Where is it ? In the small village of Crillon le Brave, 35 km from Avignon, at the foot of Mont Ventoux, at the top of a hill surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
Why do we love? Because this hotel, a member of Relais &Châteaux, is completely atypical! Consisting of seven historic houses linked together by walkways, alleys or hidden courtyards, it looks more like a hamlet than a hotel. It feels surprisingly good, like at home… a dream house of course! Above all, you can enjoy an exceptional view of Mont Ventoux or the Rhône Valley and a delicious tranquility.
What do we do here ? We flutter on foot between the old houses of the village or we pedal to the neighboring village of Bédoin, behind the town before Mont Ventoux, through the vineyards. By car, we embark for the Carpentras market on Friday morning. We go to Vigier (23, place Maurice Charretier) to raid local goat cheeses (the house specialty:Fourme des Dentelles de Montmirail) and Jouvaud (40, rue de l'Evéché) for small sweet souvenirs (fruit confits, meringues, etc.). We have lunch at the restaurant Chez Serge (90, rue Cottier, www.chez-serge.fr), the paradise of white truffles, before returning to Crillon le Brave to relax by the heated swimming pool or have a massage at the mini spa.
What are we eating ? We have local and seasonal lunch at Bistrot 40K. On the slate:Ventoux pork chop glazed with lavender honey with green beans and flat-leaf parsley or spelled risotto from Sault with garden vegetables and sage… Gourmet dinner on the terrace or in the dining room, under the stones vaulted ceilings and facing the fireplace, at the Jérôme Blanchet restaurant, named after the eponymous chef.
We sleep in there ! 34 rooms and suites, all different, spread over 7 houses. Double room from €200, breakfast included. "Truffle weekend" with truffle farmer Eric Jaumard on November 8-11 and November 27-30, with truffle hunting, visit and wine tasting in one of the most beautiful estates of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, cooking around truffles… www.crillonlebrave.com.
