Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel & Spa L’Occitane is a 5-star retreat in Mane, Provence, housed in a 400-year-old stone convent. Following a complete renovation in 2023, this historic property has reemerged as a leader in luxury sustainability, showing that high-end hospitality can coexist with environmentally respectful practices without compromising service or comfort.

ECOCERT-Certified Spa & Geothermal Energy

The hotel’s crown jewel is the spa, the world’s first to earn ECOCERT’s Sustainable Spa certification. Developed in partnership with L’Occitane en Provence, the spa embodies holistic well-being for both guests and the planet.

A geothermal energy system beneath the convent provides heating and cooling for the entire property, nearly eliminating fossil fuel use. This renewable system also heats the spa’s pools and hot water, drastically reducing carbon emissions while offering guests a serene and restorative experience.

Heritage Design & Eco Interiors

Throughout the property, sustainable design choices are woven into its heritage setting. Motion-sensor LED lighting reduces energy use in cloistered hallways, while bathrooms are finished with creamy Pyrenean marble. Much of the furniture was crafted or restored by Provençal artisans, avoiding long-distance transport and supporting local craftsmanship. Despite modern interventions, the convent retains its soul, inviting guests to reflect in the cloister or practice yoga in the restored chapel.

Water Conservation & Organic Gardens

The gardens are planted with lavender, sage, and native flora, chosen for their drought resistance and low water needs. An advanced greywater recycling and drip irrigation system ensures efficient water use. Guests can also visit the organic herb garden, where rosemary, thyme, and verbena are harvested for both spa treatments and the hotel’s kitchens.

Farm-to-Table Dining in Provence

Dining at Le Couvent des Minimes is rooted in Provençal flavors and local sourcing. The gastronomic restaurant Le Feuillée and the casual Pamparigouste bistrot emphasize seasonal, often organic ingredients. Goat cheese, strawberries, truffles, and other delicacies come directly from neighboring farms, while the wine list highlights organic Provencal wines. These partnerships reduce food miles while strengthening the regional economy, reflecting the hotel’s eco-gastronomy philosophy.

Zero Waste & Plastic-Free Hospitality

Guest rooms follow a strict zero plastic, zero waste policy. Instead of disposable amenities, rooms feature elegant refillable dispensers of L’Occitane products, solid shampoo bars, and eco-friendly bath items in compostable or fabric packaging. Paper use has been drastically cut thanks to digital check-in, electronic menus, and in-room directories. Behind the scenes, housekeeping uses Aquama, an electrolyzed saltwater solution, to sanitize spaces without harsh chemicals.

Green Mobility & Community Commitment

On the hotel grounds, guests will find a dozen EV charging stations powered by a mix of renewable energy, including solar panels subtly integrated into garden pergolas. The commitment to community is equally strong, as the hotel prioritizes local suppliers not only to cut transport emissions but also to support the Provençal economy.

Authentic Eco-Luxury in Provence

With its thoughtful green initiatives, heritage architecture, and authentic sense of place, Le Couvent des Minimes is more than a hotel — it is an eco-responsible sanctuary in Provence. Guests can meditate in the historic chapel, wander the lavender-scented gardens, or relax in a geothermal-heated spa, knowing their stay contributes to a sustainable future without sacrificing an ounce of luxury.