They had us at Airelles. The brand that is crushing it from Courchevel to St. Tropez has a new hotel, and this one is all about the wine. Set deep in Provence territory, with just ten rooms – we’re thinking a group trip is in order.
What is Château d’Estoublon?
Tucked into the Alpilles, since 1489, this estate of over 200 hectares runs on the rhythm of the olive and grape harvests. Most châteaux ask you to reserve a room, but Château d’Estoublon asks you to take the whole place.
Since 2020, the estate has belonged to Stéphane Courbit, the Prats family and the Bruni-Sarkozy couple. Courbit is behind the Airelles luxury hotel collection, the Prats family previously owned Bordeaux’s Cos d’Estournel, and Carla Bruni and former French President Nicolas Sarkozy need to introduction. Their influence shows up in the details, and the estate’s Roseblood rosé is the most visible example.
When you’re ready to explore, start with the land. The vineyard sits on the southern slopes of the Alpilles in the Les Baux de Provence for scenic views. Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre, Roussanne, and Rolle all grow here. Walk through the olive groves, see the historic mill and the modern production facilities, and then book the guided tasting workshop.
How To Get There
Getting here is easier than the setting suggests. Marseille-Provence Airport is about an hour and ten minutes away by car. If you’re coming from Paris, the TGV from Gare de Lyon to Avignon TGV station takes around two hours and forty-five minutes. Drive the rest of the way.
Before you start planning, know that this is a buyout only. The château is available exclusively for private hire, with 10 suites sleeping up to 20 people. Guests get a private billiard room, cinema, and bar, along with a full staff, which includes a butler and private chef. There’s also a heated private pool in the gardens. For a slower day, the estate offers in-room massages, yoga sessions, and cooking classes. This works best for a group that wants to travel together, whether that’s family, friends, or colleagues.
Dining and Wining
The food is one of the main draws. La Table d’Estoublon is the main restaurant, led by chef Wim Van Gorp, and the cooking is refined without being fussy. Expect lamb from the Alpilles, pork from Mont Ventoux, Mediterranean fish, Camargue rice, citrus from Menton, vegetables from the estate garden, and plenty of the estate’s own olive oil. On weekends and public holidays, the Kamado offers more of a casual atmosphere by serving Japanese-style grill that smokes meat, fish, and vegetables over olive wood. Le Potager du Domaine builds its menu around the vegetable garden, with dishes made from herbs, vegetables, fruit, berries, and edible flowers.
Hosting A Wedding
The estate is a popular wedding venue. Pricing is by quote, but estimates put an all-inclusive, multi-day celebration at roughly €150,000 to €250,000 or more. In high season, a minimum stay of around three to four days is required to keep the property private. Besides weddings, corporate retreats are popular here.
FAQs
Q: Is Château d’Estoublon family-friendly?
A: Yes. A team of nannies and au pairs looks after younger guests, and children can swim, play, and even explore the estate on horseback. The open grounds of vineyards, olive groves, and gardens also give families plenty of space to spread out.
Q: Are there nearby attractions?
A: Plenty. Les Baux de Provence is a dramatic hilltop medieval village. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a classic Provençal town with markets, cafés, and good browsing. Arles, with its Roman monuments, is also within easy reach.
Q: How many days is ideal for one stay?
A: Three to four days is a good fit. You can experience scenic drives, hilltop villages, a couple of standout meals, and some downtime at the estate.
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