A great trip stays with you long after you've returned. Several months ago, I had a soul satisfying adventure in Provence and memories from that journey still provide moments of joy when I'm feeling stressed by my daily Manhattan grind. Two places that make frequent appearances in my rosé tinted daydreams are Château La Coste and Le Château des Demoiselles. (So many châteaux, so little time!) One is contemporary, the other is classic but both of these beautiful locations are quintessentially Provence. And you'll never go thirsty, rosè and other local wines flow in abundance at both!
Provence has no shortage of stunning scenery but Château La Coste stands out in spectacular fashion. The landscape's natural beauty is enhanced by larger-than-life sculptures like Louise Bourgeois's famous Crouching Spider. Bold contemporary art installations from major artists are sprinkled throughout La Coste. Striking but melding harmoniously with the environment, the art is both whimsical and thought-provoking. And if you're like me and have an appetite that gets revved up by art, the dining options at La Coste include a restaurant by celebrated Argentine chef Francis Mallmann.
His first restaurant in Europe, Chef Mallmann's restaurant at La Coste showcases his renowned open-fire style of cooking that is inspired by traditional South American culinary techniques.
Provence is renowned for the high quality of their meats, seafood, and produce and Mallmann adds a distinctive South American flair to these exceptional Mediterranean ingredients. Vibrant with an airy design that is bathed in Provence's ethereal light, Restaurant Francis Mallmann's interior design was inspired by the colors that iconic artist Cezanne used in his Aix-en-Provence studio.
And don't forget the wine! The friendly staff at the Château La Coste wine shop will pour you a taste or two, or three! If one day of contemporary art, fine food, and delicious wine isn't enough, accommodations are available at Villa La Coste.
To fully immerse yourself in a more classic Provence way of life, book a stay at the historic guesthouse at Le Château des Demoiselles. The regal ambiance of this 300-hectares wine estate is genuine -- it once belonged to Monaco's royal family, the Grimaldis.
Luxurious but not ostentatious, the Château's five suites and common spaces are spacious and comfortable. You can even hire their chef to prepare gourmet meals during your stay.
75 hectares of the estate are planted to vines and Le Château des Demoiselles produces a great selection of red, white, and rosé. I suggest sipping a bottle of their elegant and refreshing 2018 Château des Demoiselles Côtes de Provence Rosé ($17) while planning your getaway to Provence.
