Villa Gallici

Just five minutes from the city center, La Villa Gallici was created by three friends who, tired of lamenting Aix-en-Provence’s lack of a traditional country house hotel, took it upon themselves to create one. The result is delightfully excessive, more luxurious than most Provencal inns, and attaining what must be the Holy Grail for any post-modern reproduction: it seems almost more authentic than the real thing.

No two rooms are alike, though all are spacious and luxe, decorated in rich fabrics and ornate wallpapers. Unique flourishes abound, from freestanding tubs in palatial white marble bathrooms to reproduction furniture to the occasional canopy bed, and private terraces or balconies are almost universal. And outside, the Florentine gardens offer a sublime retreat, shaded by cypress trees, the perfect spot for a bit of breakfast or an aperitif.

Guests lounge around the pool by day, beneath the garden’s plane trees, and meals or afternoon tea are served in the salons, lit by candles at night. Just next door you’ll find one of the best restaurants in town, though this close to the city center you may find yourself spoilt for choice. Then again you might find it difficult to venture out; La Villa Gallici is something of an oasis, a quiet and unpretentious retreat, with the sort of personable service that makes for legions of repeat customers.

How to get there:
La Villa Gallici is approximately a 30-minute drive from Marseille Provence Airport and a 90-minute drive from Nice Cote D'Azur Airport.