Hotel Du Clos

Great prices and fabulous food at this stylish village hotel near Antibes

Evolution is at the heart of this small retreat in the hills above Antibes. First came the restaurant, then the Michelin star, finally a small hotel to accommodate those who didn’t want to leave. It’s a tale of two buildings, with the restaurant sitting next to the church and the hotel basking on the edge of the village. A 3-minute stroll connects the two and those who come find beautiful interiors, excellent service and super value for money.

The hotel itself – a newly renovated 17th-century farmhouse – comes in an elegant contemporary French style. You get olive trees scattered across sweeping lawns, a shaded terrace for breakfast and sundowners, a boules pitch tucked away in one corner, sun loungers circling the pool. Uncluttered rooms are warmly chic. They’re split between the main house (slightly smaller) and a converted barn (several with terraces). All have a sense of calm, fancy bathrooms, beautiful linen and excellent beds. Some guests linger, others head off to explore. The pretty market towns of Biot and Valbonne are on your doorstep. Nice, Antibes and Cannes are close.

Highs

• French owners, French style, fabulous French food
• Service is a cut above; you don’t get Michelin stars for being average
• Bedrooms are lovely with very good prices for the Côte d’Azur
• You're up in the hills, so temperatures are cooler at night than on the coast
• A lovely leafy garden, complete with a small pool for hot afternoons
• This is a good central base for the area

Lows

• The village school opposite isn’t big, but you hear the kids during playtime
• Breakfast is extra
• A couple of the rooms have no door between the bed and toilet
• You’re only 10km from the coast but the better beaches are further away
• The only other restaurant in town is a small pizzeria, which opens sporadically, so if you don’t eat here you’ll need to drive (Biot and Valbonne are not far)