Château Saint Martin, Côte d'Azur

A former 12th century Knights Templar castle, Château Saint Martin is now a magnificent, 5 Star luxury hotel retreat set high in the hills above Saint Paul de Vence and the French Riviera.

It has magnificent views, spacious, comfortable rooms and suites, over 30 acres of beautifully tended gardens which include a swimming pool and tennis courts, a Michelin Star Restaurant, opulent spa facilities and dedicated staff who offer a personalised service that is really second to none.

To top it all Château Saint Martin also has an amazing array of art adorning its walls, art which includes works by such iconic figures as Picasso, Matisse, Renoir and Chagall.

THE ACCOMMODATION:

They have a huge range of accommodation options at the chateau, from double rooms and suites at the chateau itself to luxury private, self catering villas on the hillside nearby. Check out your options on the booking page here.

They are all classically styled, comfortable and spacious, with even the smallest of rooms being roughly 25 m². All too are airy, bright and clean with pastel shaded walls, country-chic Pierre Frey fabrics and large windows offering superb views.

Internally the rooms might almost be a match for the suites but for the lack of terrace space which comes as standard with all the suites, something which really makes them worth the extra premium.

The bathrooms too are suitably opulent, with peach shaded marble, sunken baths, rainfall showers, fluffy towels and luxurious Bamford toiletries.

FACILITIES & THINGS TO DO:

The chateau began life as a Knights Templar castle originally built in 1150 and it retains parts of the original walls as well as the ancient chapel which is still used on occasion to this day.

A stroll around the chateau and the grounds will give you a nice feel for the history of the place, and in the gardens you can enjoy a swim in the infinity pool, play tennis or just lounge around enjoying the sweeping views of the sea and the Provençal hills.

With such a lofty, airy setting there is a lovely sense of space and openness around the chateau, and the grounds and the immediate surroundings are part of a recognised biodiversity refuge. For those of you with an interest in such things one should be easily able to spot some of the rich diversity of plant and animal life that share the space here, relatively undisturbed.

La Prairie Spa offers a wide range of health and beauty treatments signature using Bamford botanicals, with regular guided yoga and meditation sessions available too.

Château Saint Martin is widely known on, and praised, around the Côte d’Azur for its fine dining. Its Michelin Star restaurant, Le Saint-Martin, has artful, beautifully presented food in a sublime setting; its terrace has the best views of the entire chateau, and it has also very comprehensive wine list. Wine tasting sessions in the company of the resident sommelier are also regularly offered in the chateau wine cellars.

Le Saint-Martin is a formal affair but in summer the outdoor restaurant, L’Oliveraie, is open for more casual dining and drinking under the auspices of the same Michelin starred chef, Jean-Luc Lefrancois. The open grills and open air setting makes it something akin to a luxury barbecue, which in many ways it pretty much is, offering beautifully grilled meats and crisp wood fired pizzas under the shade of ancient olive trees.

The main bar at the chateau, Le Rossini, has an old style, exclusive feel and offers a wide range of cocktails and small bites; canapés and petits fours etc., in an elegant, semi-formal setting.

Château Saint Martin is, surprisingly perhaps very child friendly, it has a Kid’s Club with lots of educational and fun activities and excursions, and even special spa programs for children.

The hotel concierge team can arrange all sorts of personally tailored excursions around the Riviera, Provence and beyond, and they also have a luxury limousine service at guest’s disposal for tours or transfers.

THE LOCATION:

The chateau is set high in the hills on the northern edge of Vence, and less than 10 minute’s from the boho chic village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence down towards the coast. Antibes, Cannes and Nice, with its international airport, are all not much more than a half an hour away. Monaco is under an hour away to the east, with Saint Tropez being an hour and a half in the other direction.

Limousine transfers are available to and from the above, and there is a private helipad on the grounds for those who wish to come by helicopter.

WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY:

“Restaurant was outstanding with a beautiful setting and views. Pool area also superb with exceptional service. Beautiful room with amazing view. Great service with exceptional staff. Fantastic superbly equipped gym. Classic 5 star with modern twist. Not stuffy and not pretentious….”

“The best part of our South France trip. Everything exceeded our expectation, from the location, property to restaurant, staff – it’s just perfect….”

>> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO CHOOSE YOUR ROOM OR SUITE AT CHATEAU SAINT MARTIN:

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Best Castle & Chateau Stays in France

Best Castle & Chateau Stays in the South of France