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Artful Escapes

Artful Escapes: Domaine de Fontenille

The vast, three-story bastide on a wine estate near Aix-en-Provence features 25 rooms and vast 18th-century gardens

By Alexander Lobrano
Round reflecting pool in a lush garden with trees and a distant view of mountains on a clear, sunny day.
Domaine de Fontenille. Photo: Yann Deret

Shopping for houses in Provence, fashion entrepreneur Frédéric Biousse and gallery owner Guillaume Foucher fell in love with a vast three-story bastide built in 1638 on a wine estate near Aix-en-Provence. Intimidated by its size, the partners instead opened Domaine de Fontenille as a hotel in 2016.

Patio with black metal table and chairs, surrounded by lush plants, beside large window showing cozy bedroom inside.
Guest accommodations. Photo: Yann Deret
View of a swimming pool and surrounding garden seen through a circular window with grid design in a summer setting.
Guest pool.

Since then the proprietors have replanted the original vineyards, renovated the 18th-century gardens, and expanded their vision into other properties—including their first location in Brittany, Les Bassans, set to open in June—that drew investment from LVMH. The 25-room hotel hosts curated wine tastings and a bistro, La Cuisine d’Amélie.

Pathway leading to a large building surrounded by trees and potted plants on a sunny day.
Guest rooms. Photo: sadik sans voltaire
Wooden bench in a park setting, surrounded by potted plants and tall trees, with sunlight filtering through the foliage.
Domaine de Fontenille. Photo: Courtesy of Domaine de Fontenille
Outdoor cafe with umbrellas and tables surrounded by lush greenery in front of a historic building with shuttered windows.
Guest accommodations. Photo: Yann Deret


A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2025 Summer Issue in the section “Artful Escapes.” Subscribe to the magazine.