Provençal Getaway to Le Mas des Herbes Blanches

A Lovely Combination of Past and Present

Nestled in the picturesque village of Joucas, Le Mas des Herbes Blanches is perfectly situated in the heart of the Lubéron. Some of France's loveliest villages, including Gordes and Roussillon, are close by, making Le Mas the perfect base for exploring the area while still keeping a distance from the flocks of summer tourists. Renovated from top to bottom in 2016, the building has maintained its historic charm while still offering all of the up-to-date amenities necessary for 21st-century travelers.

We felt enveloped in the Provençal spirit as soon as we entered the hotel, thanks especially to the attractive stone walls. Signs of the past coexist with contemporary furniture and accents, visible from the minute we checked in at the reception desk. Of course, one of Le Mas des Herbes Blanches' best features is the superb panoramic view of the perfectly preserved nature that surrounds it, particularly at sunset when the landscape is bathed in an orange glow.

Contemporary Design in the 47 Rooms and Suites

As soon as we arrived, we could tell that vacation was in the air! This feeling continued in the 47 rooms and suites. Unlike other five-star establishments in the region (like La Bastide de Gordes for example), the decoration here is more modern. The color palette leans toward neutral colors, with shades of white and grey offset by bright, colorful accents. The rooms feature a contemporary, elegant interior design with trendy furniture. Each one of the rooms and suites includes a balcony and, for the most luxurious suites, a private pool for an absolutely exclusive experience. We of course made the most of our terrace by taking our breakfast there first thing in the morning, all while enjoying the scenery. 

Restaurants that Celebrate Provence

On the first evening we opted to dine at the gourmet restaurant, La Table du Mas. Chef Cyril Mendes combines the best of Provençal cuisine with more exotic flavors in his creations. Unfortunately it was a bit chilly in the evening, so we couldn't sit on the fabulous terrace.

The five-course Tasting Menu began with a creamy bean appetizer with smoked duck breast, followed by foie gras. Next, the menu paid homage to the sea with a brill fillet, while more earthy flavors were represented by the Charolais beef with eggplant caviar, chickpea panisse, caramelized onions, eggplant chips, and gravy with olives. But the dessert was the true masterpiece for both our eyes and our taste buds: this trompe l'oeil of a chestnut was the perfect way to mark the beginning of autumn. For more casual cuisine, Le Bistrot du Mas is the place to go. Seated alongside the pool and in the hotel gardens, guests can dine on barbecue and grilled dishes.

The Spa Sothys, a Haven of Relaxation

While staying at Le Mas, a visit to the villages of the region is absolutely worthwhile, unless you'd rather relax next to the outdoor pool. After a busy day, there's nothing like a break at the spa, featuring a modern décor that fits in perfectly with the environment. This establishment chose Sothys as their cosmetics brand, with well-known products that have set themselves apart for more than 60 years. The spa's avant-garde concept includes unique and exclusive treatments on offer in its three treatment rooms. In this peaceful atmosphere, guests can reconnect with their inner selves and with the surrounding nature, visible through large picture windows. A jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and fitness room complete the spa experience.

The Verdict

This typical Provençal building-turned-hotel is the perfect destination for a trip to the Lubéron, with an excellent location that's off the beaten tourist path. It's the ideal home base for exploring the region, unless you'd rather use the opportunity to lounge about the pool or in your room. The hotel's décor emphasizes the Provençal way of life while still featuring plenty of contemporary elements. And the dining on offer will thrill your taste buds, especially the refined cuisine at La Table du Mas.

I loved:

• The décor in our room: modern and contemporary, a change from other five-star hotels in the region
• The beautiful panorama of the surrounding environment: this unadulterated view is the hotel's best feature!
• The privacy offered by such a small establishment.

I disliked:

• The dining offer was not quite on par with this level of hospitality: while the gourmet option was high quality, the bistro and hotel breakfast didn't meet five-star standards…

Practical Information

Thank you to le Mas des Herbes Blanches for the invitation to explore their establishment.Of course, the content of this blogpost was left entirely up to me!