La Bonne Étape

La Bonne Étape, a distinguished Relais & Châteaux property in Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban, France, holds the prestigious Michelin Key One-Key recognition, signaling a very comfortable stay with distinctive character. This 18th-century post house is celebrated for its blend of traditional Provençal charm and exceptional hospitality.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

La Bonne Étape consistently garners "Exceptional" or "Excellent" ratings from guests, with scores often reaching 9.4/10 on platforms like Hotels.com and 8.9/10 on Booking.com. The overarching sentiment is one of delight and appreciation for a luxurious, authentic Provençal experience, often described as an "upscale retreat" and an "incontournable étape" in the region.

2. Key Highlights

Guests frequently rave about several aspects of La Bonne Étape:

• Service & Staff: The attentive, competent, and friendly staff consistently receives high praise for their professionalism and warmth.
• Dining: The hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant is a major draw, offering exquisite Provençal cuisine that is a highlight for many visitors. The availability of a more casual bistro also adds to its appeal.
• Location & Design: Housed in a beautifully maintained 18th-century building, the hotel is set amidst picturesque lavender fields, verdant hills, and mountain peaks of Haute Provence. The impressive gardens and a lovely seasonal outdoor pool contribute significantly to its serene and charming ambiance.
• Amenities: Guests appreciate the seasonal outdoor pool with sun loungers, free self-parking (including electric vehicle charging), and complimentary Wi-Fi, alongside the beautiful garden spaces.

3. Room Quality

La Bonne Étape offers 18 rooms, suites, and villas, largely traditional in style, though some incorporate contemporary furniture. They are generally described as spacious, comfortable, and decorated with period furnishings, featuring modern amenities like air conditioning, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi. Many junior suites boast balconies or terraces that offer pleasant views of the hotel's gardens. While the majority of feedback is positive regarding room comfort, one past guest mentioned a "faint lingering smoke smell" and a "hard bed" in their specific room.

4. Dining Experience

Dining is a cornerstone of the La Bonne Étape experience:

• La Bonne Étape Restaurant: This 1-Michelin Star restaurant, led by chef Jany Gleize and his daughter Jane, is renowned for its "precise, traditional cuisine" that celebrates the Provençal terroir. Guests consistently praise the "refined, tasty and perfectly mastered" dishes, highlighting the exceptional quality of local products and seasonal ingredients. Reservations are required for this fine-dining experience.
• Bistro Gaby: For a more relaxed meal, Bistro Gaby offers "market-fresh bistro fare" or "bistro-style cuisine."
• Breakfast: A "good breakfast" is offered, with options for a buffet or in-room service.
• Atmosphere: Both restaurants are noted for their warm atmosphere, combining family spirit with gastronomy, conviviality, and authenticity.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at La Bonne Étape consistently receive high marks. Guests frequently describe the team as "excellent," "helpful," "attentive," "friendly," and "very competent." The family-run nature of the establishment, with Chef Gleize and his daughter Jane, contributes to a warm and personalized approach to hospitality, where "vous faire plaisir est notre plaisir."

6. Location & Accessibility

La Bonne Étape is nestled in Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban, a picturesque area in Provence, France. It's strategically located on the historic "Route Napoléon," connecting the French Alps to the Mediterranean Sea, and lies between the towns of Manosque and Sisteron (Sisteron is approximately 12 km away). The surroundings are characterized by lavender fields, rolling hills, and mountain views. The property offers free self-parking and electric vehicle charging, making it convenient for guests traveling by car. It is also mentioned as being near a train station. Guests can enjoy activities such as cycling, fishing, hiking, and golf in the vicinity.

7. Value & Pricing

As an upscale Relais & Châteaux and Michelin Key One-Keys property, La Bonne Étape offers a luxurious experience. Prices for a one-night stay for two adults typically start from around $235 - $247 USD (or 200 €) and are subject to change based on dates and availability. While the Michelin-starred restaurant naturally comes with a higher price point than average dining, guests generally consider the overall experience, including the high-quality property, exceptional service, and renowned dining, to be a good value for the cost, with "value for money" often rated positively (e.g., 8.3/10).

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted:

• Room Issues: One review mentioned a "faint lingering smoke smell" and an "uncomfortable hard bed" in a specific room.
• Dining Portions: A rare comment suggested that portions in the fine-dining restaurant, particularly for dishes like Sisteron lamb, could be more generous, although the quality of the cuisine was still highly praised.
• Wi-Fi Performance: The Wi-Fi service received a slightly lower satisfaction score (7.5/10) compared to other aspects of the hotel.
• Accessibility: The property does not have elevators, which might be a consideration for some guests.
• Seasonal Closure: The hotel is closed annually between January 1 and February 14.

Sources

1. hotels.com
2. booking.com
3. thefork.fr
4. provence-alpes-cotedazur.com
5. booking.com
6. michelin.com
7. michelin.com
8. relaischateaux.com
9. expedia.com
10. relaischateaux.com
11. bonneetape.com
12. michelin.com
13. rankeat.fr
14. relaischateaux.com