Restaurant Apicius
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in town
Inventive, sincere, generous... The art of Jean-Pierre Vigato, Grand Chef of Restaurant Apicius, draws its inspiration from traditional “bourgeois” cuisine, dishes left to simmer on the stove and the very best of market produce so that he can coax out every nuance of flavour. This means that blue Brittany lobster, white truffle, John Dory and game will be accompanied by the simplest of vegetables, in dishes that showcase the creativity and love of cuisine that this self-taught chef has inherited from his mother and grandmother. As soon as you cross the threshold, the magic works its spell. This superb 19th century private mansion on the ground floor of the former Hôtel de Talhouët-Roy boasts a ravishing décor where top-quality materials in sophisticated hues create a welcoming atmosphere and where bric-a-brac sits cheek by jowl with works of art. In the summer, it opens onto a delightful garden, right in the heart of Paris. ...Read more
France, Paris

Château de Courcelles
Hotel and restaurant in the country
Legend has it that Jean Cocteau designed this castle’s staircase... Regardless of whether it is true, this rumour speaks volumes about the attention to detail in this palace where Jean-Jacques Rousseau once liked to stroll in the French garden and French literary figures Racine, La Fontaine and Dumas stayed. Which now famous pages did they write here? This can be contemplated while strolling through the magnificent grounds, swimming in the pool, playing a round of golf, or a game of tennis, and dining like royalty, discovering the best local products and excellent wines. ...Read more
France, Courcelles-sur-Vesle

Domaine Les Crayères
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in a park
Les Crayères is a mythical property in the heart of Reims, nestled discreetly in a seven hectare park full of lush vegetation. On crossing the threshold, the atmosphere is one of elegant sophistication. Perfectly appointed rooms and suites await. The warm welcome, the impeccable service, the spellbinding gourmet cuisine of Grand Chef Philippe Mille in the restaurant, with an impressive wine list including over four hundred champagne labels, as well as the new brasserie, all combine to make this the ideal setting to discover the best the region has to offer. ...Read more
France, Reims

Restaurant Hélène Darroze
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in town
Being the fourth generation of a family of chefs, for Hélène Darroze, gastronomy is the opportunity to give pleasure. Her cuisine is lively and strongly linked to the emotions. The unique tasting menu is based around what’s in season and the best produce the market has to offer. The Darroze family collection of vintage Bas Armagnacs provides the perfect end to a perfect meal. ...Read more
France, Paris

Restaurant Carré des Feuillants
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in town
Close to the jewellers of Place Vendôme, Grand Chef Alain Dutournier imagines and concocts every day his pure and original author’s cuisine. His motto “three times nothing is more than plenty” implies a sound understanding of the best produce to extract the most subtle flavours. In his perfectly legible dishes, he freely plays with the authenticity of the textures and surprises through unexpected complicities. In his cellar he pays tribute to grand appellations, rare vintages and curiosities from emerging regions, rigorously selected by him. Here emotion is omnipresent; here non-conformism is elevated to a lifestyle. The Carré des Feuillants is a must for every culinary aesthete. ...Read more
France, Paris

Michel Rostang Restaurant
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in town
In an utterly charming atmosphere, Grand Chef Michel Rostang celebrates 30 years of inspiration, taste and passion for fine dining. Constantly in pursuit of perfection, his cuisine is a reflection of his personality: simple and generous. Anyone who has visited his restaurant knows that his pairings of classical and modern flavours are indeed the epitome of perfection. His wonderful sole meunière with its shellfish marinière or the mythical pike quenelle à la Jo Rostang are just some delicious examples, not forgetting the exquisite hot tart with bitter chocolate. There is even a truffle sandwich, that you simply have to eat with your fingers. Rostang’s cellar, with more than 1,300 outstanding wines, is certainly one of the most prestigious in the French capital. ...Read more
France, Paris

Royal Champagne
Hotel and restaurant in a vineyard
Set amid lush vineyards that extend as far as the eye can see, Royal Champagne is a former coach house. Once one of Napoleon’s favourite stopovers, it is the ideal base from which to explore the glorious Champagne maisons. But there is no need to travel, just visit the house’s wine cellar that boasts no fewer than 280 exceptional brut and rosé vintages and crus. Savour these outstanding wines while dining at the restaurant, soaking in the panoramic views of the vineyards of Épernay. ...Read more
France, Champillon

Le Grand Véfour
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in town
“Paintings are my main source of inspiration. I cook like others paint”, states celebrated Grand Chef Guy Martin, who has made the marriage of opposites his religion. He carries a pencil in his pocket and has a sketchpad ready at all times, “I draw the recipes which are born in my head”, explains Martin. For him cuisine is an aesthetic pleasure. Each dish is a masterpiece at this historic restaurant overlooking the gardens of the Palais Royal. It is the oldest restaurant in Paris, frequented in the past not just by Napoleon and Josephine but also by Victor Hugo and Colette. The flavours of the world come together in airy creations like Breton lobster with green apple jus, grilled turbot and artichokes with pineapple-sage infused oil, or green pea ice-cream. ...Read more
France, Paris

Le Pré Catelan
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in town
In the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, in the magnificent setting of a pavilion dating back to Napoleon III with ceiling friezes by Caran d'Ache, Frédéric Anton serves a cuisine which is both subtle and generous. He reveals the best of his ingredients, teasing out flavours and aromas: poached egg with a truffled tartlet, cuttlefish and squid dressed with black ink and pig’s cheek melting in its spices. Chrystelle Brua creates the desserts, and breathes a touch of magic into great classic dishes such as Paris-Brest, pears Belle-Hélène and bitter chocolate tart, and the wines are selected by the World’s Best Sommelier 2000, Olivier Poussier. And, as a very special treat, Frédéric Anton lets you eat lunch or dinner “At the chef’s table”, in the kitchen.  ...Read more
France, Paris

Hôtel Daniel
Hotel and restaurant in town
Right next to the Champs-Élysées and the rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré, feast your eyes upon the unique interiors of this hotel with its 18th century French bespoke hand-painted Chinoiserie wallpaper, furniture sculpted out of precious woods, fabulously comfortable sofas, silks from the Orient and shimmering satins. The Hotel Daniel is an elegant address and the perfect base for discovering Paris at its most romantic and cosmopolitan, and savouring an equally original and sophisticated cuisine. A simply exceptional residence. ...Read more
France, Paris

Hostellerie La Briqueterie
Hotel and restaurant in a vineyard
In the Champagne region just a few minutes from Epernay, there is a paradise of well-being and good living. Here, every possible step has been taken to ensure complete relaxation between serene walks, tranquil baths, essential oil massages and gourmet meals that delight the palate whilst keeping the figure trim. Sample tartare of langoustines with citrus fruit aromas and don’t resist a glass of champagne. ...Read more
France, Vinay