Saint-Remy-de-Provence – Hôtel de Tourrel – Simple Travel and Recreation

5, rue Carnot

The Hôtel de Tourrel is a 17th-century townhouse (hôtel particulier) located at 5 rue Carnot, in the heart of the historic center of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Once the private residence of the noble de Tourrel d’Almeran family, it is today one of the finest examples of heritage rehabilitation in the town, transformed into a luxury boutique hotel combined with a high-end gastronomic offering.

Origins: the residence of a Provençal noble family

The building was constructed around the mid-17th century for the de Tourrel d’Almeran family, an aristocratic lineage established in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. At the time, the property reflected the high social status of its owners and followed the tradition of Provençal noble townhouses.

The original residence included around multiple rooms arranged across generous volumes, with high ceilings, large windows, and stucco decorations characteristic of 17th-century aristocratic architecture. A monumental stone staircase was already a central feature of the design.

The de Tourrel d’Almeran family

Origins: the residence of a Provençal noble family

The original residence included around twenty rooms arranged across generous volumes, with high ceilings, large windows, and stucco decorations characteristic of 17th-century aristocratic architecture. A monumental stone staircase was already a central feature of the design.

The de Tourrel d’Almeran family

The de Tourrel d’Almeran family (sometimes spelled de Tourrel d’Alméran) is one of the ancient lines of French nobility, rooted in both judicial and military aristocracy and established in Provence since the Middle Ages. Holding lands and a seigneury associated with the title of Almeran, the family gradually became one of the influential households of Saint-Rémy and the Comtat Venaissin.

Over the centuries, they formed alliances with several major Provençal noble families, strengthening their prestige and networks within the regional aristocracy. Members of the lineage held important administrative positions such as viguier or first consul of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, while others served as officers in the royal armies.

It was in the 17th century, at the height of their influence, that the Tourrel d’Almeran family commissioned this townhouse on rue Carnot to assert their social status. The residence became a place of representation and reception, symbolizing their land wealth and political influence. The family gradually disappeared from the local landscape during the revolutionary period, but their name remains permanently attached to this emblematic monument.

Architecture and notable features

The Hôtel de Tourrel retains a significant part of its original structure despite centuries of transformation.

Among its most remarkable features are:

a monumental stone staircase with sculpted arches, considered one of the building’s highlights,
original stucco work revealed during restoration,
vast interior volumes typical of noble residences,
elegant and restrained façades characteristic of 17th-century Provençal architecture.

During restoration, numerous later modifications were removed in order to uncover the original materials and decorative elements, revealing the building’s initial architectural richness.

An exemplary restoration and contemporary rebirth

After centuries of inheritance, subdivision, and alteration, the building was acquired in 2011 by interior architect Margot Stängle and Ralph Hüsgen.

A major restoration was undertaken between 2012 and 2015, guided by a clear vision: to preserve the historic volumes while restoring the building’s original identity.

The original 24 rooms were transformed into just 7 to 9 high-end suites, in order to preserve the exceptional proportions of the structure. The project blends 17th-century architecture with minimalist contemporary design, integrating modern designer pieces within the historic setting.

The hotel reopened in 2015 and quickly became an internationally recognized reference in luxury boutique hospitality.

A luxury hotel in the heart of Saint-Rémy

Today, the Hôtel de Tourrel is an adults-only establishment offering:

high-end suites,
a panoramic rooftop terrace with a swimming pool,
discreet and personalized luxury service.

It offers a unique experience in the historic center, where the building’s heritage dialogue with refined contemporary comfort.

Gastronomy and lifestyle

The hotel also features a significant culinary offering:

La Table de Tourrel, a fine dining restaurant serving contemporary Mediterranean cuisine,
a wine bar and cellar known for its selection of fine wines and rare vintages.

Together, these elements make the Hôtel de Tourrel a central reference for lifestyle in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, combining heritage, gastronomy, and design.

A remarkable example of heritage rehabilitation

The Hôtel de Tourrel is now considered one of the finest examples of the conversion of a Provençal townhouse.

It perfectly illustrates:

the preservation of 17th-century architectural heritage,
the enhancement of Saint-Rémy’s historic center,
and the ability of an ancient building to become a vibrant contemporary space.

Between aristocratic history and modern design, it embodies the successful transformation of heritage into an exceptional cultural and hospitality experience.