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.
The trees nearly disappeared. In 1956, the terrible winter frost killed off thousands of trees in Provence.
But the abandonment of olive trees in favour of vines and fruit trees was only temporary. Over the last twenty years it has once again become the king of Provence, borne by a wave of popularity that has placed its oil on a pedestal throughout Europe. An unexpected resurrection? No, just consumer logic. Consumers have decided to add a touch of Mediterranean sunshine to every meal and are happy to believe in the product’s “miraculous” virtues. Because olive oil is praised by doctors and dieticians, and everyone seems to think it’s wonderful! It’s thought to protect against cardio-vascular disease, ease the digestion of heavy foods and avert excesses at the table. All of this is supported by statistics, making the Mediterranean diet, with olive oil as its only fat content, one of the healthiest in the world.
In Provence, during the harvest, visitors can easily watch the “remedy” being made
There are large numbers of cooperatives and mills that are happy to open up, while in the orchards, armies of pickers work beneath the trees to harvest the “picholines”, “salonenques”, “grossanes” and “cailletiers”, varieties with secret names that will later take on exquisite - and healthy - flavours on your plate.
La Cabro d’Or Hotel and restaurant in the country The deep blue Provence sky casts a fond eye on this marvel crafted by Jean-André and Geneviève Charial, a more pastoral but equally exceptional version of the Oustau de Baumanière (see previous page). La Cabro d’Or is a temple to tranquillity with its clear, spacious interiors and windows opening onto an intimate, quiet garden. An experience awaits which is sure to secure your enthusiasm for the colourful, sophisticated universe of this couple who show an equally creative flair for both the culinary and decorative arts. Dinners - disturbed only by the chirping of the crickets – are accompanied, of course, by the Charial’s own wine. Named “L’Affectif”, it has woody notes and is silky-smooth on the palate. ...Read more France, Les Baux-de-Provence
Domaine de Châteauneuf Hotel and restaurant on a golf course The Sainte-Baume is a mountain ridge that has taken its place in legend thanks to its centuries old beech grove and the cave where Mary Magdalene was said to have taken refuge, a pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages. At the foot of the mountains you will find the Châteauneuf Estate and its 18th century house, where the Bonaparte family liked to stay. Discover a little summer palace with old hexagonal floor tiles in red brick, ceramic friezes and Moroccan tiled bathrooms. Sit underneath the chestnut trees on the terrace to enjoy a fabulous view of the international golf course of Sainte-Baume and the almost religious calm.. Unforgettable moments. ...Read more France, Nans-les-Pins
Hôtel Crillon le Brave Hotel and restaurant in a village At the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains and Mont Ventoux is a charming and historic place in a location close to the heart of Paul Cézanne. Former meeting sites in this centuries old commune - a presbytery, stables and a school - have been renovated, restored and converted into beautiful lodges. This is an ideal Provençal base from which to explore the local markets, medieval villages, antique dealers, lavender fields and artist studios. Other attractions include an abundant and fragrant local cuisine as well as unforgettable Rhône wine-tastings, featuring Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. ...Read more France, Crillon le Brave
Villa Gallici Hotel and restaurant in town “When I was in Aix, I wanted to be somewhere else but now that I’m here, I miss it...” wrote Cézanne. You, too, will succumb to the charm of this town with its lazy aromas permeating the streets as well as the ambiance of this Florentine residence. The rooms are decorated in sumptuous materials, fabrics embroidered in the colours of the sun, and open onto a private garden filled with the fragrance of lavender. The cuisine pays tribute to Provence with sautéed loin of lamb, aubergine caviar with olives, black garlic sauce, fried basil ... A sweet stay reflective of the local speciality: the famous Calisson sweets flavoured with melon and orange... ...Read more France, Aix-en-Provence
Le Jardin des Sens Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in town “We created this restaurant in the same way we create our dishes: the first ingredient was our imagination”. At the age of 24, the famous Pourcel brothers fell instantly in love with this abandoned house in the centre of Montpellier. They opened their first property there: a “garden” that celebrates the five senses where the flavours of Languedoc and the Mediterranean are manifestly sweet or salty, mild or bitter but always exalted. Celebrating the senses also means attention to detail. The hotel decor was entrusted to Bruno Borrione who bestowed on this setting a contemporary look, a unique design, expressing a true art de vivre. ...Read more France, Montpellier
