Moulin de Vernègues Time recovered

The old Mallemort mill which has been transformed into a luxury hotel becomes a destination along the country roads of Aix. With 100 rooms and suites, including 34 in the historic bastide, its Occitane Spa and prestigious restaurants, the Moulin de Vernègues offers all of the spa ammenities along with a Provençal charm just a stone’s throw from the Pont- Royal.

Nestled at the foot of the Alpilles, this 15th century building offers beautiful terraces under century old sycamore trees. The walls ooze history with the grain mill of the Archbishop of Arles, the hunting courts of King Rene, and the seigneurial house which became a hotel after the Revolution. The rooms, like the salons, play with a continuity between the interior and exterior. The old building with its exposed stone, tons of lavender and saffron pays tribute to the Provençal feeling, while the new wing designed by Olivier Sabran, with its open suites which look onto the park offers a great place to think and relax. Connecting it all are two are walkways which highlight this marriage between the old and the new.

At the table with Nicolas Vie
The genius of its location is what inspires Nicolas Vie’s kitchen. Following in the image of the transfigured mill, this young chef elevates Mediterranean cuisine by combining elegance and simplicity. He chooses the best products and makes them the strengths of his natural cuisine. Inspired by his travels in Asia, he brought back tastes, textures and colors. He’s also inspired by Monaco, the Cote d’Azur, and by the two years where he worked in the vaulted cellars of the Moulin which has resulted in his ultramodern kitchen.

MySpa by l’Occitane
Slighty off the map are old stables which hide the Occitane Spa. Warm tones and old vaulted ceilings offer a total relaxation of body and mind. Beauty rituals include massaging techniques and ancestral therapies from around the world but which use authentic ingredients from Provence.
The Spa, with its Mill architecture, decor and cuisine puts forth a certain elegance and harmony which is felt throughout.