On the inexperienced Giens peninsula beneath Hyères within the south of France, the Hôtel Le Provençal has lately reopened after a redesign. Mixing previous Provence with Riviera spirit, the third-generation household resort dates again to the early Nineteen Fifties, when Marius Michel, the primary chef of Le Lido cabaret in Paris, started buying pockets of land with a dream. Each embedded in village life and elegantly beachy, it’s a spot the place fishermen and previous women sit for espresso and newspapers, whereas champagne-fuelled table-dancing can unfold at night time. Gardens lead right down to its authentic bright-blue coastal swimming pool, worthy of a Slim Aarons picture shoot.
Wallpaper* checks in at Hôtel Le Provençal, Hyères
What’s in your doorstep?
The view from the resort opens up a panorama of timber and seaside coves ready to be explored. Step out for coastal walks, climbing and the Pesquiers salt marshes, a habitat for pink flamingoes. The resort has native contacts for boat journeys; the Porquerolles islands will be reached by ferry for extra nature, in addition to the Carmignac Basis villa and gardens. Inside strolling distance is the Musée du Niel, a modernist villa exhibiting mid-to-late Twentieth-century artwork, and a brief drive away, the Nineteen Twenties Villa Noailles in Hyères, a former retreat for Surrealist artists, at this time internet hosting the annual Design Parade.
(Picture credit score: Pictures by Claire Israel)
Who’s behind the design?
This new chapter opens with a vibrant refresh by Paris-based designer Rodolphe Parente, in collaboration with the homeowners, brothers Benjamin and Damien Piffet, grandsons of Marius Michel, and their companions Lene Arentsen and Julie Liger, deputy director of the Villa Noailles, who curated the artists and craftspeople concerned. The scenography is welcoming and subtly surrealist: simplicity is met by vibrancy, and heat is expressed by crafted particulars and patterned upholstery.
(Picture credit score: Pictures by Claire Israel)
Acquainted parts have been proudly preserved, such because the huge Nineteen Fifties sculptural Rognes limestone fire within the lounge. Whereas new surprises, such because the cocktail bar, hidden behind a velvet curtain, reveal Parente’s trademark glamour. Daring and playful artists’ editions embrace a tennis-themed wobbly ceramic amphora by Perrine Boudy, and a pale pink ceramic fresco of fish by Maximilien Pellet. Loyal locals and company approve, with one remarking: ‘Every thing modified, however nothing modified.’
(Picture credit score: Pictures by Claire Israel)
The room to e-book
Color schemes of heat yellow, pink and inexperienced alternate throughout the rooms. Every options framed black-and-white pictures from the resort archive; handcrafted steel fish-shaped door handles to the shiny ceramic-tiled loos; and Fragonard merchandise with a Verveine scent created specifically for the resort. For probably the most magical expertise of waking as much as the pure blue horizon, two new sea-view suites have enormous image home windows on the foot of the beds. Suites have report gamers with curated discs of clean Mediterranean vibes and on their personal rooftop terraces, Hay Palissades furnishings.
(Picture credit score: Pictures by Claire Israel)
(Picture credit score: Pictures by Claire Israel)
Staying for drinks and dinner?
4 eating places serve up totally different atmospheres. Firstly, La Brasserie, with a congenial all-day menu of traditional French delicacies from Aioli to Provençal daube. La Rascasse is a favorite for native celebrations with a romantic winter backyard and terrace above canopies of umbrella pines and the expanse of sea. Chef Sébastien Graize’s brief, hyper-seasonal menu affords a recent tackle custom – native delicacies reminiscent of panisse and bouillabaisse reimagined in new shapes, with delicate layers of flavours and textures.
(Picture credit score: Pictures by Claire Israel)
A tree-lined pathway leads right down to the stylish but laidback Bar du Soleil; seasonal eating (Might to October) in dappled shade, with sea views, and vibrant Ravel ceramics. Fish of the day, maigre, is introduced with lemon curd dressing on a mattress of native potatoes and tiny tangy tomatoes. Previous the tennis courts and simply above the pool, Le Barbecue opens in July and August with an open-air grill scorching with marbled côte de bœuf and pink mullet.
(Picture credit score: Pictures by Claire Israel)
Native produce is sourced between Bandol and Le Lavandou – reminiscent of juicy, vibrant ‘winery’ peaches and La Môle cheese. Wine is native and natural, and fish is equipped by native fisherman Alain (fishing from the Port du Niel for 40 years since he was 12 years previous). On visiting, his catch features a good-looking pink Chapon from the Rascasse household, the final of the season, atop a glistening pile.
(Picture credit score: Pictures by Claire Israel)
The decision
Welcoming, playful and alive, the Hôtel Le Provençal has discovered a steadiness between previous and current, mixing heritage with recent takes. This yr, it opens for the winter season for the primary time – the cosy lounge with its medieval fashion candle-chandeliers is ideally geared up for a sport of chess by the fireplace after a hike. New chapters are set to observe, with a terrace bar, spa and accessible rooms scheduled to open in 2026 – and so, the story of this household resort continues in fashion.
(Picture credit score: Pictures by Claire Israel)
Hôtel Le Provençal is situated at 113 Pl. Saint-Pierre, 83400 Hyères, France.
Supply: Wallpaper
