If the Hôtel du Couvent is a sanctuary, then its bar is its choir. This late afternoon, it hums to the rhythm of a Cuban lullaby. Designed by Festen architecture studio (who also imagined the five-star hotel’s entire interiors) and adorned with chic pieces handpicked by founder Valéry Grégo, the bar stretches gracefully along the old cloister. Outside, the much-coveted courtyard terrace draws both hotel guests and locals in search of a touch of luxury, calm and… cocktails worth praying for! Over to you, Maxime, master of the shaker: a delicate Spitfire blending Grasse Gin 44, amontillado, white wine, lemon, apricot and honey (€19), a perfect match for the cod terrine with pickles (€11); a Negroni Number 1 made with gin, vermouth, Campari and white tea (€14), bitter, punchy and even better with a plate of Prisuttu AOP (€18). For the rest: pastis, beers, artisanal ciders and more. As for the sober-curious: excellent and rather elusive juices from La Table des Lutins (€12 for 330 ml) in the Vaucluse; refreshing verjus and white fir sodas from Nos Jardins Imparfaits (€9); or signature herbal teas by Grégory Unrein, the hotel’s in-house herbalist (€9). · Alban Mont