Hotel Snapshot
A sensory pool. A Michelin-starred bistro. A 17th-century convent surrounded by lavender fields and Provençal sunshine. Yes, you read that right. Welcome to Le Couvent des Minimes, a heavenly Relais & Châteaux escape reborn in 2023 after a meticulous three-year glow-up. This storied sanctuary in the postcard-perfect village of Mane is now home to L’Occitane en Provence’s global flagship spa—and the world’s very first Ecocert-certified “Sustainable Wellbeing Center.”
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Book Now with Perks
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
- $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
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Design & Character
The spirit of the original convent lives on, lovingly preserved in its chapel, bell tower, cloister, and the monks’ ancient footpath, now beautifully restored. Architect Anthony Micoud and sustainability stars de Planta Architectes have crafted a space that’s poetic and rooted. Eco-certified paints, upcycled materials, locally quarried stone, and Provençal oak come together in an earthy palette.
Eighty percent of the renovation was entrusted to local artisans and companies, bringing authenticity and a true sense of place to every corner.
The Rooms
Let go of any austere convent clichés. The 49 rooms and suites are bright, voluminous, and dressed to impress in whisper-soft linens, light oak, and natural textures. Large windows frame cinematic views of the Luberon mountains or the terracotta rooftops of Mane. The atmosphere is elegant yet grounded, with a soothing color story of whites, olives, and sun-washed neutrals.
Bathrooms are equipped with stone basins, rosy-beige terracotta tile underfoot, generous walk-in showers, and some of the deepest soaking tubs this side of a Roman ruin. Ground-floor suites feature private loggias or terraces.
The Food + Drink Situation
It’s impossible to talk about Le Couvent without swooning over the culinary scene. Michelin-starred Chef Louis Gachet—also a Meilleur Ouvrier de France—has created two distinct dining experiences that somehow both feel like the highlight of the trip.
Pamparigouste is the all-day Provençal bistro. Expect dishes built around sun-kissed produce, regional flavors, and ingredients plucked fresh from the on-site gardens.
Le Feuillée, open for dinner most days, delivers tasting menus that are thoughtful and endlessly delicious. This is where Chef Gachet’s “Origins and Influences” concept comes alive. His wife, Pauline Gachet—herself a finalist for Meilleur Ouvrier de France—runs the dining room with warmth and precision. And then there’s the jewel-box wine cellar, Dame Jeanne, housing more than 850 labels with a strong emphasis on elegant Provençal bottles.
There’s also a gorgeous, design-centric bar below the lobby.
Spa & Wellness Scoop
The L’Occitane en Provence Spa isn’t just a spa—it’s a full-on sensory universe dedicated to well-being, beauty, and the art of slowing down. This is the brand’s flagship location, and the first spa in the world to receive Ecocert certification as a “Sustainable Wellbeing Center.”
The dry zone features 10 treatment rooms (including couples’ suites), a yoga studio, a modern gym, an herbal tea lounge, a wellness restaurant-bar, and a boutique for post-treatment retail therapy. The wet zone is straight-up aquatic euphoria: a steam room with a Provençal fountain, a sauna with countryside views, indoor and outdoor pools, a cold plunge, and swing chairs by a roaring fireplace. The sensory pool is pure magic—a multi-sensory water circuit complete with light therapy, a salt grotto, and a snow shower.
The Amenities
The soul of the property lies in its connection to Provence’s flora. Chef Gachet picks herbs daily from the rooftop Jardin des Arômes. There’s also a new sandstone swimming pool and the Galinette bar—ideal for lazy afternoons sipping a spritz with lavender wafting through the breeze.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Just steps from the charming hilltop village of Mane, Le Couvent sits in an area rich with history and Provençal character. Explore the medieval citadel, the priory, and a Roman bridge right in town.
Fast Facts
Location: Mane, Provence, France
Rating: Five-star Relais & Châteaux
The Vibe: Sacred serenity turns elegant French countryside stay
Room Count: 49 rooms & suites
Pricing: From $426 per night
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The L’Occitane flagship spa—complete with a sensory pool, salt grotto, and snow shower
Dining: Pamparigouste is an all-day Provençal bistro with garden-fresh fare, while Le Feuillée offers Michelin-starred fine dining with tasting menus and expertly paired wines. The hotel’s wine program is anchored by Dame Jeanne, a glass-enclosed wine cellar housing over 850 labels.
Spa & Wellness: The spa is an Ecocert-certified “Sustainable Wellbeing Center” featuring 10 treatment rooms, a yoga studio, a gym, a herbal tea lounge, and both indoor and outdoor pools. Guests can also enjoy a full sensory water circuit, saunas, a steam room, and a boutique stocked with L’Occitane favorites.
Amenities: Rooftop herb garden, sandstone pool with Galinette bar, spa, fitness center,
Nearby Attractions: The hilltop village of Mane, Forcalquier market, L’Occitane factory and museum in Manosque, Roman bridge and citadel ruins
Airport: 1 hour 15 minutes from Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
