Airelles Gordes, La Bastide

As the sun sets over the Luberon Valley, a guest sips champagne on the terrace of Airelles Gordes, La Bastide. The ancient stone walls of the 16th-century manor glow amber in the fading light, while the terraced gardens cascade down the hillside below, framing views of olive groves and vineyards. Staff members creep among the tables, refreshing glasses and adjusting cushions without being asked, as the scent of lavender and cypress mingles with the evening air. This moment—where centuries of Provençal history meet modern comfort—captures what makes Airelles Gordes, La Bastide a distinctive destination.

Airelles Gordes, La Bastide has been awarded a 2025 Global Recognition Award, distinguishing it among notable hospitality experiences. This recognition celebrates the property’s achievement as the only Palace-designated hotel in the Luberon region, placing it among a select group of French properties representing high-quality luxury hospitality. Built into the ramparts of Gordes, one of France’s most beautiful villages, this 40-room and suite property has established itself as a destination where 18th-century elegance meets modern comfort, earning consistent praise from guests who rank it highly among global luxury experiences.

What sets Airelles Gordes, La Bastide apart is its careful restoration and commitment to authentic Provençal heritage. When LOV Hotel Collection acquired this historic property, they conducted a comprehensive nine-month renovation costing 25 million euros, employing over 150 artisans—including painters, tunnelers, cabinet makers, masons, plasterers, mosaicists, and carpenters—to update the ancient manor while preserving its historic character. The result is a property where, as director Jean-Pierre Lerallu explains, the goal was “to give the impression that nothing has changed for three centuries.” This dedication to authenticity, quality service, and well-designed amenities creates an experience connecting guests to a refined era of Provençal hospitality.

Signature Experiences and Cultural Immersion

Airelles Gordes, La Bastide offers what can best be described as its “cultural time capsule”—a carefully curated environment where every element contributes to an authentic journey through Provençal history. The property features 2,000 pieces of antique furniture and paintings sourced from antique dealers, creating interiors that feel like a private collection rather than a hotel. This commitment to authenticity extends to unique experiences that connect guests with the region’s heritage, from private astronomy sessions with the hotel’s resident astronomer in a countryside bunker to hot air balloon adventures over Roussillon’s ochre landscapes. These experiences provide guests with perspectives of Provence that few travelers witness.

The staff’s attentive service enhances every stay through thoughtful gestures that address needs before they’re expressed. One guest noted, “The staff greeted us and our son by name as we walked in the door,” another mentioned how the team “brought down fresh white robes to the pool” when their room was ready. This attention to detail extends to personalized welcome amenities, complimentary minibars restocked daily, and staff who remember guest preferences from previous stays. The concierge team arranges custom experiences, from private tours of lavender fields to wine tastings at nearby vineyards, ensuring each guest discovers their version of Provence.

For families, the Airelles Summer Camp provides a distinctive experience for younger guests. This dedicated children’s area features indoor and outdoor spaces, including a private terrace, arcade games, and a pool. Professional nannies and entertainers organize daily activities, from creative workshops to sports competitions, while special events like caricature sessions, astronomy nights, and treasure hunts in the gardens create memorable experiences. The afternoon snack time at 4:30 pm, where children can choose from a range of homemade treats, demonstrates the property’s commitment to creating meaningful moments for guests of all ages.

Accommodations and Design Elements

Airelles Gordes, La Bastide offers 40 rooms and suites, each uniquely designed to reflect Provençal elegance while providing modern comfort. The one-bedroom suites, measuring 50 square meters (538 square feet), accommodate up to four guests and feature intimate spaces that showcase authenticity through period furniture, paintings sourced from antique dealers, wood paneling, and toile de Jouy wall coverings. For a luxury experience, the Maison de Constance offers five bedrooms, a private pool, and direct access to the village of Gordes. At the same time, the Baron de Simiane suite features original finishes, 18th-century furniture, and a private terrace with panoramic views.

The interior design approach reflects respect for Provençal heritage while ensuring contemporary comfort. Architect Christophe Tollemer led the renovation, adjusting spaces, creating cloisters, vaulted ceilings, and a revolving staircase, while improving circulation between buildings. The former parking area was transformed into a garden with olive trees and cypresses, centered around a swimming pool. Throughout the property, Herringbone parquet floors, fireplaces, terracotta tiles, patinated woodwork, oak foundations, and carefully selected antiques create an atmosphere that feels authentically 18th century while incorporating modern amenities. One guest observed, “This hotel and its restaurants are for people full of joie de vivre and enjoyment… The location is unique, the furnishings are enchanting, and the staff are exceptionally polite, friendly, and kind.”

