When the hotels go green, Provence wins

Many travellers are increasingly opting for responsible tourism. A number of certification schemes are available to help them choose their destination, whether in terms of accommodation or cuisine, including Green Key International, Michelin Green Star and Label Green Collection – Luxury Green Hotels of the World. Here’s a round-up of some of the finest addresses in Provence, which are setting an example when it comes to going green.

By Valérie Rouger

Hôtel Résidence du Vieux-Port

Retro, chic and green!

Located opposite the magnificent Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, this atypical hotel overlooking Marseille’s Old Port offers an experience with a chic retro 50s feel. The team’s commitment to ecology, sustainability and impact reduction has earned it Green Key certification with a commendation from the jury.  

18 quai du Port, Marseille 2^e - Tél. 04 91 91 91 22 - www.hotel-residence-marseille.com

Intercontinental Marseille Hôtel-Dieu 

Vision and commitment. This is a hotel that is firmly committed to the future. It has already made a name for itself with a number of initiatives and was the first hotel in Marseille to be awarded the Green Key label, back in 2021. It is leading a scheme to eliminate single-use plastics from hotels, proving that luxury is not incompatible with environmental protection. 

1 place Daviel, Marseille 2^e 

Tél. 04 13 42 42 42

www.intercontinental.com

Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port

Raising awareness is a priority

“Because of our location here at the Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port, we work closely with a local association called Sauvage Méditerranée,” says the team proudly. The products available under the Sauvage brand name are eco-designed using waste materials (marine plastics, fishing nets, land-based litter, etc.) and encourage responsible behaviour. Having recently acquired Green Key status, the hotel runs regular fun initiatives and offers meaningful gifts to raise awareness amongst its guests.

36 boulevard Charles Livon, Marseille 7^e

Tél. 04 91 15 59 00 - all.accor.com

Les Bords de Mer 

Inspired by the sea

Who wouldn’t be dazzled by this waterfront property, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the infinite blue sea, bobbing sailboats and small fishing vessels, and the Frioul archipelago? Les Bords de Mer is committed to protecting its signature natural beauty. The restaurant, under Head Chef Camille Gandolfo, uses mainly Provençal produce. The hotel was awarded the Green Key this year. 

52 corniche Président 

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Marseille 7^e

Tél. 04 13 94 34 00

Les Roches Blanches 

Luxe et durabilité

This Green Key-certified hotel is working on a number of environmental protection initiatives, including creating a permaculture vegetable garden, producing its own honey, composting waste, using locally sourced food products and giving precedence to eco-transport, thus demonstrating its commitment to set a good example.  

9 avenue des Calanques, Cassis - Tél. 04 42 01 09 30 - www.roches-blanches-cassis.com 

Le C2

A clear mindset

“We are now more environmentally aware and have gradually changed our working practices. Decisions always take into account our ecological impact, while ensuring that the traditional standards of a luxury hotel are maintained.” Supplying complimentary products in reusable packaging and bottles of micro-filtered water refilled on-site are just two examples of how the hotel protects resources. Luxury and eco-responsibility at every level in this magnificent nineteenth-century mansion.

48 rue Roux de Brignoles

Marseille 6^e

Tél. 04 95 05 13 13

www.c2-hotel.com

Hôtel Sainte-Victoire

Where luxury and nature go hand in hand

Situated opposite the majestic Mont Sainte-Victoire in Natura 2000 territory, the hotel is fully committed to preserving this exceptional location. At the helm of the Michelin-rated restaurant, Chef Mateus Marangoni draws inspiration from the colours and flavours of Mediterranean and Brazilian cuisine. Working with quality local produce, he will take you on a fabulous culinary journey.

33 avenue des Maquisards, Vauvenargues - Tél. 04 42 54 01 01 - www.hotelsaintevictoire.com

Grand Hôtel du Roi René-MGallery

Zero plastic

A zero-plastic policy, waste sorting and recycling, and reduced food waste thanks to partnership with “TooGoodToGo” (a mobile app that enables users to purchase unsold pastries at a much-reduced price) – these are just a few examples of the eco-credentials of this hotel located in the centre of Aix-en-Provence. Recognising that mind and body are inextricably linked, MGallery has developed a holistic approach to well-being, providing a peaceful interlude that sits well with its Green Key.

