Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel and Spa L’Occitane is located in an ancient renovated convent founded in 1613 in Mane, a small village, close to Forcalquier, in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. This Relais & Chateaux hotel opened in 2008 and has 46 rooms and suites, all of which are decorated in a modern, elegant style: walls are painted in soft pastel colors, light streams in from windows, and guests enjoy large comfortable beds and amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and L’Occitane products. The room categories are:
- Classic Minimes rooms (measuring between 15 and 18 square meters);
- Superior Matines rooms (measuring between 20 and 22 square meters);
- Deluxe Restanque rooms (measuring between 25 and 28 square meters).
There are 8 suites, each of which has a lounge corner with views of the gardens, the swimming pool and the cloister. The suite categories are:
- Junior Suites (measuring between 30 and 35 square meters);
- Suites (measuring between 35 and 43 square meters);
- La Maison de Mane (an 85m² suite with a connecting Restanque room).
Guests will take delight in the herb garden, cultivated on the Provençal raised terraces among former depictions of the 14 Stations of the Cross. The grounds of the Couvent des Minimes stretches over several hectares, covered with Mediterranean plants and flowers.
If you feel like a bit of sport, dive into the swimming pool or enjoy a game of tennis at the tennis court. Better yet, try your hand at petanque with a view of the Provençal landscape. There is also a gym with treadmills and elliptical bikes. Those who love golf can head to the Luberon Golf Club, only 20 kilometers from the Couvent des Minimes.
There are two restaurants: Le Cloitre and Le Pesquier Bistro. Le Cloitre serves refined, innovative cuisine based on Provence’s culinary tradition and local ingredients. Le Pesquier has a more informal feel, and you can sit outside on the terrace when the weather is fine.
For people who want the ultimate pampering experience, the L’Occitane Spa offers massages, beauty and spa treatments for men and women.
What to do in the region: Forcalquier is the closest hill town, with a lovely square and ancient church. Lurs is another ancient hill town, and is worth a visit especially as it is on the way to the Abbey of Ganagobie (a must-see), northeast of Mane. The Ganagobie Abbey is an atmospheric monastery that dates back to the Middle Ages. From time to time, concerts are held in the chapel and the abbey itself is open to visitors, but only during certain days.
COUVENT DES MINIMES – HOTEL SPA L’OCCITANE
Chemin des Jeux de Maï
04300 MANE-EN-PROVENCE – FRANCE
Tel: +33 4 92 74 77 77
URL: http://www.couventdesminimes-hotelspa.com
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