Is Coquillade Provence good for families? Our review

It’s the Japanese jasmine perfuming the sun-warmed air that first attracts me to Coquillade Provence – and that’s before I clock the vast, cypress-lined blue pools stretching out in front. David Hockney does the Luberon.

Set among the vineyards and olive groves of Provence’s rural heartland, the family-friendly hotel is housed within a gorgeously restored 11th-century hamlet. Here you can enjoy a more undiscovered side of the region – none of the crowds, all of the beauty the postcards and Netflix films promise.

Come in spring and poppy-peppered fields splash the surroundings before lavender blooms proudly purple in the summer months – but those in the know come in October, when the weather is balmy and the vine leaves, their branches entwined like menorahs, don their prettiest autumnal hues.

It’s far from style over substance: Coquillade Provence combines spacious family suites, a seasonal Kids Club and plenty of opportunities to explore this exquisite countryside by bike. Parents can retreat to the award-winning spa while children embrace treasure hunts, water games and creative workshops under the Provençal sun.

Coquillade Provence

Family-friendliness at a glance

• Kids’ Club: Ages 3–15, July 1–August 31, €30 per half day
• Two outdoor swimming pools
• Playground
• Babysitting available via concierge
• Family Suites and Duplex Family Suites sleeping four
• Children’s menus available across the resort restaurants
• Baby equipment including cots, highchairs, baby baths and changing tables
• Bike trailers available for younger children
• Large private villa available for multigenerational stays

Coquillade Provence

Location and first impressions

Located near the village of Gargas in Provence’s Luberon Regional Natural Park, Coquillade Provence sits around 50 minutes from Avignon and approximately 90 minutes from Marseille Airport.

The drive through vineyards and hilltop villages sets the tone for a countryside escape, while the resort itself resembles a small Provençal village with honey-coloured stone buildings, winding pathways and panoramic views stretching towards Mont Ventoux (of Tour de France fame).

It’s the peace that hits you on arrival – that, and the jasmine if you come in season – yet families are within easy reach of some of Provence’s most charming villages, including Gordes, Ménerbes and Roussillon. Cycling routes begin directly from the property, while local markets, lavender fields and family-friendly walking trails provide plenty of opportunities to explore the region.

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Coquillade Provence

Accommodation for families

Families are well catered for, with Family Suites and Duplex Family Suites designed to accommodate up to four guests comfortably. Family Suites combine a king-size bed with a sofa bed and generous living space, while Duplex Family Suites spread accommodation across two levels, offering a little extra privacy for parents and older children. Parents travelling with babies can request cots, changing tables, highchairs and baby baths.

Many rooms come with private terraces or balconies overlooking the surrounding countryside. From my own luxurious viewpoint, as the sun warms my sandalled toes to the soundtrack of cheeping birds and buzzing insects, I can see what looks like a heart etched onto the valley in the distance, where the shadow falls.

For larger family gatherings, the six-bedroom Bastide Les Vallats villa sleeps up to 12 guests and includes a private pool, wellness area, pétanque court and access to all hotel facilities, making it ideal for multigenerational holidays.

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Coquillade Provence

Facilities for kids

The Kids Club operates throughout July and August for children aged three to 15 and offers a creative alternative to screen-based entertainment. The programme includes treasure hunts, outdoor obstacle courses, yoga-inspired movement sessions, mini piñata workshops, puppet making, nature-inspired arts and crafts, water games and activities designed around Provençal wildlife and landscapes.

Children are encouraged to explore, create and get outdoors, with programmes adapted according to age groups, weather conditions and interests. The club costs €30 per child per half day and must be booked in advance.

Away from the club, families can enjoy the playground, swimming pools and extensive grounds, while the concierge can arrange babysitting for parents seeking a little time to themselves.

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Coquillade Provence

Activities for all ages

Families who like to do more than simply flop by the pool will find plenty to keep them occupied. The neighbouring Cycling Centre offers premium bike hire, guided rides (with super patient and jolly instructors) and family-friendly cycling routes through vineyards, forests and hilltop villages. Bike trailers make exploring with younger children easy and adults can opt for e-bikes.

There are also tennis courts, pétanque courts, hiking trails and vineyard walks. The property can even organise for picnics and families can take part in wine estate tours, olive oil experiences and guided excursions throughout the Luberon.

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Coquillade Provence

Pools and spa

The resort features two outdoor swimming pools (with one dedicated to families and ready populated with toys and inflatables) surrounded by sun terraces and countryside views. Families will find plenty of space to spread out and supervise children while still enjoying a relaxing day by the water.

The real showstopper, however, is the 2,000sqm Spa Coquillade. While this is primarily an adult-focused space, it provides a welcome retreat for parents. Facilities include a heated indoor pool, sauna, hammam, steam bath, Kneipp basins, sensory showers, an ice fountain and three outdoor hot tubs surrounded by olive trees and vineyard views. This is wellness done right.

Talking of, there is also a Technogym-equipped gym, yoga room, relaxation gardens and a menu of wellness treatments, naturopathy consultations and massages.

The spa was named Best Spa Facilities at the 2024 Condé Nast Johansens Awards and previously won Global Winner for Luxury Yoga Retreat at the World Luxury Spa Awards.

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Coquillade Provence

Dining for families

Coquillade offers several dining options that work well for families. Children’s menus are available throughout the resort and staff are used to welcoming younger guests.

Cipressa is likely to be the easiest choice for families, serving Italian favourites including Neapolitan pizzas, pasta dishes, gnocchi and risotto; I’m particularly taken by the tiramisu made expertly tableside. The relaxed atmosphere and poolside setting make it very appealing after a day of sightseeing or swimming.

For something more refined, Les Vignes showcases Provençal cuisine using produce from the resort’s own gardens alongside local ingredients. Dishes include Mediterranean fish ceviche, local trout gravlax, cod with white asparagus and regional specialities. An entire sea bream floats past on a trolley as I tuck in one evening.

Breakfast is deliciously extensive here, too, with oodles of fresh fruit (including snazzy presses – banana juice anyone?), French cheeses and countless cakes among the classic fare.

The resort also produces its own wines from vineyards surrounding the estate and offers family-friendly outdoor dining during the warmer months.

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Coquillade Provence

Rates

Rooms start from approximately £363 per night for a Classic Room. Family Suites and Duplex Family Suites start from approximately £917 per night and accommodate up to four guests. Rates vary according to season and room category and generally include accommodation and access to resort facilities.

Coquillade Provence

FAQs

Q: Is Coquillade Provence suitable for toddlers?

A: Yes. The resort offers cots, highchairs, baby baths and changing tables, while spacious family accommodation and extensive outdoor areas make travelling with young children straightforward.

Q: Does Coquillade Provence have a kids’ club?

A: Yes. The Kids Club runs from July 1 to August 31 for children aged three to 15 and offers supervised creative, outdoor and sporting activities. It costs €30 per child per half day.

Q: Are there family rooms at Coquillade Provence?

A: Yes. Family Suites and Duplex Family Suites accommodate up to four guests, while the six-bedroom Bastide Les Vallats villa sleeps up to 12 guests.

Q: What activities are available for families?

A: Families can enjoy cycling, swimming, tennis, pétanque, hiking, vineyard walks, playgrounds, creative workshops and excursions throughout the Luberon countryside.