Medieval History Meets Modern Luxury at Coquillade Provence

By Lisa Frederick
November 8, 2025
9 Min Read

In early autumn, there’s a singular air of romance about Provence that emerges after the summer crowds have dissipated, the landscape aglow with honey-colored light and the mild days giving way to brisk evenings. In the heart of the Luberon, a corner of the region celebrated for its perched hilltop villages, ochre cliffs and patchwork of vineyards, Coquillade Provence reveals its most intimate self as the season sets in. The property takes its name from the Provençal word couquihado, or crested lark, a bird known for returning to the same place year after year, and it’s a fitting metaphor for this enchanting resort — guests find themselves drawn back to Coquillade repeatedly, unable to resist its allure.

Mediterranean-style stone and stucco buildings with terracotta tile roofs sit on a hillside surrounded by cypress trees and lush vegetation in the Provence countryside. The property features multiple connected structures in cream, peach, and salmon tones with blue shutters. Rolling hills with scattered buildings and a hilltop village extend across the background beneath a hazy sky. — Coquillade Provence is tucked amid the slopes of the mountainous Luberon region. Photo courtesy of Coquillade Provence

Coquillade Provence Review and Highlights

The cluster of buildings that now comprise Coquillade began life as an 11th-century hamlet built by Cistercian monks from the nearby Abbey of Sénanque, and the property still retains the flavor of a standalone village. It nimbly straddles the line between preserving an aura of history and embracing 5-star comforts — while the sense of the past remains close at hand, the trappings are pure modern luxury. From its thoughtfully curated art collection to its estate-produced wines, from its world-class cycling program to its family-friendly amenities, Coquillade offers something for every type of traveler. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and truly exhale — whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a family adventure or just a few days of profound relaxation.

A three-photo collage featuring Mediterranean-style landscaping and architecture. The main image on the left shows manicured spherical topiary trees in ornate terracotta planters with carved decorative details, positioned on a terrace with stone walls and wrought iron fixtures visible in the background. The top right photo displays a close-up of a white flower with delicate petals and yellow stamens, while the bottom right captures a sunset landscape view with cypress trees silhouetted against rolling hills under a peach and blue sky. — Beautiful onsite details abound, no matter where you look

Coquillade feels deeply rooted in the Provençal landscape, surrounded by rolling hills lined with slender cypress trees and vineyards from which the estate’s own wines are produced. Beautiful moments await at every turn throughout the grounds: silvery olive trees, stone fountains trickling beside fragrant herb gardens and shaded courtyards where time seems to move at a leisurely pace. The property mixes traditional and modern with remarkable aplomb. The owner is an art aficionado, and his collection is scattered throughout the resort with intention — paintings grace the walls of guest rooms, while sculptures and murals surprise you as you wander the grounds. This integration of fine art elevates the experience beyond typical resort decor, making the corridors and courtyards feel like curated gallery spaces.

A modern hotel bedroom featuring exposed wooden ceiling beams and neutral beige walls with wall-mounted sconces. The room contains a bed dressed in white striped linens positioned against a wall displaying a large abstract painting in vibrant greens, oranges, and yellows. A seating area with gray upholstered furniture and a distinctive red round side table holding a green book occupies the foreground, with tile flooring throughout the space. — A bold abstract painting, one of the pieces from the property owner’s collection, imbues this neutral Junior Suite with a jolt of energy

Accommodations

Coquillade has 69 rooms and suites, each with a private terrace or balcony to take advantage of the spectacular views and abundant sunshine. Some are housed within the historic buildings while others occupy newer structures, but they blend together in pleasing visual harmony. Inside, the design is a study in simplicity and light — our Junior Suite was spacious and open, awash in pale neutrals and weathered woods enlivened by shots of bold color in the artwork and accents. I particularly enjoyed the coffee table book showcasing pieces from the owner’s art collection, as educational as it was interesting.

A vast, deep soaking tub appeared to float within our generously sized bath, and cleverly designed case goods with integrated storage kept the surfaces clean and spare. A small dining table and twin chaises on the terrace, which overlooked the vineyards, made it the perfect spot for morning coffee or evening aperitifs.

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A private patio with beige stone tile flooring features wicker outdoor furniture including a dining table with four chairs and a closed cream-colored umbrella. The terrace is enclosed by terra cotta-colored walls topped with manicured spherical topiaries and lush greenery that creates a natural privacy screen. Beyond the landscaping, cypress trees and rolling hills are visible under a partly cloudy blue sky. — Artful landscaping provides outdoor terraces with a sense of privacy while allowing views over the hills beyond

Families might opt for the Family Suite or Duplex Family Suite, both of which can accommodate two adults plus two kids. Multigenerational families or couples traveling together can book Bastide les Vallats, a six-bedroom standalone villa that offers the autonomy of a private residence with the services and amenities of the resort at your doorstep.

A spacious interior lounge features vaulted ceilings with exposed wooden beams, decorative tile inserts, and a multi-tiered crystal chandelier. The room is furnished with blush pink velvet tufted ottomans, a matching sectional sofa, and a natural wood stump side table on light stone tile flooring. Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors provide views of the surrounding garden and Provençal landscape, while French doors with divided glass panes connect to adjacent interior spaces. — A large, elegant living area anchors Suite Cassiopée, one of the five Luberon Suites. Photo courtesy of Coquillade Provence

Coquillade’s newest and poshest accommodations are the five Luberon Suites, contained within a separate wing and each named for a classical nymph. The decor is layered with plush fabrics and dotted with well-chosen antiques from the famous markets of nearby Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, all against a tone-on-tone backdrop of creams and taupes. On the private terraces, you’ll find hydrotherapy tubs sunken into the surrounding deck; if you really want to splash out, the Cassiopée suite also includes its own solarium, lap pool, and sauna. Some of the suites connect to accommodate larger groups of up to 10 guests.

A large outdoor swimming pool with still turquoise water reflects the surrounding architecture and cypress trees. The pool area features wooden deck sections, white sun loungers positioned under pergolas on the left, and a distinctive weathered metal panel wall with spherical decorative stones serving as a water feature on the right. Stone walls, terraced levels, and Mediterranean-style buildings with cypress trees are visible in the background under a light blue sky. — The heated pool is warm enough for swimming even in the off-season

Activities and Amenities

The resort offers an ample slate of onsite diversions to fill your days or simply complement long stretches of unhurried leisure. It’s renowned for its cycling program, and the Coquillade Cycling Center contains an impressive fleet of high-performance BMCs, Stromers, mountain bikes, road bikes, and kid-size bikes for younger riders. Opt for either a guided ride or a self-guided excursion, allowing you to explore the Luberon’s scenic roads and country lanes at your own pace or with insight and advice from an expert.

If you prefer something a bit less intense, play a few rounds of boules, practice your serve at the tennis court or book a tour of the Domaine de la Coquillade vineyards — capped off by a tasting, bien sûr. For families, there’s an inviting outdoor pool (heated in the off-season), perfect for kids to splash and play, while parents seeking a bit of adult-only peace and quiet will appreciate the larger Olympic-size pool, where they can swim laps or simply lounge on one of the comfortable chaises.

Three cyclists in athletic gear ride road bikes along a paved path through vineyard countryside with rolling hills in the background. A tall red BMC branded banner stands at the roadside, and the foreground features white and red flowering plants bordering the manicured lawn. The landscape shows expansive green vineyards extending toward tree-covered hills under a clear blue sky. — Coquillade is well known for its excellent cycling program. Photo courtesy of Coquillade Provence

The spa deserves special mention as a sanctuary unto itself. It offers a full menu of treatments using Coquillade’s own beauty and wellness products, lending an extra top note of authenticity. The Vinotherapy treatments, which draw on the beneficial properties of grapes and vines, feel particularly appropriate to this wine-country setting. The spa even offers gentler treatments just for kids, recognizing that younger guests also deserve some pampering.

Children have their own dedicated spaces, including an onsite playground and, from the beginning of July to the end of August, a kids’ club that welcomes ages three to fifteen. The program offers a nicely varied range of immersive activities: nature walks and scavenger hunts, arts and crafts projects, games, and even dance and music lessons.

A stone archway entrance labeled "CIPRESSA" is covered with climbing vines displaying autumn foliage in shades of crimson, burgundy, and green against weathered beige stonework. The archway frames a view through to a paved terrace with cone-shaped topiaries in terracotta pots, outdoor dining furniture, and a mature pine tree in the distance. White flowering plants grow at the base of the stone wall in the foreground. — Vines drape the entrance to the poolside Cipressa restaurant

Dining

The culinary experience at Coquillade reflects both the bounty of the region and an innovative gastronomic approach. Breakfast is an exquisite spread served in Les Vignes, an onsite restaurant that frames views over the vineyards through its expansive windows (if weather permits, opt for a table on the outdoor terrace, where you can watch the sun climb high above the neat rows of vines). Les Vignes also opens daily for dinner, with a menu that draws upon French classics — traditional beef tartare; local escargot with garlic and baby vegetables; roast chicken with onions and chestnuts; and luscious, buttery crêpes Suzette. Its exceptional wine list showcases not only the estate’s own production but also thoughtfully selected bottles from across the region and beyond.

