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.
Salon de Provence - a new look for the town centre!
Salon de Provence, the home of Nostradamus, gave its town centre a facelift last winter. With its contemporary urban architecture, it is now ready to welcome tourists once again.
Sometimes, it takes only a light touch to improve appearances. After several months of work, Salon de Provence recently presented its new face to the world. It now boasts an attractive metropolitan look that enhances the town’s architecture, shops and heritage, with broader pavements, harmonious lighting and dynamic new buildings. Situated in the very heart of Provence, Salon now enjoys a modern setting well suited to attracting visitors drawn by its rich history.
The town is best known as the home of the renowned scholar, Nostradamus. It is here that he wrote his famous verses, Centuries. His house is now an animated museum where visitors can lose themselves in the mysterious world of predictions.
Salon de Provence is also home to the Patrouille de France (PAF) aerobatic team, which is the French equivalent of the British Red Arrows. Indeed, 2007 promises to be exceptional since the Ecole de l’Air (French Pilot Training School) where the Patrouille is based, celebrates its 70th anniversary this year! A special air meeting is planned for 13th May, with aerobatic demonstrations from the Patrouille itself, as well as from guest international teams.
These key points of interest are set against an impressive backdrop of other attractions:
The Château d’Empéri, a remarkable fortress situated in the very heart of the town
The Empéri Museum, with its collection of French military artefacts
The Marius Fabre soap factory, which owes its beginnings to the famous Marseilles soap
The Adam de Craponne itinerary, a fascinating way to discover the work of Adam de Craponne, an exceptional 16th century engineer who contributed to the development of the region’s canal irrigation systems
Come and see Salon for yourself !
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
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
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
The Château d’Empéri, a remarkable fortress situated in the very heart of the town
France, Les Baux-de-Provence 
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the country
