The Intimate Provence of Hostellerie de l'Abbaye de la Celle

The Provençal Art of Living According to Alain Ducasse

Nestled in the village of La Celle-en-Provence, the Hostellerie de l'Abbaye de la Celle enjoys an exceptional setting, surrounded by vineyards, cypresses, and century-old olive trees, facing a 12th-century Benedictine abbey classified as a historical monument. This discreetly charming residence, located on the Wine Route, perfectly embodies the spirit of Provence: authenticity, nature, and the gentle pace of life. Near Aix-en-Provence, it provides an ideal base for exploring the region's treasures while ensuring a peaceful and rejuvenating stay in a preserved environment.

In 1999, Alain Ducasse, charmed by the unique atmosphere of this 18th-century bastide, decided to transform it into an exceptional place. Inspired by the site's historical richness and the beauty of its surroundings, he reinvented the Hostellerie as an elegant country house, devoted to gastronomy, relaxation, and the Provençal art of living. With the help of decorator Tonia Peyrot, he brought new life to the residence in 2011, preserving its character while instilling the values dear to Maison Ducasse: excellence, sincere hospitality, conviviality, and sharing. Supported by a loyal and generous team, this confidential refuge now embodies a refined and humanist vision of hospitality, where every detail is designed to offer an authentic and unforgettable experience.

The Timeless Elegance of the Suites

At L'Hostellerie de l'Abbaye de la Celle, each room tells a story and invites you to travel through a decor infused with Provençal charm. Spread across two characterful buildings, the ten rooms and suites are named after former prioresses who once lived at the abbey, a poetic nod to the site's past. Carefully designed by Alain Ducasse and his teams, they combine discreet elegance, a warm atmosphere, and absolute comfort. Patinated furniture, refined fabrics, and tastefully chosen personal objects adorn these intimate retreats, where the charm of Provence reveals itself in every detail.

We stayed in the Perpétue de la Celle suite, a refined cocoon nestled in the Béguinage, at the heart of a private garden hidden from view, shaded by wisteria. This suite stands out for its generous space and travel-inspired decor: the living room on the ground floor invites daydreaming with its dark woodwork and green tones evoking Asia, while the mezzanine bedroom features a headboard painted with delicate arabesques and oriental accents. Outside, a winter garden and a furnished terrace extend this serene atmosphere facing the Roc du Candelon. A bright bathroom with a bathtub completes this enchanting scene, perfect for savoring a peaceful stay in an elegant and intimate country house.

Local Flavors and Gentle Mornings

Breakfast is savored as a privileged moment, both indulgent and refined. Served à la carte, either in the dining room or in your room, it celebrates local, fresh, and organic products, carefully selected according to the seasons. Golden pastries, various breads with butter, homemade jams, lavender honey, and spreadable chocolate create a gentle start to the day. Fresh fruits, homemade yogurts, artisanal cereals, and freshly squeezed juices round out this generous selection. The more indulgent can opt for freshly prepared eggs, along with regional cheeses and charcuterie. A special mention goes to the hot chocolate from Manufacture Ducasse, as comforting as it is delicious, which my husband particularly enjoyed.

Seasonal Flavors and Southern Emotions

At L'Hostellerie de l'Abbaye de la Celle, gastronomy is not just a highlight: it is the beating heart of the house. Between the bright dining room, light-filled veranda, and lavender-bordered terrace, every meal becomes a vibrant tribute to Provençal nature. At the helm of the kitchen, Chef Nicolas Pierantoni, a native of the village of La Celle, embodies a cuisine that is deeply rooted, guided by the seasons and respect for the ingredients. Since his return in 2006, he has delicately expressed a sincere, local, and refined cuisine inspired by the Hostellerie's vegetable garden and the producers he personally knows. Each dish reflects his deep attachment to his region, between sea and scrubland, and reveals the subtle aromas of authentic Provence.