For lunch and weekend dinners, Cipressa provides poolside dining with antipasti, pizzas, pastas risotto and grilled meats and fish, a perfect pairing for a leisurely afternoon in the sun.

A hotel lounge or bar area features groupings of coral-colored upholstered armchairs with nailhead trim arranged around small round tables on wide-plank wood flooring. The room has exposed wooden ceiling beams with white panels between them, and large arched French doors with dark frames that open to a courtyard view with manicured topiary trees. Amber-shaded wall sconces and arc floor lamps provide warm lighting throughout the space, which has cream-colored walls with darker wainscoting at the lower portion. — Warm and inviting, the bar is a perfect gathering spot for apéro or a nightcap

We particularly enjoyed unwinding before dinner in the elegant indoor-outdoor bar area, which serves bites and small plates alongside an appealing selection of cocktails and wines. Domaine de la Coquillade produces vintages under several different labels (Elyo, Coquillade and Aphélie), and the selection we sampled was delicious, embodying the fresh, mineral-driven character for which this region has become justly famous.

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A three-photo collage depicting scenes from a Provençal village and its surroundings. The top left shows a hillside village with ochre and rust-colored buildings clustered together with a church bell tower rising above the rooftops. The top right displays a market stall with arranged rows of dried sausages and bottled products with handwritten labels, while the bottom image features a dramatic layered ochre cliff formation in shades of orange and yellow with pine trees growing along its ridge. — Clockwise from top left: Roussillon’s architecture reflects the tones of the surrounding earth; food stalls are plentiful at the weekly market in town; Le Sentier des Ocres is a geological marvel

Local Area

The resort’s concierge team proves exceptionally helpful in mapping out sightseeing adventures throughout the Luberon and surrounding areas. They can coordinate local experiences ranging from truffle hunting expeditions with trained dogs and their handlers to horseback rides through the countryside to guided canoe and kayak excursions along the region’s waterways.

A 10-minute drive delivers you to Roussillon, one of France’s most striking villages, where buildings wear sunwashed shades of ochre, gold and terra cotta. Thursday is market day in Roussillon, and it’s an especially good time to visit, when vendors fill the streets with local produce, lavender-scented products, textiles, antiques and bric-a-brac. On the outskirts of town, Le Sentier des Ocres offers walking trails through former ochre quarries where the landscape takes on an almost otherworldly beauty (a tip: don’t wear white shoes, as the colorful dust has a tendency to leave its mark). Gordes, another nearby hilltop village, is equally worth exploring, its stone houses cascading down the slope in a stunning display of medieval architecture.

A medieval monastery cloister features a square courtyard surrounded by Romanesque stone arcades with rounded arches supported by columns. The interior courtyard contains a formal garden with symmetrical planted beds divided by a central grass pathway, featuring flowering plants and low hedges arranged in geometric patterns. A bell tower with arched openings rises above the stone buildings under an overcast sky. — The tranquil cloister and courtyard gardens at the Abbey of Sénanque

A little farther afield lies the Abbey of Sénanque, most famous for its lavender fields in summer but very much worth visiting in the off-season when you can appreciate its austere 12th-century Cistercian architecture without the crowds. The abbey is brought to life via interactive Histopads that show you what it looked like in its heyday versus now and explain the rhythms of monastic life, transforming your visit from simple sightseeing into virtual time travel. It’s a powerful callback to the region’s deep history … the same monks who built this abbey also founded the hamlet that would become Coquillade, bringing the story full circle in a wholly satisfying way.

A gently sloping vineyard with orderly rows of grapevines extends across the landscape, bordered by wooded areas and trees on the hillside in the background. The foreground features ornamental plantings including white roses and purple-flowering rosemary or lavender bushes that frame the view of the cultivated vines. The scene is captured under a partly cloudy sky with natural daylight illuminating the green foliage throughout the terraced agricultural setting. — Coquillade’s vineyards are lovely as the morning sun rises over the hills

Things to Know

While July and August are peak season at Coquillade, late spring and early fall are excellent times to be here, bringing milder temperatures and lower crowds. Coquillade Provence shutters between late November and mid-March for its annual closure.

The closest major airport is Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), about an hour’s drive away. You can also get from Paris to Avignon or Aix-en-Provence via TGV train, which takes about 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours; Coquillade Provence is 50 minutes from Avignon by car and just over an hour from Aix. You’ll want a car for exploring the Luberon, as public transport in this region is sparse and infrequent.

Relevant Links:

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Ciao Bambino received a media package in order to review Coquillade. As always, our opinions are our own. Photos by Lisa Frederick except where noted.

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.

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Medieval History Meets Modern Luxury at Coquillade Provence