Photos by Agneta Lansing
Welcome to our monthly series: Destination France!
Each month we will share an in-depth feature on one of our favorite hotels or guesthouses from around France to help you feel right at home the minute you arrive.
Ménerbes, a small but distinctive village in the heart of the Luberon, is a little slice of southern paradise. Its stone houses glow golden under the Provençal sun, and just opposite the village, Le Domaine du Fortin stands as a masterpiece of restoration and southern countryside elegance.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAGAZINE
What was once a crumbling farmhouse has been reborn as a luxurious guesthouse, a place where history and artistry embrace under the guidance of its passionate owners, Philippe Andrieux and César Sanchez.
The Art of Restoration
The transformation of Domaine du Fortin was modernized — but certainly not at the expense of history. Parts of the property date back to the late 16th century, their walls bearing witness to the Wars of Religion. Philippe and César consulted archaeological experts and enlisted local artisans to ensure every detail was handled with care and reverence.
The monumental black iron staircase — an ode to 18th-century grandeur — and the superb interior carpentry work were carried out by the renowned interior design workshop, Atelier 78 Degrés. The color of the house was achieved using ochre and earth from the property itself. Even dismantled stone walls were given new life, thanks to Art et Rénovation — a company that restores French monuments. They expertly repurposed stones into the gardens and pool area in a gesture of sustainability and creativity that feels uniquely Provençal.
Inside, the spaces glow with the region’s distinctive light. Wide windows invite sunshine to spill across whitewashed walls, where antique clocks rest in bespoke alcoves and 18th-century portraits watch over contemporary linen sofas. The atmosphere feels sophisticated yet deeply welcoming — a place designed not simply to be admired but to be lived in.
A Look Inside the Provençal Suites
The Domaine’s four sumptuous suites and villa are like individual works of art that come together to create an idyllic vision of Provençal living.
L’Atelier, a Junior Suite, opens to sweeping views of Ménerbes and the Luberon hills. Its walls, hung with original paintings, pay homage to the property’s previous owner, an accomplished painter and sculptor.
Le Pigeonnier offers intimacy and warmth, a romantic cocoon. Stone walls and soft fabrics evoke the timelessness of the rural southern countryside.
High beneath the eaves, the Ménerbes Suite is all elegance and grandeur. Its gallery of 18th-century prints and antique furnishings feel like stepping into the Age of Enlightenment.
For those who crave quiet reflection, the Bibliothèque Suite is a sanctuary of books and curiosities. A comfortable salon invites long afternoons of reading and daydreaming.
The Villa is certainly the most contemporary, yet it blends harmoniously into the rest of the estate — intertwining modern art with antique furniture in a crisp and calming space.
Each room is a world of its own, yet all are tied together by Philippe’s masterful eye and the couple’s devotion to comfort and beauty.
Gardens that Capture the Soul of the South
Outside, 1.35 hectares (3.3 acres) of walled parkland unfold like a living painting. Century-old olive trees stand sentinel over an orchard of cherries, almonds, figs, and wild plums. The relocation of these ancient trees was a village-wide event as roads closed and neighbors gathered to watch the giants be carefully moved to their new home. Now, their silver green leaves shimmer in the breeze, a symbol of resilience and renewal.
At the front of the house, French-style gardens and fragrant roses frame the golden façade. To the rear, an expansive lawn and tranquil pool invite guests to linger in unhurried afternoons. Lavender, myrtle, and rosemary perfume the air, a constant reminder of the region’s characteristic colors and scents.
A Dream Venue for Weddings and Celebrations
Le Domaine du Fortin is also an unforgettable venue for weddings and private events. The estate’s golden façade, olive groves, and fragrant gardens create a magical backdrop for exchanging vows beneath the Provençal sun or hosting an intimate dinner under the stars.
The expansive park and terraces allow for elegant outdoor receptions, while the interiors provide a warm setting for smaller gatherings. Philippe and César’s commitment to beauty and detail ensures that any occasion held in their space will feel extraordinary.
An Invitation to Live the Provence Dream
Staying at Le Domaine du Fortin is an experience shaped by history, craftsmanship, and passion. In their guesthouse, Philippe and César have captured the soul of Provence and offered it, with generosity and grace, to every visitor who passes through.
To reserve your suite or inquire about booking the entire estate as a private retreat, visit Le Domaine du Fortin’s website or contact their team directly at ledomainedufortin@gmail.com.
For additional ideas for travel around Provence, check out our Itinerary to a Week in Provence.