Ermitage de Collias
A beautifully restored estate in Collias, offering a charming hotel, delightful gardens, and dining experiences from a casual bistro to fine dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Delicious food, lovely setting
Ermitage de Collias
Best Time
Delicious food, lovely setting
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully restored estate in Collias, offering a charming hotel, delightful gardens, and dining experiences from a casual bistro to fine dining.
"The building is exquisite, and they make good use of its beauty. The setting is particularly delightful."
Learn Basic French Phrases
While some staff speak English, knowing a few French phrases can enhance your experience. :speech_balloon:
Book Dining in Advance
Especially for dinner, reservations are highly recommended to secure a table. :knifeforkplate:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Estate Gardens
Château de Collias
A beautifully maintained garden offering a serene escape and picturesque backdrop for relaxation.
Exceptional Staff Service
Château de Collias
Experience warm hospitality and dedicated staff who go the extra mile to assist guests.
Bistro de Bougainvilliers
Château de Collias
Enjoy delicious, artfully presented dishes in a delightful setting, often at reasonable prices.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Charm, But Be Prepared
Dining Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Learn Basic French Phrases
While some staff speak English, knowing a few French phrases can enhance your experience. :speech_balloon:
Book Dining in Advance
Especially for dinner, reservations are highly recommended to secure a table. :knifeforkplate:
Garden Strolls
Take time to wander the well-kept gardens; they're a highlight for many visitors. :walking:
Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking in the village can be limited, so be prepared for a short walk. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Learn Basic French Phrases
While some staff speak English, knowing a few French phrases can enhance your experience. :speech_balloon:
Book Dining in Advance
Especially for dinner, reservations are highly recommended to secure a table. :knifeforkplate:
Garden Strolls
Take time to wander the well-kept gardens; they're a highlight for many visitors. :walking:
Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking in the village can be limited, so be prepared for a short walk. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ermitage de Collias is a beautifully restored estate with stunning gardens and often exceptional staff service. While many praise the delicious food and delightful setting, some guests have experienced challenges with language barriers and inconsistent service, particularly in the fine dining restaurant.
"My stay at Château de Collias Hôtel 5 étoiles & Restaurant was wonderful. The hotel itself is very beautiful, with a lovely and well-kept garden. At check-in, an older gentleman manager helped me, and he was extremely kind and warm.
The next day I had a problem with my rental car due to a tire issue. Because of the language barrier and some complications, I couldn’t manage to solve it on my own. Luckily, one of the staff, Brian, kindly helped me. He spent nearly an hour calling the rental companies and did his best until the problem was solved. Thanks to him, everything worked out.
It was my good fortune that he was working there during my stay. A hotel with such caring and helpful staff speaks for itself!"
HR Y
"We arrived after closing hour but no problem, very friendly and helpful. Had a wonderful lunch, good service, very tasteful food and very nice wines. Yes I recommend this secret hidden beautiful restored place to everyone"
Victor Schellings
"We had lunch in the bistro. The selection was limited but everyone had something they enjoyed. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. The staff were helpful, friendly, attentive, and cheerful (special mention to Mel for moving furniture to take our group pic for us).
Disclaimer: we live in London, so our judgement on VFM is soewhat skewed. We thought the bill was very reasonable.
The building is exquisite, and they make good use of its beauty.
The setting is particularly delightful. The publicity doesn't do it justice.
Downsides: lack of parking (in a very busy village), and absence low/no alcohol beers for drivers. So not much to gripe about."
Danielle Toyer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ermitage de Collias is located in the village of Collias. If driving, be aware that parking in the village can be limited and may require a short walk to the estate. Public transport options might be less direct, so checking local bus routes in advance is advisable.
Parking is available but can be challenging in the busy village. Visitors have noted that it can be limited, so arriving early or being prepared for a walk is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While not strictly a ticketed attraction in the traditional sense, booking is highly recommended for dining, especially dinner, as it's a popular spot. For hotel stays, advance booking is essential.
The restaurant, including the Bistro de Bougainvilliers, typically serves lunch and dinner. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current opening hours, as they can vary.
While the gardens are a beautiful part of the estate, access might be primarily for hotel guests or diners. It's advisable to inquire directly with the establishment about garden access policies if you are not dining or staying.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is generally described as beautiful, charming, and restored, with a lovely garden. It offers a delightful setting, though some dining experiences have been noted as less professional.
While the setting is beautiful, some reviews suggest that service can be less attentive if you're not speaking French, which might impact a family's experience. However, the gardens offer space for children to explore.
The hotel is described as 5-star with a beautiful garden. Amenities mentioned include air conditioning (though sometimes unavailable), and attentive staff who can assist with issues.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The estate features dining options like the Bistro de Bougainvilliers, serving delicious and beautifully presented dishes. There's also a Michelin-star restaurant, though some guests have found the experience lacking in English communication.
Specific dietary options are not frequently mentioned in reviews. It's recommended to contact the restaurant directly in advance to inquire about vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary accommodations.
Prices can vary. The bistro is considered reasonably priced by some, while the Michelin-star dining experience was noted as expensive by one reviewer, with the value not fully justifying the cost.
The estate is associated with olive oil production, and wine is also mentioned as being available. Reviews suggest a good selection, though one noted wine wasn't poured or offered for tasting.
📸 📸 Photography
The beautifully restored building and the well-kept gardens offer numerous picturesque opportunities. The bistro setting and any scenic village views are also great for capturing memorable shots.
Generally, taking photos of your food and the ambiance is acceptable. One reviewer mentioned staff helping to take a group picture, indicating a friendly approach to photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider opting for the bistro for a more relaxed dining experience. While the estate is lovely, ensure you have a plan for parking, as it can be limited in the village. Bringing a few French phrases might also help smooth interactions.
✈️ Day-Trippers
Be mindful of parking challenges in Collias village and book your lunch reservation in advance, especially during peak times. A stroll through the gardens can add to the charm of your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Château de Collias Experience
However, the guest experience can be varied. While many highlight the kindness and warmth of the staff, with specific mentions of individuals going above and beyond, others have encountered challenges, particularly regarding language barriers. Some guests reported feeling ignored or having difficulty communicating, especially during dining experiences in the Michelin-star restaurant.
Despite these potential drawbacks, the overall impression is of a place with significant charm and potential. The setting is consistently lauded as delightful, and the efforts made in restoration are evident. For those who can navigate the communication aspects, it promises a memorable visit.
Dining at the Estate
The Michelin-star restaurant, while aiming for a high-end culinary experience, has received mixed reviews. Some guests found the portions to be small and the service indifferent or unprofessional, with a significant issue being the lack of English-speaking staff, leading to a disappointing experience for those who don't speak French.
It's worth noting that the estate is also associated with olive oil production, as seen in social media promotions. This suggests a focus on quality local produce, which likely influences the culinary offerings across the estate.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit