Is the Hôtel Capelongue really worth a visit? Our answer is a resounding yes. Perched on the Claparèdes plateau, above the village of Bonnieux, this 5-star hotel in Provence embodies, in our opinion, the very best the region has to offer.
The Capelongue estate is organized around a central square like a true Provençal village—stone, gardens, sunshine, and a breathtaking view of the Petit Luberon that takes your breath away the moment you arrive.
Fifty-seven rooms and suites, two restaurants including the Michelin-starred La Bastide, a spa with a Roman bath, a lap pool, and a hammam. This isn’t just for show. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the Capelongue hotel is a dream destination not to be missed.
A unique hotel in the Luberon
The Domaine de Capelongue is not a hotel like any other. It is a place that lives at its own pace—that of the Luberon, that of the seasons. The 57 rooms and suites of this 5-star hotel blend the refined simplicity of Provençal stone with comfort thought out down to the smallest detail. Each room opens onto the gardens or the village of Bonnieux—you choose your setting, the light does the rest.
You can also enjoy the rooms with terraces. You sip your morning coffee facing the Petit Luberon, in a silence that only the cicadas and the wind rustling through the lavender dare to disturb. Time slows down. That is exactly the effect we aim for.
Below, the outdoor pool reflects the blue of the sky. You slip into it mid-morning and stay there. No one asks you for anything. The staff passes by, discreet and attentive. That is true luxury at the Domaine de Capelongue: the feeling that everything has been thought of for you, without it being obvious.
A magical atmosphere
The atmosphere at Capelongue hinges on small details, yet it is instantly recognizable. The moment you step through the estate’s entrance, you feel a sense of calm wash over you. The magnificent setting plays a big part in this—the pale stone, the manicured gardens, the cypress trees silhouetted against the blue sky. But it’s not just that.
It’s the friendly atmosphere that the staff maintains with apparent ease. Guests cross paths around the central square, exchange a few words on the bar terrace, and gather by the pool. You never feel alone, and yet you’re never disturbed.
The breathtaking view of the Petit Luberon and the village of Bonnieux does the rest. It’s everywhere—from your room’s terrace, from the gardens, from the dining room. You never really get used to it. At the end of each day, when the southern light turns golden over the hills, you understand why people have left everything behind to settle in the Luberon.
Relaxation at Capelongue isn’t an à la carte service. It’s the natural state of the place.
High-end services
Capelongue’s services cover everything you’d expect from a grand Provençal estate—and often go a step further.
Breakfast is served buffet-style every morning. Local products, seasonal fruits, pastries. You settle in, take your time. It’s a great way to start the day.
Both restaurants are well worth a visit. La Bastide offers gourmet cuisine that has earned a Michelin star. La Bergerie takes a different, more relaxed approach: wood-fired cooking sets the tone, and local Provençal ingredients fit right in. A table on the terrace in the evening, the embers, the scent of wood—it’s simple and it’s perfect.
The Capelongue spa is a world of its own. The skincare products are sourced by Oh My Cream, and facialist Carole Mangard has created a treatment specially designed for the venue. After a visit to the spa, your muscles are loosened, your body is relaxed, and your mind is at ease.
At the heart of the spa, the Roman bath deserves a special mention. It’s not just a pool. It’s a ritual. The gentle heat, the silence, the stones—everything works together to bring you back into your body. Add the hammam, the Nordic bath, and the lap pool, and you’ve got half a day gone. By choice.
The estate also features a padel court. It’s open not only to residents but also to outside guests—a way to connect the estate with locals and passing visitors. As for on-site activities, there’s an outdoor yoga deck, a boules court to capture the spirit of the South, and yoga and Pilates classes. Plenty to keep you busy in the mornings before heading to the pool.
Exceptional cuisine
Dining is at the heart of the Capelongue experience. Two restaurants, two atmospheres, one standard: to honor the produce of the Luberon.
La Bastide is the estate’s gourmet restaurant. Awarded a Michelin star and a Michelin key, it offers a chef’s cuisine that celebrates the seasons with precision and sensitivity. The dining room opens onto the gardens, and the service is attentive without being stuffy. It’s a place to linger and return to.
La Bergerie operates on a completely different level. Here, wood-fired cooking sets the tone. Local ingredients go straight onto the coals, the flavors are bold, and the atmosphere is relaxed. A large table on the terrace in the evening, the crackling flames, the sun setting over the Luberon—it doesn’t get much more Provençal than that.
Both restaurants share the same philosophy: letting the terroir speak for itself, without trying to overdo it. That’s what makes meals at Capelongue so memorable. You eat well, you eat local, and you dine in a setting that few establishments in France can boast of offering.
Activities around the hotel
Capelongue isn’t a destination cut off from the rest of the world. The village of Bonnieux is just a few minutes’ walk away—the Friday morning market, the sloping streets, the 12th-century church perched on the hill, the view of the plain from the ancient ramparts. You wander around without a map, getting lost on purpose.
Beyond the village, the Petit Luberon opens up in every direction. The trails around Bonnieux cross the ridge road and the forests of the massif—accessible on foot or by bike. The Forêt des Cèdres offers a 3.2-km trail suitable for all fitness levels, ideal for families. For the more athletic, the Tour Philippe is a 12-km loop in the Luberon Regional Nature Park that offers panoramic views of the entire valley.
The estate also offers electric bikes for rent. It’s the perfect way to explore the region without unnecessary effort—the neighboring villages of Gordes, Ménerbes, Roussillon, and Lourmarin are all designated as “Most Beautiful Villages of France” and are easily reached from Bonnieux. Wine enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy: wine tastings at local vineyards are organized from the village.
Nature here isn’t just a backdrop. It’s the very reason for this place, for this journey.
As you can tell, we love Capelongue, an exceptional hotel in an exceptional setting! This is a subjective opinion, but feel free to check out the online reviews—they’re all excellent!
