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.
Grand Chef at the Domaine des Hauts-de-Loire I invite you to join me in a journey along the water, between the châteaux of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Born in the Vendée, I arrived in the Loire Valley with my wife in 1986 with the intention of spending a couple of years here. That was over 25 years ago. I obviously like the châteaux of the Loire! The splendour of some of the estates and their settings make them the perfect place to relax and get away from it all. I also love the wild Loire river. Whenever I have a little free time, I like to go there to fish or kayak. I also like working in my garden – I grow a nice collection of herbs, but I also enjoy growing flowers. I escape from the town and its stresses by going to the surrounding forests to look for seasonal mushrooms. Is it any wonder that this region is known as the “Garden of France”? A garden which continues every day to fill me with enthusiasm.
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 €932* * 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.
Nature is an endless source of inspiration to be translated into emotions
This fine hotel has been in Didier Clément’s family for more than fifty years. It offers guests a contemporary feel in a Renaissance setting. Built in 1774 by a friend of King François I, this Renaissance-style hôtel particulier was for many years the residence of the town magistrate. The grand chef’s cuisine is a refined and subtle mixture of seasonal ingredients. Give in to his desserts, before withdrawing to one of the hotel’s lovely rooms.
On the route...
Chocolats Max Vauché
It is in the little village of Bracieux that Max Vauché produces his delicious chocolates. I admire his ethical practices and the idea that he processes his cocoa beans himself. Next to his laboratory, he has set up a small museum dedicated to chocolate and the production process. During a tasting session, make sure to try his “Larmes du cerf” and “Malices du loup”.
This was the inspiration for the famous Marlinspike Hall in The Adventures of Tintin. The estate has belonged to the same family for over six centuries. At certain times, the Orangerie hosts charming exhibitions as well as sales of old masters.
Built in the 16th century, the Château de Chambord is the jewel in the Loire Valley’s crown. You must visit at least once in your life, to lose yourself in its 440 rooms (90 of which are open to visitors). I like to ride my bike along the forest paths which branch out from the château, or go jogging there in the early morning. This is the largest enclosed wooded park in France. But that is another story...
“A family atmosphere” – this is what springs to mind when I’m asked to describe this splendid estate. Our team has worked together for years now, serving our clients who appreciate the serenity of the estate and the tranquility of the Loire Valley. This old hunting lodge, tucked away inside a vast estate, is something rather special. From the rooms to the cuisine, it is chic, but never stuffy, with welcoming staff. And then there is the pleasure of sharing a meal together…
On the route...
My personal favourite: Bar-net fishing
With a doctorate in the ecology of migratory fish, my friend Philippe Boisneau is one of the few remaining fishermen who use the bar-net fishing method on the Loire. Between March and May, he mainly catches shads. Once the net is stretched out, it blocks nearly three-quarters of the Loire. You can see him at work from the riverbank between Onzain and Amboise. I buy shads, zander and pike from him, as well as the small fish which we serve fried in our restaurant. If you bump into him, he is a fascinating man!
Navigate under Chenonceau
What could be nicer, in summer, than renting a small boat and drifting down the Cher under the splendid Château de Chenonceau? This might be the most pleasant way to discover this masterpiece, built on the water in 1513. You can escape from the crowds and get up close with its history.
This is both a historic site and a modestly-sized castle. It is here that in the 16th century, at Noizay, the Duke of Guise fought against Protestants who wanted to abduct King Francis II. You get to discover this story on the castle’s stained-glass windows. Noizay is both a cosy and splendid establishment. An ideal stop to rest and discover young chef Sébastien Hervé, whose cuisine intelligently highlights the region’s products and wines. After coffee, be sure to visit the very beautiful park and one of the castle’s nineteen rooms.
The owner, Philippe Mollard, has pulled off a really impressive feat with this highly unique hotel. Believe it or not, the spacious and luxurious rooms were, just a few years ago, caves! Carved into the rock, these caves were once the homes of monks from the neighbouring abbey. Today they welcome guests in search of an unusual experience. It is the perfect place to stop off and appreciate chef Didier Edon’s excellent cuisine. The hotel looks out over the Loire.
On the route...
Villandry gardens
I keep coming back to this garden, which is unique in Europe. Between March and November, these gardens à la française offer an ever changing array of colours and perfumes. You can wander through these delightful gardens as you please. They contain some 40 varieties belonging to 8 botanical families. What more is there to say?
We can advise you on booking your route. Contact central reservations :
In the heart of the Anjou countryside, overlooking the Loir, the Château de Noirieux is a true oasis of calm. Anja and Gérard Côme manage this vast 9-hectare estate, where elegance rhymes with fragrance, right up to the bedrooms, which are all delicately scented with a different perfume. Major renovations in 1989 restored the estate to its former glory. This unique place, harmonious and serene, holds a stone altarpiece which is listed as a historic monument as well as a splendid marquetry piano by Érard.
On the route...
Le Cadre Noir
Imagine a site of 300 hectares, home to some 400 horses and dozens of professional riding masters. The Cadre Noir de Saumur is a sort of Relais & Châteaux for horse riding. This is an absolute must for horse lovers, who come from far and wide to admire the work and the shows put on by the National Riding School and the Cadre Noir.
We can advise you on booking your route. Contact central reservations :
