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.
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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.
Deep in Provence hide two very special factories unknown to most of the general public: the candle factory at Graveson and the convent-workshop in Simiane-Collongue, Bouches-du-Rhône, where clergy vestments are made. Both perpetuate ancient traditions and are far removed from the pagan hustle and bustle of mass tourism.
The Premonstrant monks have passed on their expertise. Established since 1858 in the Abbaye Saint-Michel-de-Frigolet to the north of the region, these pious candle-makers have revealed the secrets of their production methods to the private sector. Since 1905 and the separation of Church and State, three families have succeeded each other in keeping alive the “cuillère” and “plongée” techniques used to coat the wicks set in the centre of the cylinders with wax.
It was here that the famous “off-white” colour of the candles was invented, a colour that is instantly recognised on church candle-holders. As the number of ecclesiastical clients fell, the candle factory developed its products for the luxury hotel market and the fashionable world of interior decoration. You can see their hand-made products if you visit the workshop, a real step back in time to the world of the craftsman.
The atmosphere is even more intimate in Simiane-Collongue. Set high up in the hills to the north of Marseille, the Sainte-Lioba Monastery hums to the sound of weaving looms. As well as taking time for prayer and meditation, the Benedictine Brothers and Sisters devote each day God gives to making luxury stoles, chasubles and ceremonial robes to grace the shoulders of leading Catholic dignitaries. Their unique creations are worn in France, Africa, Russia and Cambodia... Some priests with modest incomes save every penny they can to buy themselves greater elegance and bring themselves into line with their own idea of the liturgy.
Doesn’t fashion have its place in churches?
Ciergerie des Prémontrés, 13690 Graveson, 04 90 95 71 14 (Workshop and shop)
Monastère de Sainte-Lioba, 13109 Simiane-Collonge 04 42 22 60 60 (Shop. The workshop is not accessible to the public)
La Cabro d’Or & Spa Hotel and restaurant in the country Jean-André and Geneviève Charial say of La Cabro d’Or that it was born for happiness – it is set in the heart of a huge garden where you can stroll at leisure in utter peace and quiet. The hotel’s rooms and suites all epitomise the grace of Provence, its elegance and modernity. The dining room and terrace at La Cabro d’Or provide a delightful setting and are the perfect place to enjoy sophisticated cuisine. Parmesan shavings, confit tomatoes, scallops, wood pigeon, fillet of beef and suckling pig. Those are just some of the spring dishes on a menu that follows the seasons, often served with L’Affectif, a wine produced by Mr Charial. Young and old alike will delight in exploring the goat pens, the swings and the outdoor activities, and also the huge pool. ...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, thus becoming a pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages. At the foot of the mountains you will find the Châteauneuf Estate and the 18th century house where Bonaparte stayed in 1794. Discover this little summer palace with old hexagonal floor tiles in red brick, ceramic friezes and Moroccan tiles in the 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. ...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 places in this centuries-old commune – a presbytery, stables and a school – have been renovated, restored and converted into beautiful lodgings with wonderful views of “the Giant of Provence”, Mont Ventoux. This is an ideal Provencal base from which to explore the local markets, medieval villages, antique shops, lavender fields and artists’ 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 Paul Cézanne missed Aix terribly whenever he left, and never ceased to be inspired by its beauty. Many after him succumbed to the charm of this town and the ambience of this Florentine residence. The rooms are sumptuously decorated, and open onto a private garden filled with the fragrance of lavender. The cuisine pays tribute to Provence with dishes like sautéed loin of lamb and aubergine caviar with olives, black garlic sauce and fried basil. Try the famous local speciality of Calisson, sweets flavoured with melon and orange. Villa Gallici offers a special “Cézanne package”, which includes a visit to the painter’s studio. ...Read more France, Aix-en-Provence
