Hôtel des Colonnes
Antique-modern Provençal maison d'hôtes. Owner-run and deeply personal. Think curated brocante finds, muted earthy palettes, linen curtains, and a garden hidden behind a heavy door. Intimate to the point of feeling like you've been let into someone's home.
Book the Thursday evening 'Grand Apéro Dinette' in advance (July/August, minimum 6 people) — €20/adult includes charcuterie, tapenade, anchoiade, local cheeses and wine
Why It Matters
Listed on both Michelin Guide and Tablet Hotels, and reviewed by Gault&Millau. Géraldine's background as a design journalist means every object and color choice is intentional. The Suite Jardin at 50m² sleeps four and is one of the better-value family options in the entire Verdon region. The on-site boutique — Objet de Compagnie — stocks vintage and artisan finds you can actually buy.
A late-17th-century mansion right in the middle of Riez, a proper Provençal village with a twice-weekly market and centuries-old plane trees. Géraldine Manivet — former design journalist — bought it, renovated it in 2010, and turned it into a three-room guesthouse that feels more like staying in a very stylish friend's house than checking into a hotel. Original tomette floor tiles, a majestic gypsum staircase, and limewashed walls kept exactly as they should be. The bathrooms, though, are all waxed concrete and walk-in showers. It's that combination — old bones, modern edges — that makes the place work.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
Chambre 2
From EUR120 / nightThe most atmospheric of the three. Tomette floors, limewashed grège walls, and a slate-coloured headboard wall with a niche holding a Virgin Mary statue gives it an unusual, slightly spiritual quality. The bathroom is tucked behind the headboard wall — waxed concrete with a baroque mirror that shouldn't work but does. Heavy linen curtains filter the light and keep it cool. A small desk and sofa corner make this work well for longer stays.
Double (160cm)Chambre 3
From EUR105 / nightThe most romantic of the rooms, with an ultra-matte 'dawn colour' palette dominated by a 160cm bed with a shell-shaped headboard patinated in a blue-grey finish. Latex mattress with memory foam topper. Can be configured as twin singles. The bathroom is a compact cabinet de toilette with a walk-in shower and a basin hidden behind a patinated door — one of those small surprises that makes the whole place feel considered. A garden armchair and writing table suggest a slower pace.
Double (160cm) or Twin
La Suite Jardin (Suite 1)
From EUR210 / nightThe biggest room by a long way. At 50m², this is actually two bedrooms connected by a small vestibule, sharing one bathroom. The main bedroom has 160cm king bed with memory foam topper, and twin shuttered windows that open directly onto the garden — the light in here is exactly what you'd want from a Provençal antique house. The second room has soft grey tones and two single beds, ideal for kids or a second couple. Both share a waxed concrete bathroom with large Italian walk-in shower. Garden and village church bell tower views.
King (160cm) in main room + twin beds in second room · 50 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Electric bikes available to rent at the hotel for exploring the surrounding Verdon countryside, lavender fields, and village lanes.
The Gorges du Verdon — Europe's answer to the Grand Canyon — are around 20 minutes by car. Kayaking, canoeing, aquarando, canyoning, rock climbing, and paragliding are all available in the gorge. Géraldine can advise on reputable local operators.
The famous GR4 long-distance trail passes through the region, connecting the Gorges du Verdon and the wider Provence interior. Direct access from Riez.
Géraldine is the real asset here. She has a list of secret swimming spots in the Gorges du Verdon, favourite local restaurants, markets worth visiting, and seasonal events. She actively shares this with guests — it's part of the experience.
A second-hand and artisan objects shop installed on the first floor of the mansion. Sells vintage finds, design accessories, and local objects curated by Géraldine. Open to guests and, likely, walk-in visitors during the season.
Paddle boards available to rent directly from the hotel. Ideal for exploring Lac de Sainte-Croix, around 10 minutes by car. Enquire with Géraldine on arrival or when booking.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Gault&Millau listing flags disabled access availability.
Shared lounge with a library, opening onto the garden terrace.
WiFi available throughout the property, confirmed by Michelin Guide listing.
Full Provençal breakfast included in all room rates. Served in the garden under the pergola in summer.
Children of all ages welcome. Cots available for infants under 1 year (free). Extra beds available at €20/night. The Suite Jardin with twin second bedroom is the obvious choice for families.
Walled courtyard garden at the heart of the property, shaded by a generous vine-covered pergola. Sun loungers available. The main social space in summer.
Private on-site parking available. A car is essentially required to reach Riez.
Referenced in both the Michelin Guide and Tablet Hotels listings. Not featured or confirmed on the official hotel website — verify before booking if this is a priority.
Shared kitchen available for guests to prepare lunch and dinner.
Second-hand and artisan objects shop on the first floor, curated by Géraldine. Vintage finds, design accessories, local objects.
BUILD YOUR HÔTEL DES COLONNES PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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