“The South of France: A Whispered Affair of Luxury & Secrets”
- Le Monocle Voyageur
- Feb 22
- 4 min read
Embark on an extraordinary seven-day odyssey through the enigmatic enclaves of the South of France, where luxury intertwines with secrecy, and every moment is a revelation.
This journey transcends the ordinary, guiding you through hidden sanctuaries, clandestine culinary havens, and exclusive experiences that remain whispers among the elite.
Day 1: The Allure of Aix-en-Provence
Morning:
Commence your adventure in the beguiling city of Aix-en-Provence. Check into Villa Gallici, a secluded five-star retreat nestled amidst Provençal gardens. This 18th-century bastide offers opulent rooms adorned with antique furnishings and a serene ambiance.
Afternoon:
Wander through the labyrinthine streets, discovering artisanal boutiques and secret squares. Visit the Atelier Cézanne, the hidden studio where Paul Cézanne’s masterpieces were conceived.
Evening:
Dine at Le Formal, an underground restaurant located in a historic vaulted cellar. Chef Jean-Luc Le Formal crafts avant-garde dishes that tantalize the palate.
Day 2: Secrets of the Luberon
Morning:
Journey to the clandestine village of Gordes, perched atop the Vaucluse plateau. Reside at La Bastide de Gordes, a fortress-like hotel offering panoramic views and discreet luxury.
Afternoon:
Explore the hidden Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, a Cistercian abbey surrounded by lavender fields. The serenity here is palpable, a well-kept secret of Provence.
Evening:
Savor dinner at L’Artegal, a concealed gem in Gordes offering a fusion of Provençal and contemporary cuisine. The intimate setting ensures an exclusive dining experience.
Day 3: The Enigma of Èze
Morning:
Venture to the medieval village of Èze, a well-guarded secret along the French Riviera. Ascend to Château de la Chèvre d’Or, a luxurious hideaway with rooms scattered throughout the village’s ancient stone houses.
Afternoon:
Meander through the exotic Jardin Botanique d’Èze, offering clandestine pathways and breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean.
Evening:
Indulge in a gastronomic journey at the hotel’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant, La Chèvre d’Or, where Chef Arnaud Faye presents enigmatic dishes that defy convention.
Day 4: Mysteries of Menton
Morning:
Proceed to the coastal town of Menton, often overlooked yet brimming with hidden treasures. Stay at Hotel Napoleon, a boutique establishment offering seclusion and elegance.
Afternoon:
Discover the secretive Val Rahmeh-Menton Botanical Garden, a sanctuary of rare plants and tranquil beauty.
Evening:
Dine at Mirazur, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant perched on a hillside. Chef Mauro Colagreco’s menu is a well-guarded secret, evolving with the seasons and the day’s freshest ingredients.
Day 5: The Hidden Charms of Cassis
Morning:
Conclude your journey in the quaint fishing village of Cassis. Retreat to Les Roches Blanches, a discreet luxury hotel offering rooms with unobstructed views of the azure sea.
Afternoon:
Embark on a private boat tour of the Calanques, secluded limestone cliffs and coves accessible only by sea. These natural wonders are among the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets.
Evening:
Savor your final dinner at La Villa Madie, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in a hidden cove. Chef Dimitri Droisneau crafts dishes that are as mysterious as they are delectable.
Day 6: The Lost Elegance of Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Morning:
Retreat to the artist’s haven of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where cobbled streets whisper stories of Matisse and Chagall. Check into Château Saint-Martin & Spa, a former Knights Templar stronghold turned five-star sanctuary. Hidden within 34 acres of olive groves, this Relais & Châteaux property epitomizes understated opulence.
Take a private tour of the Fondation Maeght, an avant-garde collection of modern masterpieces tucked away in the hills. Few know of its secret sculpture garden, where Miró’s surreal figures blend with nature.
Afternoon:
Wander the quiet back alleys of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, far from the tourist-laden main square. Stop at La Petite Cave de Saint-Paul, an intimate wine bar set inside a medieval stone cellar. Order a glass of rare Provençal rosé while soaking in the hushed ambiance.
For lunch, secure a table at Le Tilleul, a secret favorite among locals. The terrace, shaded by century-old trees, offers a tranquil setting for enjoying delicate Niçoise cuisine.
Evening:
As the sun dips, dine at La Colombe d’Or, where Picasso once paid for his meals with sketches. This legendary restaurant is still one of the Riviera’s best-kept secrets, serving traditional Provençal dishes in a setting adorned with original works of art.
Return to your suite at Château Saint-Martin for a moonlit dip in your private terrace pool, the silent hills of the Côte d’Azur stretching endlessly before you.
Day 7: The Untouched Majesty of Porquerolles
Morning:
Your final day takes you somewhere truly hidden—Île de Porquerolles, a pristine island where time stands still. Board a private yacht from Hyères, heading toward this car-free paradise known only to those who seek true seclusion.
Check into Le Mas du Langoustier, a discreet luxury retreat shrouded by pines and accessible only by a winding private road. The scent of eucalyptus lingers in the air, the Mediterranean glistens beyond.
Afternoon:
Rent an electric bike and traverse the island’s untouched trails. Discover Plage Notre-Dame, a secret beach with powdery sand and crystalline waters, reminiscent of the Seychelles.
Indulge in a secluded picnic curated by the hotel—fresh oysters, local honey-drizzled goat cheese, and chilled rosé, all set against the endless horizon.
Evening:
Dine at L’Olivier, the island’s only fine dining establishment, hidden within Le Mas du Langoustier. Chef Clément Guillemot crafts Mediterranean dishes with a whisper of the exotic—blue lobster with citrus foam, sea urchin risotto kissed by saffron.
End the journey in quiet solitude, a night walk along the cliffs, the sky heavy with stars, the gentle waves below echoing the secrets of your seven-day escape.
This seven-day immersion into the South of France is not for the ordinary traveler. It’s a journey for those who crave hidden opulence, whispered histories, and the kind of beauty that can only be found where few have dared to look.
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