The Marquis de Sade’s family estate – the Château de Mazan’s guests and clientele have softened with time, perhaps something to do with that relaxing and sensual southern sun. A stay in what is now a carefully restored and very beautiful hotel is a calming and indulgent treat.
Surrounded by acres of gardens, a pool built out of the local stone and views across to Mont Ventoux, the Lhermie family know how to mix a little history with a relaxed coolness and hints of a classical elegance. In the rooms wooden beams blend with terra cotta floor tiles, the odd chaise longue, elegant and refined bathroom furniture. Nothing is over the top here, however, and the style is far from forced, emanating from an effortless approach not just to what looks good but, perhaps more importantly, what feels good.
Good taste abounds and in fact, the cuisine too is definitely worth trying – make a mental note that the restaurant closes Tuesdays (Mondays too in Low Season) so do try and ensure your visit spans some of the other days of the week in order to take advantage of the wonderful cooking. A family-run hotel with 30 rooms, the Château de Mazan is in a quiet and beautiful corner of Provence with a friendly and relaxed welcome.
A very good choice for two or three days if you are heading off somewhere else or indeed use it as a base and stay for a week, taking advantage of its great location in relation to Avignon, Nîmes and the Luberon.