Historic and Period Hotels: Provence, Cote d'Azur.

Mercure Beauvau Vieux Port. Marseilles

Without question, The Hôtel Mercure Beauvau Vieux-Port is the most historic hotel in Marseilles. First opened in 1816, the hotel recently underwent extensive restoration and continues to rate highly on independent hotel review websites. It is located close to the centre of Marseilles, overlooking the old harbour.

It is said that Chopin, Georges Sand and Musset all stayed at the Beauvau Vieux Port during the nineteenth century.

Find hotel details via Tripadvisor | Expedia

Hotel d’Europe. Avignon

Built towards the end of the 1500‘s and originally the private residence of the Marquess of Graveson, the building was transformed into a hotel in 1799. It may be located on Avignon’s Central Square, but it remains a secluded and tranquil retreat for its guests.

One of the earliest historical figures to enter the proverbial guest book was Napoleon Bonaparte, after which literary figures such as Tennessee Williams, Charles Dickens, Robert Browning, Elizabeth Browning, Victor Hugo and Henry James all came to stay. Artists Picasso and Salvador Dali also feature amongst its extremely impressive visitor list. Tripadvisor | Expedia

Chateau de la Pioline. Aix-en-Provence

Located on the banks of the River Arc and only a few minutes away from the centre of Aix-en-Provence, Chateau de Pioline has been in existence for seven centuries. Restored in the early 1990s, the hotel sits amid its own grounds and has 33 rooms and suites.

Charles V of France is known to have stayed at the Chateau during August 1536, as did Catherine de Medici in July 1579 when she visited Provence to broker a truce in the fighting between the Duke of Retz and Count of Carces. Tripadvisor | Expedia

Chateau de Mazan. Mazan

This eighteenth-century chateau has the great fortune of being located at the foot of Mont Ventoux, almost right at the heart of Provence. Family-run and with 30 rooms, Chateau de Mazan is far more intimate than the vast majority of hotels.

The Chateau is the former residence of none other than the Marquis de Sade, and where, in 1772, he organised the first ever Theatre Festival in France. Tripadvisor | Expedia

Hotel Gounod. Saint Remy de Provence.

One for enthusiasts and aficionados of opera given that it was here that Charles Gounod wrote Mireille in 1863.

A former post house and relay station, the building dates from the early 1800‘s. Today, however, it operates as a 3 star hotel and offers over 30 guest rooms and suites. Expedia

More period and historic accommodation throughout Provence and along the French Riviera

Aix en Provence

Citea La Bastide du Roy René. Apartment and studio accommodation in historic 16th and 17th century building. Expedia

Hôtel Château l'Arc. This Provencale chateau is located just a few miles outside the city in the medieval village of Fuveau. Four-star rated and possessing only 12 guest rooms in all, it is surrounded by parkland and the Sainte Victoire golf course. Chateau l’Arc was formerly the home of the 20th century artist, Bernard Buffet. Expedia

Hotel Le Pigonnet. A pretty 18th century mansion house close to the centre of Aix. Expedia

Villa Gallici. A luxury hotel housed within a beautiful period residence, Villa Gallici belongs to the distinguished Baglioni Hotels group - a name synonymous with romantic places to stay. Extremely highly rated by guests, it offers 23 rooms in total. Expedia

Arles

L’Hotel Particulier. A boutique hotel which exudes Provencale style, this pretty residence blends chic with period charm. Dating from the 18th century, L’Hotel Particulier offers fourteen guest rooms in all, and four star hospitality and facilities. Expedia

Le Mas de la Chapelle. (Near Arles). Located in countryside out-of-town, accommodation is within a 16th century farmhouse and former chapel. Expedia

Hotel de l’Amphitheatre. Recently restored seventeenth century hotel located conveniently close to the historic centre of Arles. Expedia

Hotel d’Arlatan. A fascinating building whose history is not merely confined to the present structure, but also the the Roman Empire: excavations have found the presence of a villa on-site from that time. Expedia

Avignon

La Mirande. A striking eighteenth century townhouse built on the site of a Cardinal’s Palace, this 4-star hotel has plenty of history. This, though.is unsurprising given that it is situated in Avignon - one of the most heritage-rich cities anywhere in the world. Expedia

Auberge de Noves. Located a few miles outside the city, Auberge de Noves is a stone manor house dating from the 1800s. Set amid extensive grounds, the hotel even has its own helipad (which should provide some clue as to the type of clientele it attracts). Expedia

Best Western La Magnaneraie. Located in the village of Villeneuve Les Avignon, the hotel is a country house dating from the XVth century. Expedia

Chateau de Varenne. Situated a few miles outside the city, Chateau de Varenne is a splendid little property dating from 1738. Expedia

Hotel Cloitre St Louis. ‘Noviciate’ is a word one hears rarely (if at all), but this 16th century hotel once was one. 4-star classified and with around 80 guest rooms, it is also one of the more extensive places offering accommodation in the city of Avignon. LateRooms | Expedia

Le Prieure. A beautifully restored 14th century priory which, strictly speaking, is just over the border in Languedoc Rousillon. Expedia

Brignoles

Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle. Four-star rated, this traditional country inn is set amid the famous Coteaux Varois vineyards. Certainly an option for anyone travelling between Aix en Provence and Nice. Expedia

Cagnes sur Mer

Villa Estelle. A former 14th century inn, this chic guesthouse is located in the charming medieval village of Haut-de-Cagnes between Cannes and Nice. LateRooms | Expedia

Le Cagnard. Said to date back to the 13th century, this 4-star rated hotel sits above the medieval village of Cagnes. Offering 20 rooms in all, many have views of the Mediterranean and the Cap d’Antibes. Expedia

Carpentras

Best Western Le Comtadin. Recently renovated 18th century property. Expedia

More Historic Hotels in Provence >>

Poitou Charentes & Limousin | Provence and Riviera | Rhone Alpes