In-room amenities combine historical aesthetics with modern functionality. Each accommodation features air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs and, in many cases, separate showers. The bathrooms, adorned with colored cement tiles, create a comfortable space, while large windows allow the soft Provençal light to illuminate the rooms. Guests consistently praise the comfort of their accommodations, with one noting, “The room was incredible and the views breathtaking.” This attention to historical detail and modern comfort ensures that guests experience the charm of Provence without sacrificing contemporary convenience.

Culinary Journey and Leisure Experiences

Dining at Airelles Gordes, La Bastide is a highlight of the guest experience, with multiple venues offering diverse culinary perspectives. L’Orangerie, the original restaurant, invites guests to discover Provençal cuisine in a notable location. Perched at the top of Gordes village, its terrace offers views over the Luberon Valley, with white linen-dressed tables scattered around and shaded by mulberry trees. Under the direction of Chef Yohan Fatela, who previously led kitchens at establishments including Fouquets by Pierre Gagnaire, the restaurant memorably presents traditional Luberon cuisine. The menu features creatively named dishes like “the pigeon goes mushroom hunting” and “sea bass behaves like a sardine,” paired with selected wines and sake.

Beyond L’Orangerie, the property offers several other dining options. La Citadelle serves Mediterranean cuisine for evening dinners, while a Sunday brunch is served on the same terrace. The dining experience extends to various settings throughout the property, from intimate dinners in the gardens to casual meals by the pool. The culinary team emphasizes local sourcing and seasonal ingredients, supporting regional producers while providing guests with authentic flavors that reflect Provence’s natural offerings. As one guest remarked about their experience at L’Orangerie, “The candle-lit dining room provides an intimate setting for a gourmet experience… Each dish came with thoughtful pairings, one being sake, and another being Montrachet—doesn’t get much better than that!”

Wellness and recreation options at Airelles Gordes, La Bastide, cater to diverse interests and energy levels. The 1,600-square-meter Sisley Spa, inspired by abbeys with vaulted ceilings and Burgundian stone, features an indoor pool, steam room, sauna, and sensory showers. Treatment rooms overlooking the Luberon Massif, some with private terraces for outdoor treatments, offer Sisley Phyto-Aromatic Facial and Body Treatments in a refined atmosphere. The property also features three swimming pools, including a 25-meter lap pool in the terraced garden, a fitness center, and activities ranging from cycling on electric bicycles to canoeing and hiking. For those seeking cultural experiences, the concierge can arrange private tours of nearby attractions, including the 12th-century Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénaque, creating a balance of relaxation and exploration.

Location Advantage and Future Development

Airelles Gordes, La Bastide’s location in Gordes, perched on a cliff overlooking the Luberon Valley, provides a distinctive setting that enhances the guest experience. This position offers what one guest described as “a breathtaking view over the Luberon Valley,” with a landscape of “steep limestone cliffs, verdant valleys, and hills dotted with ancient olive groves and vineyards as far as the eye can see.” The property’s elevated position allows guests to escape the crowds that visit this popular village, as one visitor noted, “Being so picturesque, Gordes naturally attracts the masses… escaping into the hotel felt like entering a secluded and exclusive haven.” This combination of accessibility and seclusion creates an advantage that few properties can match.

The hotel’s integration with the local environment extends beyond its physical setting to embrace the rhythms and traditions of Provençal life. Guests can explore the surrounding area through activities like lavender field visits, wine tastings, and cultural excursions to nearby villages. The concierge team arranges custom experiences that connect visitors with local artisans, producers, and natural features, from truffle hunting expeditions to private tours of markets and historic sites. Transportation options include car services, electric bicycles, and even a Citroën 2CV available for guest use, allowing for exploration of the region.

Looking ahead, Airelles Gordes, La Bastide continues to develop its offerings while maintaining its commitment to authentic Provençal hospitality. As part of the expanding Airelles collection, which is set to launch its ninth property and first outside France with Airelles Venezia in 2025, the hotel benefits from a shared philosophy of creating comfortable homes away from home that honor their locations while providing quality comfort and service. For travelers seeking to experience the essence of Provence through a lens of refined luxury and cultural authenticity, Airelles Gordes, La Bastide offers a combination of historical immersion and contemporary comfort. The 2025 Global Recognition Award acknowledges what discerning travelers have discovered: this property represents a standard of quality that transforms a hotel stay into a journey through the character of Provence.