France: Château de la Gaude, Provence

An 18th-Century Bastide Built Around Wine, Art, and Gastronomy

Set among lush greenery just outside Aix-en-Provence, Château de la Gaude is an 18th-century country house that reopened its doors in 2019, restored around a philosophy centered on wine, art, and gastronomy. The 17 rooms and suites are spread across the château's various buildings in a village-like arrangement, each finished with refined, sleek decor that favors comfort over ceremony.

Michelin-starred chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal leads Le Art, the estate's gastronomic restaurant blending Provençal and Japanese influences, alongside Le K and a third, more casual dining venue. The property farms 25 organically cultivated hectares of AOP côteaux d'Aix-en-Provence vineyard, with a wine trail, cellar, and shop for exploring the estate's own bottlings. Guests can also unwind at the indoor spa with hammam, sauna, and gym, in the renovated Orangerie salons and chapel, or by the outdoor pool set among the château's classified French gardens. Children of all ages are welcome, and while there's no dedicated kids club, the estate is designed with romantic getaways and family stays alike in mind.

Life at Château de la Gaude

• 17 rooms and suites spread across the château's buildings in a village-like layout

• Le Art, chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal's Michelin-starred restaurant, plus Le K and a third dining venue

• 25 organically farmed hectares of AOP côteaux d'Aix-en-Provence vineyard, with a wine trail, cellar, and shop

• An indoor spa with hammam, sauna, and gym

• Renovated Orangerie salons, a chapel, and classified French gardens

• An outdoor pool set within the château's grounds

Why Domaine de Chalamon, Why Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

• A genuine working vineyard and Michelin-starred kitchen on one historic estate

• Design and dining that pair Provençal roots with a distinctly modern sensibility

• Welcoming to both romantic getaways and family stays

• Minutes from Aix-en-Provence, with the estate's own gardens and vineyards to explore without leaving

Ideal For: Wine and food lovers wanting a working vineyard and Michelin-starred dining in one place, couples seeking a romantic countryside base near Aix-en-Provence, and families who want space to roam without a full resort scale.

Gold Coast Travel Perks

Unlock Fora amenities when you book with Gold Coast Travel:

• Complimentary bottle of wine

• €90 spa credit (2 night minimum)

• Welcome amenity

• Upgrade upon arrival, subject to availability

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