floors and a mix of handmade and mid-century furnishings. Room Two is said to be the salon in which Charles Gounod’s opera Mireille premiered in 1863. There’s a “nouveau Mediterranean” restaurant on the ground floor and a wine bar stocked with grand crus and labels from some of the 34 nearby appellations.
Rooms from around $550, 5 rue Carnot, 13210, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France