Le Prieuré Hotel and restaurant in a village Le Prieuré in Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, tucked away in the mediaeval village, with its cottage garden and its trailing wisteria, emanates a rare charm. Jean-André and Geneviève Charial, who also own L’Oustau de Baumanière and La Cabro d’Or in Baux-de-Provence, say that this former convent epitomises silence and relaxation. The rooms and suites are in three different buildings in which contemporary style meets ancient tradition. The menu also pays tribute to the region, with dishes such as duck foie gras from the Landes with Gariguette strawberries from Nîmes and pot-roasted Costières wood pigeon with fresh sage. Le Prieuré’s mouth-watering cuisine is served in surroundings which bring all the senses to life. ...Read more France, Villeneuve lez Avignon
Le Mas des Herbes Blanches Hotel and restaurant in the country With its breathtaking views of the Luberon valley, this Provencal farmhouse is the perfect place to relax. Witness unforgettable sunsets to the song of chirping cicadas from the terraces of the mas with its sun-bleached walls. The house is set around a magnificent pool, surrounded by cypresses, olive trees, mediterranean pines and palm trees. From here, discover the charms of the Vaucluse, with its watermills, windmills and dry stone huts – a beautiful part of the world that has seduced and inspired a number of great artists including Marc Chagall, Serge Poliakoff and Victor Vasarely. ...Read more France, Gordes
Oustau de Baumanière & Spa Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the country L’Oustau de Baumanière is renowned for its gourmet dining and its elegant and welcoming hotel – the epitome of unaffected Mediterranean art of living. This very special place, on the periphery of the community in the midst of the amazing Baux-de-Provence rocky outcrops, is a veritable icon. None of the different rooms and suites (spread over three buildings: the main building L’Oustau, La Guigou, 500 metres away and Le Manoir, 900 metres away) restored by Geneviève Charial looks anything like any of the others. Authenticity blended with contemporary style. Superb dining, in an ancient 16th century farmhouse in the heart of one of the most beautiful villages of France – the perfect place to enjoy the refined, subtle, simple cuisine of chef Sylvestre Wahid. Jelly-glazed egg, red mullet, basil and thyme flowers… The flavours explode in your mouth and take you by surprise... Light-drenched and quintessentially peaceful, the Spa Baumanière opens up to an aromatic garden. ...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, served with shellfish, give you the delicious impression of being immersed in a sea of blue. The cult dish of course is “Bouille Abaisse”, light, iodized and zephyrlike, 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 water of their private swimming pools. Built on remains dating back to the medieval knights of the Order of Malta, this is a jewel of a hotel and the perfect place to take shelter when the mistral wind is blowing across the prairie of southern France. Its location makes it the ideal base from which to explore the Luberon, and the Carita Spa is the perfect place to relax. In the restaurant, 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 Perched on the rocky outcrops of Salon-de-Provence, a tiny Provence town, which is ideally located to explore everything this delightful area has to offer, there is a tranquil spot where time would appear to have stood still. This 12th century abbey in the heart of twenty hectares of Provençal gardens and garrigue offers spectacular views of the Alpilles Valley and the countryside surrounding Salon-de-Provence. The rooms still bear traces of the Cistercian monks who once occupied the abbey and boast a décor that blends charm and authenticity and provides a calm and restful atmosphere. You will be delighted with the hotel's attentive service and the culinary delights served in both restaurants which offer delicious dishes based on seasonal local ingredients. This hotel is utterly unique with architecture full of character and steeped in soul, the perfect haven of peace in which to relax and explore all the charms that Provence, from the Calanques to the Luberon, has to offer. ...Read more France, Salon-de-Provence
Le Vieux Castillon Hotel and restaurant in a village Located on a charming paved side-street at the peak of a magnificent Provencal village, Le Vieux Castillon boasts beautiful Renaissance architecture and a spectacular swimming pool suspended between sky and prairie. From the terrace, enjoy a panoramic view of the vineyards and savour cuisine which tastes of the sun, bathed in local olive oil, scented with the myriad fragrances of the land 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
France, Les Baux-de-Provence 
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the country