The chef's culinary philosophy is a daily dialogue with nature: each morning begins with a visit to the terraced vegetable garden, where zucchini, tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and orchard fruits set the pace for the menu. His cuisine evolves with the harvests, encounters, and inspiration of the moment. From garden to plate, it celebrates the pure taste, freshness, and noble simplicity of the product. To accompany these delicate creations, the wine list, developed with Bernard Neveu, head sommelier of Maison Ducasse Paris, highlights the region's finest estates. Between iconic vintages and hidden gems, it extends this ode to terroir with elegance and emotion.

Our Provençal Dinner Under the Glass Roof

We chose to compose our dinner à la carte, although the seasonal menus – Spring or Sharing Moment – had both piqued our curiosity. At our beautiful table set in the light-filled veranda, the meal began with a series of refined amuse-bouches. Presented in a bowl filled with dried chickpeas, on lovely wooden spoons, they displayed a rustic yet elegant aesthetic. Each element played with the textures and flavors of Provence, perfectly matched with our glass of champagne. An introduction as generous as it was subtle, true to the chef's cuisine.

For starters, my husband chose rabbit rillette with rosemary – tender and fragrant – accompanied by crunchy spring vegetables, enhanced by a jus served separately in a small copper saucepan. A dish full of contrast, between tenderness and freshness. As for me, I opted for green asparagus from Provence paired with creamy ewe's milk cheese. Accented with a few fresh herbs, this plant-based dish expressed all the balance and lightness of a springtime plate.

For the main course, my husband continued with pork from Manon's farm, served as a chop and rib. Perfectly browned, its juicy meat was accompanied by tender homemade gnocchi and sautéed mushrooms, all enhanced by a rich jus. A heartwarming plate rooted in regional tradition. I enjoyed poultry from Galinettes, cooked to perfection, served with green asparagus and a tender morel, elevated by an arugula condiment. A delicate dish, vibrant with freshness and precision.

We then shared a platter of fresh and aged cheeses, accompanied by a local herb mesclun. Ash-covered goat cheese, creamy soft cheese, firmer tomme, and flavorful compote made up an interlude full of authenticity, in a simple and generous spirit.

On the sweet side, my husband was tempted by the house's grand classic: the savarin. Presented whole at the table on a silver tray before being carefully sliced in front of us, it was soaked to his preference (he chose rum), accompanied by lightly whipped vanilla cream and a fragrant condiment. A dessert both spectacular and comforting. I chose a fruitier plate, highlighting strawberries from Provence paired with poached rhubarb. This dessert celebrates the sunny days with simplicity and freshness: the juicy, fragrant strawberries are combined with delicately tangy poached rhubarb. Carefully plated, they are accompanied by an intense coulis that enhances the fruit's flavors, for a dish as light as it is indulgent. Finally, to conclude this beautiful moment, we savored the house's famous madeleines, served still warm. Golden, soft, and beautifully domed in the center, they perfectly embodied the elegance of a simple gesture, for one last tender bite.

Gentle Activities for an Exceptional Stay

To prolong the feeling of tranquility offered by the Hostellerie, several activities enhance the stay. The outdoor pool, peacefully set on ancient Roman ruins, invites relaxation facing the majesty of the 12th-century abbey. Lined with loungers, it offers every comfort: large white towels, parasols, a cabin with changing rooms, restrooms, and a self-service bar. In addition, massages are available upon request, as well as cooking classes for those wishing to immerse themselves in the culinary world of the place. A gentle and complete getaway, blending well-being, art of living, and sensory pleasure.

My Opinion

At L'Hostellerie de l'Abbaye de la Celle, every moment celebrates Provence in its most authentic, generous, and elegant form. From the serenity of the gardens to the warmth of the dishes, from the refinement of the suites to the gentle mornings, everything here invites you to slow down, savor, and reconnect with what truly matters. Driven by Alain Ducasse's humanist vision and the dedication of a passionate team, this haven of peace embodies sincere and timeless hospitality. A rare address, where time seems to stand still and the Provençal art of living is revealed in all its splendor.

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Practical Information

Many thanks to L'Hostellerie de l'Abbaye de la Celle for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain entirely free in my opinions in this article!