One of the most exciting parts of traveling abroad is experiencing art and culture outside of my typical museums and galleries. Art is one of the most important and accessible ways that people express themselves and connect with each other. Combine this with relaxation and there is the making of something great. Recently, Maisons Pariente, a family-run hotel collection caught my attention. They combine the elegance of luxury travel with the thrill of an expertly curated art collection. Here are three hotels from Maisons Pariente to experience contemporary french art and luxury.
Hôtel Crillon Le Brave – Provence
First, is the Hôtel Crillon Le Brave. Located in the south of France, the hotel is made up of ten, 17th and 18th century buildings. They have been modernized to provide every possible luxury including a spa and restaurants that serve only the finest local fare.
This area has long served as inspiration for artists including Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh. While staying at the Hôtel Crillon Le Brave, visitors are treated to a fantastic art collection. Jaume Roig’s ceramics grace common areas and the bar. They are made up of clay and painted with natural pigments, an ode to the beautiful nature of the area. “A fleur de peau”, Kim Bartelt‘s minimalist series can also be found throughout the hotel. They are quite light, meant to invoke the idea of a fleeting moment.
Much like a luxury vacation. Guests can even contemplate a Picasso while they dine at restaurant La Table du Ventoux. The Hôtel Crillon Le Brave is continuing the great tradition of provenchel art while providing guests with an unforgettable stay.
Hôtel Lou Pinet – St. Tropez
If a beach vacation is more your style, then I recommend the Hôtel Lou Pinet in St. Tropez. This intimate, thirty-four room resort combines the elegance of the French Riviera with the free spirit of 1960’s design.
Charles Zana and François Vieillecroze designed the space to feel as if you were visiting a close friend’s house and they truly achieved that goal. This experience flows into the restaurant, Beefbar, which highlights the balanced and fresh food of the region.
The Hôtel Lou Pinet, like the other hotels in the collection, offers an immersive art experience. Charlotte Culot’s carpet graces the reception area. The impeccable gardens blend nature and art with works by sculptor Tony Cragg, Ugo Rondinone’s colorful rock, and Armelle Benoit’s painted ceramic. These works all create an atmosphere of balance and relaxing, the ideal mood for enjoying St. Tropez.
Hôtel Le Coucou – Meribel
Nestled in the Alps, the Hôtel Le Coucou brings art and luxury into the space of a traditional ski resort. Interior architect Pierre Yovanovitch took a chance and included quirky, interesting details throughout the hotel.
Reminding one that they are on vacation and take a deep breath of the fresh mountain air. A dramatic and stunning fresco on the five-meter-high dome ceiling of the entry created by artist Matthieu Cossé is reminiscent of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. But with a more contemporary, almost surreal flair. The stacked design of the architecture is also a modern take on the classic ski chalet.
The Maisons Pariente luxury hotel collection embodies the importance of combining art and culture with travel. These resorts transports guests where time is inconsequential and art is everywhere.
Visit www.maisonspariente.com for more information.
