Billionaire turned an ancient village into a well-priced luxury hotel

Billionaire turned an ancient village into a well-priced luxury hotel describes how Swiss billionaire Andy Rihs transformed the medieval village site of La Coquillade into a luxury resort near Gargas in France. The article places the property about an hour east of Avignon, in the Luberon region, and notes the setting outside Provence’s main sights and north of the French Riviera. Rihs arrived in 2008 and developed what is described as an albergo diffuso, preserving much of the original cluster of low stone buildings, fountain, and old walls while adding modern facilities. La Coquillade features an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a large spa with a hammam, yoga studio, and whirlpool views over vineyards. The resort has 69 rooms, none characterized as standard, with a mix of renovated village structures and discreet new suites. The property is described as Relais & Châteaux branded, and it highlights local experiences and cuisine tied to regional production.