Some twenty kilometres north of Aix-en-Provence, Chateau La Coste farms its vines organically and biodynamically. The estate entrusted its cellar to Jean Nouvel and its art centre to Tadao Ando, and has invited artists and architects over the years to place works within the landscape, Louise Bourgeois among them. The art and architecture walk, guided in French and English, links these interventions across the parcels.
The estate announces vineyard and cellar visits, tastings and oenological workshops, along with formats dedicated to constituted groups and private events. Dining is plural, from Ando's cafe to Francis Mallmann's fire cooking. Two houses, Villa La Coste and Auberge La Coste, extend the whole. Much of the site is covered on foot and in the open air, which argues for a temperate season.
Other experiences in Vieux-Port de Marseille
Above the anse de Maldorme, below the corniche Kennedy, a Marseille house whose dining room and terrace can be hired for small groups.
Shopping & CraftsmanshipSavonnerie Fer a Cheval, cauldron-made soapA Marseille soap works active since 1856, listed as a Historic Monument, which receives constituted groups at its Sainte-Marthe site.
Shopping & CraftsmanshipAteliers Marcel Carbonel, the santon maker's craftIn the Saint-Victor district, a house of santon makers opens its production workshops, by appointment only and from Monday to Thursday.
Culture & HeritageHotel de Caumont, the privatised town houseA town house in Aix-en-Provence's Mazarin quarter whose salons, auditorium and formal gardens can be hired once the site closes to the public.
Culture & HeritageFondation Vasarely, the privatised alveoliVictor Vasarely's architectonic centre in Aix-en-Provence opens its seven monumental alveoli and its three-hectare grounds to private hire.