The charming Sandrine has taken over the reins of this delightful hotel but the whole of the Rodi family is still involved and, indeed, their friendliness is one of the principal assets of the auberge.
Set in a wing of the Château des Villeneuve - the building dates from the late 17th century - the Auberge des Seigneurs is the oldest hotel in Vence and its distinguished guest list includes Renoir, Dufy and Modigliani. Parking can be a bit iffy as there are only three spaces reserved for guests but there are payable public car parks nearby.
Open the solid wooden doors and relish the rustic simplicity of the restaurant with its copper pots and bed warmers, elm-panelled walls and open hearth. It's here that Sandrine spit roasts lamb or chicken over an open fire and her 5-course menu is a snip at just over €40. Bedrooms are dotted with antique furniture and while simple in style they are all reasonably sized and priced. As with most 2-star hotels, however, it pays to book the best that you can afford, requesting one with a view if available.
Good to see that traditional values and old-fashioned courtesies are still the driving forces of this terrific little hotel.