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.
Just as Cézanne Year comes to an end, a new event arrives to steal the headlines. Until 2 January, the “Musée de l’Arles et de la Provence Antiques” (Arles and Provence Museum of Antiquity) is presenting paintings by Ingres, along with 500 objects from Antiquity. A unique link between his work and this artistic period.
The Arles and Provence Museum of Antiquity (MAPA) is aiming to combine history of art and archaeology. From 2 October to 2 January, the museum is offering a “new look” at the work of Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres (1780-1867), the aim of which is to discover one of the main sources of the painter’s creativity: Antiquity.
In a magnificent setting, the exhibition sheds new light on 17 of the artist’s works, which have come from the Louvre, Aix-en-Provence and Montauban. Amongst the best-known are Oedipus and the Sphinx, The Turkish Bath, Jupiter and Thetis and the Three Greek Tragedians. The main feature of the exhibition is that the paintings are set amongst a vast number of works from Antiquity, or inspired by the period: 200 plates of drawings and sketches by Ingres himself; 55 drawings of the artist; 150 items from Ingres’ antiques collection in Montauban. There are also Greek vases from great European collections (Paris, Naples, London), antique sculptures, archaeological publications, etc.
What caused this master of 19th Century classicism to be so close to Antiquity? Perhaps it was the influence of his father, a sculptor in Montauban, or that of David, with whom he completed his apprenticeship in Paris.
In a completely different style, the “Cathédrale d’Images”, in Les Baux de Provence, is presenting its “Couleurs Cézanne” show until 7 January, and the “Centre d’Art Présence Van Gogh” in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is hosting an exhibition of the works of Edouard Pignon, an artist greatly influenced by Cézanne, until 5 November.
“Musée de l’Arles et de la Provence Antiques”: 04 90 18 88 88.
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
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
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
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
