Summer in the South of France draws travelers with the glamour of the Côte d’Azur and Cannes, but the true Provençal charm is found inland, among lavender-scented valleys, medieval villages and distant mountain silhouettes. In the Luberon area east of Avignon, the historic estate Coquillade Provence—once home to Cistercian monks in the 11th century and now a Relais & Châteaux resort—offers a peaceful base from which to discover that countryside spirit.
Set among vineyards and fields, Coquillade Provence features 69 well-appointed guestrooms and suites, including newly introduced Luberon suites. The property is beautiful year-round, yet summer gives it a special energy as lavender, vines and sunlit terraces come alive.
© Coquillade Provence
The resort’s Coquillade Spa expands its seasonal treatment menu in summer to showcase vinotherapy and lavender rituals and offers focused retreat programs such as Detox & Shape, No Stress and In & Out Beauty. These programs combine targeted therapies, spa facilities and restorative time outdoors to help guests recharge.
Concierge teams from the hotel prepare a calendar of private cultural and culinary experiences across Provence. Highlights include exclusive access to the world’s largest Gothic palace with visits to hidden chapels and rooftop terraces followed by a Rhône-facing wine tasting; private tours of renowned vineyards with expert oenologists where guests can learn blending techniques and create their own bottle; and fragrance workshops in Aix-en-Provence that use local ingredients like rose de mai, fig leaf and verbena to craft personal scents.
Food-focused activities present the region’s olive oil and truffle traditions: meet small-scale olive oil producers, tour historic groves and taste fresh-pressed oils with regional bread, sea salt and cheeses; or join local truffle-hunting teams and discover how these prized fungi are found and prepared. For a scenic day, drive backroads through lavender fields with market stops and panoramic viewpoints along the route.
© Coquillade Provence
Working with local ecologist and mountain guide Corinne, the resort offers guided nature excursions that highlight Provence’s varied landscapes. Seasonal tours run from mid-June to late July through secluded ochre canyons, lavender fields and tasting stops; other options lead through valleys and natural springs or include sunrise and sunset hikes with simple breakfasts outdoors.
On July 15, when the Tour de France returns to tackle Mont Ventoux in Stage 16, Coquillade Provence debuts pro-level cycling retreats. These packages include multi-day group rides, tailored itineraries, private rides for two, and curated inclusions such as BMC bikes, experienced guides, spa access, and locally inspired meals and wine tastings—designed for cyclists who want guided training rides combined with regional immersion.
The estate also cultivates its own organic vineyard, Domaine de la Coquillade. Guests can explore the winemaking process through private tastings of award-winning rosés, whites and structured reds, cellar tours that explain vinification and aging, and relaxed vineyard picnics beneath oak, fig and cypress trees. These experiences pair tasting notes with the landscape that nurtures each wine, making for memorable summer afternoons.