The Boulbon is a perfect hybrid of traditional and modern Provence. From the moment we arrived in the village we were struck by how picturesque it all was, from the church to the castle to the windmills. Also it has all you require in terms of a shop, boulangerie, butchers, cafe and on wednesdays and fridays an excellent pizza van! As for the hotel it is a beautiful converted mansion house set in its own grounds that are perfectly manicured. The owners have taken real care with the grounds and it shows. The rooms are modern and stylish and while a little small ours had a beautiful view of the gardens. We loved this hotel so much we kept extending our stay. I would also recommend eating in the restaurant; the food was lovely and the atmosphere perfect and intimate.

Where to start? Perfect location to visit the beauty and history of Provence; great setting with beautiful landscaping and a new pool; terrific renovation and modernization of a very old bastide (at least it is old to someone from Los Angeles); the MOST comfortable bed I've ever had no matter the price of the room; clean and generous sized bathrooms; a terrific chef (I hope they can keep him); and above all else the owners make you feel part of a family.

Two days left me wanting more, but it wasn't possible. You can be sure I will return to further explore Provence and to renew my acquaintanceship with the owners of this truly fine "Bastide".

PLB, Los Angeles, California

Of all the hotels we've stayed in Europe, whether it be
Germany, Italy or France, none can touch the experience we had at the Hotel La Bastide de Boulbon. Hosts Gilles and Herve provided an ideal setting for a romantic getaway that included a wonderful room, a terrific dinner and great hospitality.

We were initially greeted by Herve, who quickly came to retrieve our luggage when we arrived. He gave us a choice of 2 wonderful rooms, which he showed to us. The hotel has been just renovated and they have not missed a thing. The grounds are gorgeous with pool, plane trees and a Provencale atmosphere. The rooms have king size beds with comforters, large windows, LCD TV, safe and very large bathroom. The bathroom features a dual flush toilet, towel heater bar and traveltine type tile throughout.

Dinner there was expertly prepared by the chef and included entree, plat and dessert for 28E. We also had a bottle of wine.

When our car window was broken (in St. Remy, NOT in the ultra safe hotel parking lot which is gated at night), Herve was out there taping it up with plastic, so it would not rain into the car overnight.

Everywhere we turned, both Gilles and Herve, would say "that is not a problem." They would do anything we asked. On top of that, we were able to have a late checkout since we had to drive back to Avignon to get a replacement rental car which would not be available until 2PM. They said "our home is your home." How can you beat that?

If you want a true Provence experience and want to spend a few days away from tourists, the crowds, the museums and the sights, consider La Bastide de Boulbon. It is centrally located from Avignon, Nimes, Arles, Pont du Gard, St. Remy and Les Baux. All those are easy driving distance from Boulbon, a sleepy little town in the middle of Provence.