Auberge de Noves ★★★★

The Auberge de Noves is just outside the little village of Noves, nestled in the heart of the Provence countryside. Arriving at the Auberge de Noves, you see a classic tall stone-built country house surrounded by trees, rose-filled gardens and pretty cobbled stone-walled terraces. There is a large pool surrounded by mature trees in the grounds and tennis courts, but the house itself dominates the property. We were greeted by a charming receptionist and shown to our room.

The bedrooms are all different, individually decorated and furnished and they all have original artworks from the region. Our room had exposed stone walls, ancient wooden beams and antique furniture. Big French doors opened onto our private stone terrace so we could sit outside with coffee in the morning, or toast the stars with a glass of wine from the hotel’s famous cellars. The décor was warm and soft with pink and dark rose colours in the curtains and drapes. It had a real country feel, with a five-star stamp of luxury in all the little details. The floor was made of individually designed stone tiles in geometric patterns, and the tiling patterns were carried through into the bathroom, which was decorated with blue and white tiles and equipped with all modcons, including a proper bath! In spite of the modernity of the fittings, it still felt quirky and individual, nothing at all like the identikit bathrooms you find in some places. We loved the whole artistry and style of the place.

After settling in we found the perfect place for an aperitif – a cosy candle-lit brightly cushioned lounge bar with richly embroidered tapestries on the walls. The restaurant had a choice of two settings, depending on the weather. Inside is a pure white room, leaving a blank canvas for the artistry and colour of the food creations to come! Outside, a gorgeous stone-walled terrace is the warm-weather restaurant setting, with lanterns hanging from the trees and lovely views over the surrounding countryside. With a swimming pool, tennis courts and pétanque area, there is lots to do and all day to do it! However, that evening there was the serious business of dinner.

We dined on the terrace outside, and the setting with the lanterns and an open brazier casting flickering light onto the surrounding trees was magical. The service is unhurried but attentive. My friend chose the lobster with saffron risotto and chorizo and I chose the fillet of sea bass with oyster sauce. We were both delighted with the food and with the artistry of presentation as well. It was difficult to find room for the cheese platter and dessert, but we managed!

The pleasure of the restaurant was equalled over the next few days with the pleasure of the hiking trails, the swimming pool and of course, this being Provence, the boules area. There is much more walking to be done in Provence, and more sampling of the restaurant’s brilliant creations too. We are sure we will be returning to the Auberge de Noves very soon!