Hotel L’Orangeraie – The awakening of the “Belle au bois dormant”
There are places that stand the test of time with elegance, bearing the mark of history and the promise of renewal. In its green setting overlooking Cavalaire Bay, L’Orangeraie ranks among the architectural gems of our village and has a rich history. Built in the early 1900s, the L’Orangeraie hotel was a convent and orphanage run by the Sisters of Nazareth. Nestled among other villas in La Croix Valmer, a stone’s throw from the heart of the village, it was not until the early 2000s that it took the name Hotel L’Orangeraie, embodying today a subtle alliance between the heritage of the past and the Art Of Hospitality.
One man – one vision
Michel Colomas: a passionate and discreet manager who has been at La Croix Valmer since 2002, he knows the area, its seasons, and its balance. His career has been marked by nearly 20 years of formative experience at Château de Valmer and La Pinède Plage, which has profoundly shaped his vision of the hotel industry: rigor, high standards, and attention to detail. When he took over the management of L’Orangeraie, the challenge was considerable. The hotel has a strong soul and a unique history, but its positioning needed to be rethought. The objective was clear: to “awaken the sleeping beauty” without ever distorting its character.
A new impetus
The recovery is happening on a large scale, with a tight-knit team committed to keeping the Maison alive all year round: four permanent staff members (Emmanuelle, Lin, Tonio, and Michel) and up to 18 during the season. Each period of closure becomes a strategic time. At L’Orangeraie, the motto is that a good summer season is always prepared in advance (work, embellishments, reflection on uses, continuous improvement of services, etc.). Nothing is left to chance when it comes to improving the quality of service.
Starting in 2023, a new ambition is taking shape: to earn a fourth star. To achieve this, the establishment is rethinking its entire offering:
– Creation of a continuous catering service
– Highlighting the majestic building and its surroundings
– Maintenance of the landscaped park overlooking the sea
– Heated swimming pool
– Relooking of the pool area in the shade of palm trees
– Attention to detail, hospitality and comfort
A true work of art, carried out in close collaboration with owner Christian Boucher, based on three essential pillars:
– Human Resources and Employee Retention
– Equipment to improve comfort quality
– Eco-responsible and environmental approach
The result is clear: a 97% success rate in the audit, earning a fourth star that is valid for five years.
A lively hotel – open and rooted
Today, L’Orangeraie is claiming a new position. Gone is the image of a discreet and confidential establishment: make way for a beautiful Croisian villa, nestled and perched, open to its surroundings and local life.
The hotel is expanding its range of services even further:
– Private events (weddings, seminars, etc.)
– Access to services for external customers (swimming pool, restaurant, bar, etc.)
– Musical evenings and live music under the stars
The clientele, mainly individual travelers, is loyal and international (France, England, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, etc.). In the low season, couples seek peace and authenticity. In the high season, the clientele becomes more family-oriented. The average length of stay is 2 to 3 nights, with a clear desire to increase the time spent on site thanks to a more varied offering.
A future built on continuity
The season runs from early May to mid-October, but the hotel plans, prepares, and projects itself throughout the year. Each year brings its share of small improvements in a spirit of gentle but constant evolution: customer loyalty, social media development, quality of service, regional roots… Everything converges toward a caring, human, and sustainable hotel industry. In a preserved area such as La Croix Valmer, L’Orangeraie is now one of those period establishments that have managed to reinvent themselves without losing their soul. A new lease of life—a real challenge, met with elegance, discretion, and authenticity.
L’Orangeraie is no longer just a hotel: it is a story that continues to be written, in tune with the seasons and the authentic character of La Croix Valmer.
Picture ©Bernard GIANI52.