La Colombe d’Or
St-paul-de-vence, Provence
Good Hotel Guide Review
At the entrance of this old walled town, this ‘beautiful and special’ hotel is run by François Roux with his wife, Daniele. His artist grandfather, Paul Roux, founded it in 1931, and famous artist guests left works of art in lieu of payment, hence the Braque mosaic and Calder mobile by the secluded swimming pool, the Léger mural dominating the terrace, the paintings by Picasso, Miró, etc, in the dining room. Film and pop stars visit nowadays, but, says a regular Guide correspondent, ‘the avant-garde atmosphere and simple Provençal style remain’. It is ‘relaxed, charming, and fun’, writes a visitor. Residents must book for the ‘blessedly unmodernised’ dinners, taken on the terrace under ancient fig trees. The ‘old-fashioned, appetising petit déjeuner’ consists of freshly squeezed orange juice, bread, croissants, etc; an omelette can be had as extra. ‘Service is efficient.’ The bedrooms ‘face in all directions; glorious countryside in the distance’. The best rooms, in the main building, are ‘simply furnished, rather than luxurious’; some have a private terrace. Others are in an annexe by the car park.
Hotel details
Address
St-paul-de-vence
Provence
France
Telephone
00 33 4933 2800 2
Bedrooms
25 rooms.
Open
Closed end October to Christmas.
Facilities
Restaurant, swimming pool, valet parking.
Children
Yes, cots (€40) and high chairs available.
Dogs
Yes, for no charge.
Credit cards
All major cards accepted.
Prices
Standard double room from €250+
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La Colombe d’Or
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