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.
Château d’Audrieu, located between Caen and Bayeux, offers the opportunity to travel back in time. This 18th century edifice, listed as a historical monument, offers the warm welcome you associate with a family home. The elegantly proportioned château is set in an extensive 25 hectares of wooded grounds and gardens. Hesitate not a minute longer, all the charms of Normandy await you at Audrieu! Turn the pages of history and discover not only the beaches of the D-Day landings, but also Bayeux and its famous Queen Matilda's tapestry, Caen – the city of the Dukes of Normandy –, and Mont-Saint-Michel – a treasure of French heritage –, not to mention the restaurant’s gourmet delights.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in town
Born in Normandy, Grand Chef Gilles Tournadre has remained faithful to his region. This progressive chef knows everything there is to know about the culinary traditions of his part of the world. He adds his personal touch to the local style, joyfully reinterpreting the classics and giving them a new twist, as with his version of the traditional Normandy pressed duck recipe and his Rouen-style roasted pigeon. A staunch defender of top-quality and locally sourced products, he will always prefer to serve a fresh line-caught fish, brought to shore by the local fisher man, rather than an exotic fish from overseas.
Formerly an inn, at one time a grocer’s shop, and then a country delicatessen; this ancient Normandy manor house has already lived several lives. Today it is an intimate hideaway, romantic down to the finest detail. Stroll under the willow trees and enjoy the collection of vintage mini-bars. An hour from Trouville and Honfleur, this is the ideal starting point for sampling the best that the region has to offer.
Once a favourite refuge for impressionist painters, La Ferme Saint-Siméon is celebrated for its bucolic surroundings and beautiful channel light. Monet and Courbet came here working on their colours, while the poet Baudelaire escaped the melancholy of Paris for the little port of Honfleur looking for inspiration. Today the farm is fully restored and the premises offer an exceptional spa as well as beauty treatments and relaxation based on organic products such as milk and apples from Normandy. “Oh, Saint-Siméon”, exclaimed the painter Eugène Boudin in one of his journals. Indeed it is hard not to love the place, and even harder to leave it behind.
Lindsay and Christian Germain, the owners of this manor house just a stone’s throw from Le Touquet and the Channel Tunnel, have combined the best of England and France to make a visit to this property an absolute must. When English charm meets French fine dining, it makes for a seriously enjoyable stay. Lunch on the terrace, dine with friends, or simply relax in the flower garden with a book, a glass of champagne, or a cup of tea, at what was once the country retreat of the Wooster/Rothschild family. A stroll along the ramparts of the town and some of the finest beaches on this Opal Coast await.
During the Hundred Years War, the town of Verneuil-sur-Avre was the setting of a battle between England and France. Today it is celebrated as one of the most beautiful destinations in France, and is a fantastic place for a relaxing holiday. In February 2010 it was awarded the label of one of the “100 most beautiful destinations in France”. In English hands for some time, the city was re-conquered in 1449 by the French. The small château of Le Clos has retained some of its English charm with its spacious and manicured lawns bordered by regal, centuries-old trees. Another unique feature is the Anglo-Norman conical turret roof with flambé glazed bricks and a floating oak staircase, inspired by the great architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in a park
This architectural gem stands in the middle of a romantic park, one hour from Le Touquet, between the Opal Coast and Belgium. The subtle balance of classic architecture and contemporary art makes this the perfect setting for what is one of the top restaurants in the region. Grand Chef Marc Meurin pays tribute to Pas-de-Calais producers by using ingredients like Boulogne-sur-Mer scallops, Étaples bass and other fish from the North Sea. Meurin believes that “because of the currents in the nearby sea, the fish become strong and daring, which ultimately enhances the quality of their taste”. Savour his creations in two glass-roofed restaurants and learn the tricks of the trade by attending his cookery classes.
