Admire majestic vistas of the Azure Coast and Provence while indulging in a lavish stay at this 18th-century country home. Hôtel La Grande Bastide offers a pampered holiday setting, with accommodations and amenities fit for celebrities. Sleep in rooms and suites that are fitted with modern comforts yet still exude their cozy rural ambiance. Spend your lazy days relaxing by the outdoor pool on the terrace, and your active days seeking adventure up on the beaches and mountains of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. For your French culture fix, visit Nice and its neighboring towns to take in the sights and savor the delicacies. There are also lovely museums to check out, including the former home of impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
1350 Route De La Colle, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France
Although it's unfortunate that Hôtel La Grande Bastide's history is lost to time, aside from it being built in the 18th century, we can still find much of its original charm in a well-preserved state. As a bastide, the home was likely the provincial house of a member of high society.
The hotel's owners value the former bastide's heritage, integrating classical features even after renovating the many spaces and rooms. For its exterior, it retained the bright pastel walls and terracotta roofs common in Provence. This aesthetic sense continues into the interior areas, where walls are also painted in soft yet vivid pastel tones. Some rooms still have exposed timbers for supporting the structure, and even if these weren't the original ones, they retain the spirit and tradition of the original architecture.
When it comes to decor, the choice of soft pastel colors is maintained, along with choosing lightly colored wood for furniture such as tables or chairs. For fabrics such as bedding and curtains, the colors have a more woodland theme, using earthy and leafy shades.
Breakfast
Savor not only indulgent views of Provence, but also a delicious breakfast served in the dining lounge or out on the terrace. Try the regional delicacies and local products, including fruits, jams, and honey from local farms. The morning meal costs 25 EUR (30 USD) per person, or you may instead choose a stay package with an inclusive breakfast.
Lounge & Terrace
Aside from breakfasts, the hotel's lounge and terrace are also open for lunch. Try their selection of Italian dishes and light fare such as salads. Be sure to complement these with local vintages produced by Provence's farms and wineries.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence and its surrounding communes offer diverse experiences and attractions that deserve spots on your itinerary. The mountains around Saint-Paul-de-Vence have trails for hiking and biking, suitable for trekkers of various skill levels. The Azure Coast is also rich with wildlife, so birdwatchers may also want to bring their binoculars or camera and do some birdspotting. Other options include horseback riding and canoeing, which can be arranged via the concierge.
Meanwhile, the town of Cagnes-sur-Mer is known as the hometown of Auguste Escoffier and of Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Escoffier is regarded as the father of modern French cuisine, revolutionizing the culinary system for the 20th century. Renoir, on the other hand, is a pioneering artist in the Impressionist movement in traditional painting. Both of their homes have since been turned into museums commemorating their contributions to mankind.
Museum estate featuring contemporary art, with works of numerous 20th-century artists on display. (5-minute drive)
Birth home of Auguste Escoffier, the king of chefs who modernized French haute cuisine for the 20th century. (13-minute drive)
Home of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, the French artist who pioneered the Impressionism movement. (19-minute drive)
Nice Airport (NCE) is the closest airport to Hôtel La Grande Bastide, 27 minutes away from the hotel.
The nearest railway station is Cagnes-sur-Mer Station, a 14-minute drive from the hotel.