La Gonette
La Gonette is a 17th century chateau and retreat centre situated in the Luberon region in the south of France.
Place
The Luberon region in Provence, south of France, is a place of ancient monasteries, rambling orchards, family-run vineyards and vibrant villages. The region has long attracted artists of all kinds, drawn by the light, silence, and beauty of the area, as well as the joie de vivre of its people. Traditional small-scale farming and viticulture are present throughout the region, which is dotted with Roman ruins, sprawling lavender fields, and pristine mountain wilderness.
Home of Jean Giono, Frederic Mistral and Marcel Pagnol, Provence has always been a sanctuary for writers and artists, and the region is particularly renowned for its creative community.
The La Gonette estate sits at the base of the medieval village of Simiane-la-Rotonde. With a soaring vista of the region, the village is renowned for its 12th century Romanesque castle with its striking hexagonal rotunda, which is also the setting of the international music festival ‘Le Riches Heures Musicales de la Rotonde’. A five-minute walk from La Gonette, Simiane-la-Rotonde has a boulangerie and tea salon, small épicerie, several small galleries and two restaurants. The Abbaye de Valsaintes, a Cistercian monastery, with its famous gardens, is perched on a promontory overlooking the village and La Gonette. The closest larger towns are Apt and Banon.
Purpose
“This is one of the sacred duties of imagination: honourably to imagine your self. The shortest distance in the world is the one between you and yourself. The space in question is tiny. Yet what goes on in this little space determines nearly everything about the kind of person you are and about the kind of life you are living. Normally, the priority in our culture is to function and do what is expected of us. So many people feel deep dissatisfaction and an acute longing for a more real life, a life that allows their souls to come to expression and to awaken; a life where they could discover a different resonance, one which echoes their heartfelt dreams and longing. For their short while on earth, most people long to have the fullest life they can.” - John O’Donohue.
In all its incarnations, La Gonette has provided a sanctuary for those seeking solace, stillness, inspiration, and connection. Our dream is to continue its storied lineage by offering the La Gonette as a playground for self-exploration, celebration, and wonder.
Immersed in the beauty of the chateau and its surrounds, you are invited to step outside your daily routines and explore new landscapes, both internal and external. We engage world-class practitioners, artisans, and creators to support you in your journey, and are dedicated to the curation of spaces that nurture, heal, inspire, and delight.
Philosophy
“When we awaken to the call of beauty, we become aware of new ways of being in the world. We were created to be creators. At its deepest heart, creativity is meant to serve and evoke beauty. When this desire and capacity come alive, new wells spring up in parched ground; difficulty becomes invitation and rather than striving against the grain of our nature, we fall into rhythm with its deepest urgency and passion. The time is now ripe for beauty to surprise and liberate us.” - John O’Donohue
We endeavour to inspire creation and connection through our restoration projects, community events, and partnerships with local and global artisans. Our approach to design and restoration at La Gonette reflects an alignment with the natural environment of Provence, the culture and traditions of the region, and the slow, bucolic way of life. Simultaneously, the art and interiors pay homage to the multicultural influences and inspirations of former custodian Robert Kime, the rich diversity of the guests we welcome through our doors, and our love of travel and history.
