I was recommended to this bed and breakfast near the town of Avignon and thought I would give it a try. I booked my reservation directly with the owner, who spoke perfect English. Upon my arrival I was quite surprised to find such a magnificent residence. My thoughts of a bed and breakfast were of something a little more modest. The Chateau is splendidly restored with all the comforts of a luxury hotel. I was told to make myself at home and to ask for anything I needed.
The weather is very mild in this part of France and I took advantage of the beautiful swimming pool and turkish steam bath. Breakfast was a bounty of delicious homemade baked goods that I had seen cooling the night before in the kitchen. The proximity to other charming towns for browsing quaint markets and bicycle paths was very convenient. After a few days at Chateau de St. Maximin, I started to dread my departure. My favorite day was a luncheon served in the garden amid 500 year old olive trees. I have been back four times. Gorgeous.
Sincerely,

S. Maza, Chicago, IL

Living in Paris, we decided to take a week vacation in the south of France. Our choice was to take a rest at Chateau Saint Maximin recommanded by a colleague of mine.
We learnt that the place was owned by the XVII th century theatre writer Jean Racine. We called and made a reservation for Andromaque suite because I wanted to have a wifi connection in my room.
The castle is beautifully decorated with rare pieces of art. I specially appreciated the Christian Gaillard paintings and after viewing his website ---, I am definitly interested to buy one of his fantastic toreros.
I have specially appreciated the calm and serenity of the place, its library, the classical music during breakfast. The dinner specialy prepared for us in front of the cheminey and above all the kindness of the two owners.
I definitly vote for this historical gem!

Dr. Pierre Leconte (Paris)

We booked dinner for eight of us at the Chateau St Maximin the last night of our stay in France in July 2005. I phoned and confirmed our reservation one hour prior to our arrival. We arrived at the hotel and were shown to our table and seated. I noticed a little confusion at the back of the restaurant, and then our waitress came and told us we had to leave - our table was reserved for other guests. I asked to speak to the owner, who came, and very obnoxiously insisted we leave - "I had not reconfirmed", he said. He totally ignored my point that I had phoned one hour before our arrival, and had been told our table was fine. Nothing else was possible he insisted. We finally left and went and had a fine meal in the Market Square in nearby Uzes. A little later my sons had to return and retrieve my daughter's purse, which she left by our table, and came across the scene of another couple leaving in annoyance. On speaking to a well known local restauranteur, he said this hotel is known for its unprofessionalism - "they probably received a last minute call from friends asking for a table" he told us. Be warned - nice location, but arrogant owner, and the risk of major disappointment

We stayed in the Esther room for 10 nights in late June - the photos do not do the hotel justice. We were made to feel more welcome and relaxed than in any other french hotel we have stayed in; there were very few guests (only six rooms) and the staff/owner help make you feel its all yours!
The chateau has been beautifully modernised whilst retaining its original character.
We are suprised the restaurant does not have a michelin star as it compared very favourably with those locally which did.
We would strongly recommend this hotel to anyone seeking a relaxing beautiful enclave whilst passing through or near this area.