Le Puy Sainte Reparade: Three Chateaux, One Day

I have just moved to Le Puy Sainte Reparade which is only 20 minutes north of Aix-en-Provence.  Le Puy (as the locals call it) is a tiny village but it is graced with a few very beautiful chateaux. I suggest a full day exploring these three wonderful properties which are within minutes of each other.  It seems like a lot but with a break for lunch, a walk, and some wine, you will not notice the day pass.  

A Day at the Chateaux: Itinerary

#1. Le Chateau Fonscolombe
Here you can have a wander through the property and if you’d like to enjoy a nice lunch,  the menu is top notch and the atmosphere is nothing but 5 stars.  

#2. Chateau D’Arnajon
You will be pleasantly surprised by the beauty of these lovely grounds and the views of the Luberon mountains are exceptional.  It is not possible to eat here so if you haven’t eaten yet, I would go to the wine bar which is called La Bonne Quille and is in the center of Le Puy Saint Reparade.  In my opinion, it is one of the best restaurants that I have come across in the region.  I would give it a try.  

#3.  Chateau La Coste
This is the most popular chateau in the area.  You can enjoy a nice walk around the grounds where you’ll get your art-fix from all of the wonderful structures that are on display throughout the property.  Once finished with your walk, I would suggest going to one of the restaurants to enjoy another meal or just simply a wonderful glass of wine from their own vineyards.  There is the possibility to have an aperitif at La Terrasse where they offer cheese and charcuterie boards and is a great place to enjoy Chateau La Coste.  

Chateau Fonscolombe 

I had the good fortune to meet someone for lunch at this beautiful chateau yesterday.   It is just a short drive from Aix-en-Provence and it is one of the nicest places I’ve been so far.  

The grounds are just beautiful and it is a lovely spot to have a little wander and also stop for a nice lunch or dinner.  When I arrived, I got lost in the hotel and walked through wide-eyed at the absolute beauty of this authentic chateau.  Each room is a dream and one can only imagine what life must have been like living in such a luxurious home.  

We were there on a lovely summer day and it was a treat to sit outside in the garden and soak up the atmosphere of this elegant property.  The menu was of a very high standard and offered all-things-French.  It was possible to enjoy freshly made salads or for those with a bigger appetite, there were many choices of locally prepared dishes.  The service was top-notch and they made sure that we fully enjoyed our experience at Chateau Fonscolombe.  

I would highly recommend this restaurant if you are in the area and I’d even say that it is a fabulous place to stay, as the hotel looked wonderful.  

Don’t miss out on this lovely place.  

Chateau D’Arnajon

We had the good fortune to attend a dinner concert at this lovely Chateau which was once known as a bastide.  The property changed over the years and it is a joy to wander the grounds and discover the various little homes and gardens.

From here you will be able to visit the well-known gardens that are thought to be one of the finest in Provence.   As you take in the grounds you’re treated to the most remarkable views of the Luberon mountains.  I would definitely put the Chateau D’Arnajon on your must-visit list.  There is no restaurant there so I would suggest that you plan to make your way to one of the below-listed restaurants.

Le Puy Sainte Reparade: Chateaux Visit – Where to Eat?

Chateau La Coste 

Around Le Puy, everyone talks about Chateau La Coste and I know that it’s been written about many times. All that said, I must admit that I spend a lot of time there. I now live just down the road and I find myself wandering over there to pick up wine at the shop, take a walk around the beautiful grounds or just simply go and enjoy a bite to eat. Everything seems possible. See here for the full list of restaurants at Chateau La Coste.

As there are four restaurants to choose from, there’s something for everyone, but one stands out:

La Terrasse seems to be the most popular as it is a relaxing place to discover the Chateau La Coste wine while nibbling on the various boards that they have on offer. 

• Do not go here if you want a big meal, however, because they don’t offer main courses. 
• It is really a place for an aperitif. 
• Friday through Sunday during the summer there is a band playing. 
• It is a nice atmosphere.  

Enjoy your day in Le Puy!

La Bonne Quille 

This little wine bar has been one of the nicest surprises so far.  They serve food from Wednesday through Sunday. It is one of the best addresses that I have come across so far here in Provence.

The tables are enormous wine barrels where you can sit and enjoy the fresh breeze and calm of this sleepy village. This is a great spot to try out some local wine or stay and enjoy a wonderful French meal that has been carefully designed for that day. The chef is visible, you can see him preparing his local dishes in the kitchen. He even runs out at times erasing items off of the menu board as he runs out of certain dishes.  

• I went twice within 10 days and the menu was completely different both times.
• It has been a pleasant surprise.
• I would suggest that if you are here for a long enough visit and you’re a foodie, I wouldn’t miss La Bonne Quille. 
• Be sure to reserve your table as they book up fast.

Have you ever been to Le Puy Sainte Reparade? How well do you know Le Puy? Share your experiences in the comments below.