Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of 500 of the finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants in 60 countries. From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Châteaux offers all the stops on the finest route for discovering each special place and country.
In all our properties, each maître de maison draws upon his unique experience and passion to share the authentic culture and tastes of his region with every guest.
Magical places and memories of a lifetime: whether it be a romantic weekend or to celebrate the important moments of life such as birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoon or family reunions.
Established in France more than 50 years ago, Relais & Châteaux has become a renowned reference of excellence in the hotel and restaurant world. The Association's mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.
Owner of the Château de Brindos My road to happiness through the French and Spanish Basque Country
I have never wanted to leave the Basque Country. Having arrived in Biarritz at the age of two, I am a “Biarrot” through and through. I played for Biarritz Olympique my entire career, refusing to move to another club, or another town. That’s because being Basque means having not only a different identity and way of life, but also a different way of looking at the world. We are immersed in a culture rich in tradition. My route through this land, bordered by the ocean and the Pyrenees range, reveals some aspects of this region that I love so much. It crosses the border, from Biarritz to Bilbao, passing through Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and San Sebastián.
Relais & Châteaux proposes its Routes du Bonheur for your inspiration: they are suggestions of itineraries that you can adapt to your preferences and desired experiences. Our advisors are at your disposal to individualise your routes and help you make reservations at our properties. Example for a four-night stay from €874* * Minimum indicative rate per person, subject to availability, on the basis of a double room with double occupancy, including accommodation, breakfast and dinner (menu, without beverages) in the properties suggested for the itinerary. Activities on site and nearby must be reserved by you.
I was 16 years old when the management of Biarritz Olympique invited us to the Château de Brindos. I have magical memories of it. Several years ago, I had the chance to become its owner. Life is sometimes surprising… In the 1930s, the château was known for its sumptuous parties and receptions, given by Sir Reginald Wright. We retained the walls and updated the whole building, creating 5 suites and 22 guest rooms. The edge of the lake is highly conducive to serenity and relaxation. And I must say that I would have been very sad to see this place disappear.
On the route...
A walk by the ocean
You can enjoy the town and the ocean. Every Sunday morning, regardless of the weather, my friends and I take a two- or three-hour walk along the coast. We go around the two little lakes, Marion and Mouriscot, and cross the town to walk along the Grande Plage, the Port des Pêcheurs, the Rocher de la Vierge (the Rock of the Virgin) and the Old Port towards Bidart. Soak up the atmosphere of Biarritz…
We can advise you on booking your route. Contact central reservations :
A gourmet escape in the Basque Country, on the St. James Way pilgrimage route to Compostella
Charles II of Navarre considered the village of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port as “the key to [his] kingdom”. The entrance to this kingdom would certainly be the hotel Les Pyrénées, which will soon have been in the family of Firmin and Anne-Marie Arrambide for four generations. Built in 1729, the arched sandstone doorway leads you into an unpretentious and elegant hotel situated on the Way of Saint James.
On the route...
Cambo-les-Bains
There are at least two reasons to make a stop in Cambo-les-Bains: it is the site of L’Arnaga, the splendid house built by Edmond Rostand, author of Cyrano de Bergerac (Depardieu gave the César award he won for his role in the film of the same name to the museum) and it is also the birthplace of the greatest ever pelota player, Chiquito de Cambo. This legend travelled across the world, amassing titles and honours.
There are three kinds: Peloa, Xapata and Beltza. The latter, as its (Basque) name indicates, is black, and it is this variety which is used to make the jam which serves as an accompaniment to the local sheep’s cheese. It is a real delicacy, which is sold nearly everywhere in the picturesque village of Itxassou.
My favourite thing : The makhila
This is possibly the finest of the presents I was given at the end of my rugby career: a makhila carved by master craftsman Charles Bergara in his Larressore workshop. Carved from the wood of the medlar tree, this traditional stick is one of the jewels of the Basque Country. Much more than a simple walking stick, it is a little bit of the country’s history that you can lean on.
In the peacefulness of this Victorian mansion you enter into a timeless world
In the centre of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, in a haven of greenery and two-hundred-year-old trees, this superb white villa, built at the end of the 19th century, contains rooms and suites decorated with sumptuous art deco objects. Some rooms have secluded private gardens. Owner Bernard Denegre will welcome you to this setting which is at once intimate and airy, with views of the gardens.
On the route...
My favourite place : San Sebastián and Anoeta stadium
I love San Sebastián so much that I could live there! The city’s joie de vivre is incredible. The locals live their lives in the streets, flitting between tapas bars here and there. Come and see Biarritz Olympique play at Anoeta stadium. It’s fantastic; we always get a full house. The entire city, from La Concha to Monte Igueldo, celebrates. We call it "Anoeta Day".
Juan Mari Arzak is, in a way, the high priest of Spanish gastronomy. This friend of Paul Bocuse represents both refined taste and a sense of family. This former tavern was purchased by his grandparents and managed for a long time by his mother. She passed on two essential things to her son: a love of people and of produce. Both are in evidence today in his dishes and his warm welcome, with his daughter Elena at his side.
How many cities can boast of having as many Grands Chefs? Pedro Subijana Reza is also a son of San Sebastian. Since 1975, on mount Igueldo, the chef with the great moustache has been delighting as much as he surprises. With his knives and calf’s feet, his sucking pig or his succulent pollack with “Kokotxa”. Everything is surprising and a delight. We must also stress the intense happiness provided by views of San Sebastian Bay and the Cantabrian sea…
With Pedro Subijana Reza at the Akelare, Martin Berasategui has raised gastronomy’s flag very high in the heart of the Basque country. A native of Saint-Sébastien, the chef offers us a modern and inventive cuisine. Berasategui is an artist, who likes to talk about his "battle of hand versus fire". An artist or rather an artisan, who blends oysters with cucumber, pig hooves and quince, melon, and sheep’s milk. His Tasting menu is a real pleasure, comprising about twelve dishes (small portions). However, when you love, you don’t count the cost...
The exceptional encounter of a neo-medieval palace with a bird-populated area at a ria
The first thing you see is the neo-gothic sandstone and marble tower, and the second is this surprising château in the heart of Urdabai natural park. Owned by Garbiñe Azkuenaga, the Castillo de Arteaga is a film set where guests become the actors. A superb setting where history and contemporary art meet.
We can advise you on booking your route. Contact central reservations :
