Fodor's Expert Review La Magdeleine by Mathias Dandine

Once the home of a marquis, this splendid Provençal property, tucked away under towering plane trees—with lovely gardens, a swimming pool, picturesque walkways, and a pétanque court—combines a serene natural setting with gracious lodging and outstanding dining thanks to its owners, the Michelin-starred chef Mathias Dandine and his wife. The chef's motto, "a beautiful place, for beautiful moments around a beautiful table," pretty much sums it up. Just off the lavender route—a 20-minute drive from Cassis and the Calanques National Park and just 10 miles from Marseille center—it's perfectly situated (and perfectly equipped) for a restorative Provençal retreat.