Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel

From the top of the bell tower, 4 centuries are looking down on us.

Over the course of the last 5 years, the Couvent des Minimes Hotel & Spa L’Occitane has humored the whims of the 21st century.

Located in Mane, in the Alps of Haute-Provence, Le Couvent des Minimes, Hotel & Spa L’Occitane opened in May 2008 and is a haven of peace, a privileged place. Le Couvent des Minimes, Hotel and Spa arose from a passion shared for the site and this region of Provence. It is a long story of love, a true story that unifies L’Occitane and Provence. For more than 30 years, the soul of this country, its scents, its colors and its people did not stop enriching the cosmetic ranges of products for the body and for the house which made the reputation of the brand. Since the origins, L’Occitane remains faithful to this region where are elaborated its products in its factory of Manosque.

The creation of “Le Couvent des Minimes, Hotel & Spa” is due to the meeting of the people in charge of L’Occitane with Hotel & Spa professionals, falling under the region’s global charms. Some centuries separate us from the creation of Le Couvent des Minimes and a new page of its history will open in 2008 with its transformation in a place of welcoming and care. A charming hotel, of 46 rooms and suites, the “House”, and a “Le Couvent des Minimes Spa L’Occitane”, first to open in France, make of Le Couvent des Minimes a sublime place, an enclave of happiness.

The decoration, inspired by the place combines simplicity and purity. In 2014, following the redevelopment made by Pascal Borde’s Atelier, the Couvent des Minimes takes on a whole new face. With the perfect modern style, while retaining the spirit and soul of this old building. The colors of Provence that invite themselves are recognizable at the first step, green, pink, blue, a subtle blend that Mr. Borde imagined. In the bedrooms touches of colour are given by the chairs covered in a flowered fabric in off-white,taupe, brick red, and chocolate or a striped fabric in grey, black, violet and pink heating stones inlaid in the parquet lead from the bedroom to the bathroom. In the bathroom, the raw stone is valorised, the stoneware grey or chocolate-brown céramé for the bathtub and the shower, the natural stone beaten for the sink. Certain bedrooms have a private garden, or a patio, and others with a terrace.

The gourmet restaurant,  le “Cloître” has been completely redesigned. It is now divided into two separate rooms that offer a vis-à-vis. A cozy atmosphere reigns. The soil, partly black and brown, formed by wooden floors and giant tiles, reflect themselves in the ceiling, thanks to the mirrors. On sunny days, le “Cloître” also welcomes you on its sunlit terrace. A place with a certain elegance where the inventive cuisine of Chef Jérôme Roy is in the spotlight. His cuisine composed of fine blends of flavors take all their magnitude.

The bistro restaurant “the Pesquier” will also seduce you by its location, offeringyou a view over the pool and the lavender fields. The new terrace, covered by a white wooden frame omen the sun who will ideally be accompanied by a glass of rosé. The windows bathe the dining room of the brightness of a summer day. The combination of white and blue walls with cement tiles enhances the minimalist decor and furniture. Blow of heart assured.

For some years, L’Occitane decided to continue to write its history in the creation of Spa in its brand. The brand, which has already developed several spas abroad (Brazil, China, Portugal), creates at “Le couvent des Minimes” its first Spa in France. Treatments are lavished in 6 cabins of the Spa, among two are for couples. The Spa also offers a hammam, two saunas, inside and outside swimming pools and a fitness room.

Le Couvent des Minimes, Hotel and Spa offers a complete range of leisure activities, whether it is in the hotel or in its neighborhood. Besides the Spa, the hotel has a heated outside swimming pool, and a tennis court enlightened at night. For swing amateurs, Golf of Lubéron, 18 holes drawn in a natural reserve in the colors of Provence and Golf of Digne La Lavande. For Provence lovers, Mane and its surroundings are a gold mine.

Since its opening, Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel & Spa l’Occitane has garnered wide acclaim. At the site of a convent founded in 1613, this lavish destination spa offers a menu of treatments based on more than 20 natural ingredients, including lavender, verbena, honey and lemon — the recipes follow the traditions of the Sisters of the Convent. This is also the first hotel spa in France to offer L’Occitane products. Only an hour from Marseilles, it’s a haven of peace and tranquillity in the heart of Provence. Gourmets will savor the inspired cuisine of Chef Jérôme Roy, who works his magic at Le Cloître.

Visit the L’Occitane museum and factory and book a guided tour to learn how the skin care products are produced — this is truly a fragrant experience!Distance from Aix en Provence Airport (TGV): 45 minutes