Le Prieuré Hotel and restaurant in a village Owners of two other establishments in this region that they love so passionately, Geneviève and Jean-André Charial have revived this former convent with wonderful restoration work and decoration. Contemporary furniture now sits next to the original stones in a harmonious dialogue. The restaurant menu celebrates the region too: “Fillet of John Dory baked with salty butter and artichokes from Provence”, “duck fillet in its crunchy skin with Mediterranean flavoured dried fruit chutney”. ...Read more France, Villeneuve lez Avignon
Le Mas des Herbes Blanches Hotel and restaurant in the country Watermills, windmills, dry stone bories, landscapes flooded with light, sunsets that prompt heartrending sighs… The incomparable charm of Luberon, to which so many artists succumbed - Marc Chagall, Serge Poliakoff, Vasarely… - , will be greatly appreciated in this magnificent Mas, positioned around a swimming pool, when the sun heats the white stone… How gentle is a swim in the land of Chagall and the crickets… ...Read more France, Gordes
Château de Montcaud Hotel and restaurant in the country Surrounded by botanical gardens of five hectares, a Second Empire residence decorated with wrought iron, sculptured woodwork and brightly coloured materials… In the Château de Montcaud, there are always a few musical notes to gently accompany your visit. The classical concerts will offer you beautiful romantic evenings and in the summer it’s the “jazz buffet” accompanied by a typical New Orleans cuisine that you really shouldn’t miss. Le Château de Montcaud is the perfect base for visiting the festivities at Avignon, Uzès and Orange, just a few kilometres away. ...Read more France, Sabran
Oustau de Baumanière Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the country “Everything is magical and generous here: the light, the rocks, the landscape, the crickets, the olive trees…”. In love with “his” Provence, Jean-André Charial talks about it and makes it speak like a person, through the cuisine of his chef, Sylvestre Wahid, who enhances and elevates traditional ingredients. Hen’s eggs in fine jelly, red mullet, basil and thyme flower… the flavours sing, burst open, surprise… An exceptional restaurant in an elegant artist’s house in the heart of one of the most beautiful villages in France. ...Read more France, Les Baux-de-Provence
Le Petit Nice-Passédat Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel on the seafront Nobody loves Marseilles more than the Passédat family. To love Marseilles means to love the Mediterranean, inseparable from the city, just like Gérald Passédat’s cuisine. Fish, naturally, is the basis of his cooking, fished locally, including little-known fish such as galinette and chapon which are served up along with shellfish, giving you the delicious impression of being immersed in a sea of blue. The cult dish of course is the Bouille Abaisse, light, iodized and zephyr-like, but also the famous Loup Lucie (sea bass). Save some room for the desserts which are “extravagant”, admits the chef. As for the view of the sea, it is everywhere… from the terrace and from the restaurant. And since it’s a dreamlike view, you can continue to enjoy it as far as your bedroom, with its spacious and open view of the horizon… ...Read more France, Marseille
Le Phébus & Spa Hotel and restaurant in the country Located between Roussillon and Gordes, Le Phébus is a dry-stone walled farmhouse where the rooms overlook the tranquil waters of their private swimming pools. It is a jewel of a hotel and the perfect place to take shelter when the mistral is blowing across the prairie of southern France. This is the ideal base to explore the Luberon and then recharge your batteries in the Carita spa. The traditional cuisine breathes new life into ancient Provencal recipes and offers a superb “soupe au pistou”, a regional vegetable soup with garlic and basil. ...Read more France, Gordes
Abbaye de Sainte Croix Hotel and restaurant in the country Nostradamus, the Renaissance doctor and astrologist famous for his Predictions, was born in this village which is perfectly placed to explore the marvels of Provence. Did he “foresee” that an exceptional hotel would one day grace this spot so close to his home now a museum? In this former abbey, the Cistercian monks’ cells have been transformed into beautiful rooms offering divine views of the region’s plains, from the Camargue to Sainte Victoire Mountain, and the swimming pool edged by pines and plane mulberry trees. Leave the future to Nostradamus and make the most of the here and now… ...Read more France, Salon-de-Provence
Le Vieux Castillon Hotel and restaurant in a village Nestled at the peak of a magnificent Provencal village, located on a detour of a paved side street, the Vieux Castillon boasts a renaissance architecture with untold charm. From the terrace, enjoy a panoramic view of the vineyards: the eternal Provence still exists, right before your eyes. You will also enjoy a cuisine which tastes of the sun, bathed in local olive oil, scented with the myriad fragrances of the garrigue and accompanied by a great selection of regional vintage wines. In this house, all of the ingredients for an exceptional moment in a magical setting come together. ...Read more France, Castillon-du-Gard
Picture credits : SCOPE - J. GUILLARD et - J. BOUTHILLIER
France, Les Baux-de-Provence 
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in town