24 boulevard du Roi René

Aix-en-Provence

Tél. 04 42 37 61 00

grandhotelroirene-aixenprovence.com

Lou Calen

A green star shines over a secret garden

This three-hectare country estate, nestling in the heart of Cotignac, invites guests to discover the celebrated Provençal way of life. Chef Benoit Witz serves up a delicate, seasonal cuisine, always inspired by his favourite produce from the market, herb garden and local food producers. His Jardin Secret (Secret Garden) restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to a more sustainable gastronomy that champions natural ingredients and a return to basics. 

Hôtel Lou Calen

1 cours Gambetta, Cotignac

Tél. 04 98 14 15 29

L’Oustau de Baumanière

A duty to be green

This institution in the Alpilles region needs no introduction. The hotel now has its third Michelin star, but it was the award of a green Michelin star that really touched the heart of Chef Glenn Viel. “I’ve always had eco-credentials and have always been attracted to the wild and natural. Working with produce from field to fork, including growing our own fruit and vegetables and collecting and sorting waste, means we’re doing something for the environment. Every little step is important. But we can always do more! Less plastic, lower electricity and water consumption… It’s our duty to be as green as possible.”

D27, Les Baux-de-Provence - Tél. 04 90 54 33 07 - www.baumaniere.com

Château de Massillan

Fully organic

From the guest rooms to the spa, from the vegetable garden and orchard to the restaurant, respect for nature is simply a way of life here, which is hardly surprising when you consider that the hotel’s owner, Didier Perréol, has believed in organic principles his whole life. In the kitchen, Chef Pierfranco Ferrara and his team are intent on creating a gastronomic experience in complete harmony with Mother Nature. His extensive organic, Ecocert-certified vegetable garden is the inspiration for his menu.

730 chemin de Massillan, Uchaux

Tél. 04 90 40 64 51

www.chateaudemassillan;fr

La Mirande

Chef Florent Pietravalle champions locally sourced produce

Beautiful architecture, 5-star luxury and cosy comfort are not the only charming attractions of this Avignon hotel. Chef Florent Pietravalle has also earned it a Michelin Star and a Michelin Green Star. He creates dishes inspired by memories of his travels, but always using regional ingredients. A devoted advocate of locally sourced produce, he will delight your taste buds and transport you to… sometimes very distant lands .

4 place de l’Amirande, Avignon

Tél. 04 90 14 20 20

www.la-mirande.fr

Le Domaine de Manville

Setting an example

Domaine de Manville is a shining example of ecology in action. Besides a golf course, the first in France to be awarded the Ecocert label, the hotel has a magnificent agroforestry farm, open to visitors, with a permaculture kitchen garden that supplies the Michelin-starred restaurant with organic vegetables. The hotel also operates a selective sorting system, and food waste is composted daily to make fertiliser. The Michelin-starred cuisine of Restaurant l’Aupiho also offers a truly eco-responsible dining experience. Chef Lieven Van Aken has created a green gastronomic menu featuring natural ingredients grown on the estate.

Les Baux-de-Provence

Tél. 04 90 54 40 20 

www.domainedemanville.fr

Les Bories & Spa

The power of nature

Wherever you are in the hotel, including the spa, you can enjoy the hotel’s beautiful natural surroundings, but nowhere is the power of nature more evident than in the cuisine of new chef Ewen Martin, who showcases the traditional flavours of the region. Succumb to the serenity of this authentic, chic setting! 

Route de l’Abbaye de Senanque, Gordes

www.hotellesbories.com

La Bastide d’Eygalières

Green right down to its shutters.

As you leave the centre of the village, a beautiful bastide comes into view, a traditional Provençal country house in a lush green setting. Venture deep into the Alpilles and you might just find a little taste of paradise. In taking over this Green Star-rated site, Michelin-starred chef Christopher Hache and his partners had no intention of altering the identity of the green-shuttered bastide or the way it reflects the authentic spirit of Provence. What’s more, this is the chef’s second culinary adventure in the village, with La Bastide d’Eygalières focusing on offering truly delicious bistro-style home cooking.

765 chemin de Pestelade, Eygalières 

Tél. 04 90 95 90 06

www.hotellabastide.com