Hôtel Gounod

The Hôtel Gounod, half-way between Arles and Avignon in the beautiful village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is an absolute gem. It’s one of those eclectic lodgings blending a great deal of comfort, a little bit of flamboyance, lots of mediterranean, and ample personality.
The patio-courtyard bedecked with plants and olive trees faces the heart of the old town creating a sense of southern calm which continues into the hotel itself. A beautiful old tea room takes the place of a formal lobby with classical-style chairs and deep red colours, rich carpets and fabrics creating an air of comfort, charm and homeliness. Hôtel Gounod makes you feel a little special without ever verging on the pretentious, it is a relaxing space, one conducive to soaking up the Provençal spirit of good times, good food and wonderful wine.
The Gounod takes its name from the 19th century composer Charles Gounod who wrote the opera Mireille here. The building has quite an interesting past, originally a post house back in the 1600s and then converted into lodgings, it is the original and oldest hotel in Saint Rémy. All of this history hasn’t stopped the Hôtel Gounod from changing (just a little) with the times, however. A beautiful pool in the courtyard to the rear is surrounded by plants and trees with loungers placed here and there, facing the Mediterranean sun or in the shade of a cypress or lemon tree.
The hotel has 34 rooms, 10 in the older part of the building and the others a little more recent but situated around the swimming pool. The decor is bold and sensual, quirky perhaps, in that it mixes the classical with occasional strong colours; the overall effect is very pleasant and more than a little bit dreamlike.
In short the hotel oozes personality and seems to be built for relaxation, Sophie and the rest of the staff are wonderful hosts and your stay in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence will begin and end in style!
The hotel would like to point out that for everybody’s wellbeing the hotel is non-smoking. Given the large number of antique decorations it is not suitable for guests with young children.