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.
Refined dishes such as tartare of bass and caviar, prawn salad and carpaccio of Saint-Jacques à l’orange, take on a special flavour when they are served in a wonderful place like Hôtel de la Plage. The panoramic restaurant overlooks the ocean and the vast beach of fine sand. There are similar views from the rooms, where you can hear the gentle lapping of the waves. Guests with families will enjoy the beach entirely dedicated to children.
At Les Maisons de Bricourt there are breathtaking views of the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel and, at your feet, the oyster farms and the little port of Cancale. In this world of illustrious seafarers, the spirit of the restaurant Le Coquillage is one of elegant simplicity paired with gentle hospitality. The cuisine showcasing produce from the bay of Cancale reflects the maritime adventures of this former pirate country by using more than 120 spices from the East and West Indies. You will find two residences; the château Richeux and the cottage Les Rimains, as well as Les Gîtes Marins for families. The Roellingers’s joie de vivre is evident in the patisserie-tea room Grain de Vanille, the Cuisine Corsaire cookery school and the Épices-Roellinger warehouse.
Bertrand Jaquet, owner of Domaine de Rochevilaine, has a genuine passion for Brittany and his desire to share that love with his guests is evident. Be seduced by the breathtaking, typically Breton setting on the Vilaine estuary with its jagged cliffs and blue waters. Savour a Breton lobster like none other at the seaside restaurant, where dining feels a bit like being on the deck of an ocean liner. Listen to the sound of the waves during a restorative treatment at the excellent spa, perhaps “la table phénicienne” (the Phoenician table), a massage patented by the establishment. Another one of Bertrand Jaquet’s passions is art, as guests are bound to discover in the hotel’s wonderful art gallery.
This year, the six kilometres of fine sand at La Baule have joined the very select circle of “The World's Most Beautiful Bays Club”. This Belle Époque mansion house with its sophisticated English style décor by Jacques Garcia stands across from the Atlantic Ocean. Every detail counts. The perfect retreat for a charming break, with staff who are attentive to your every wish. The delicious breakfast already hints at the chef’s treats in store, fricassee of lobster or sea bass with caviar. Another major attraction: the thalassotherapy centre and many other leisure activities are a mere stone's throw away. Here, the last word in chic is to get around on one of the bikes borrowed from the hotel.
The secluded island of Belle-Île-en-Mer is the ideal setting for a restorative getaway. Visitors arrive by boat on this aptly named “beautiful island at sea”, with its rocky coves with turquoise water, blooming hills and pastel-hued ports. Castel Clara overlooks the picturesque Goulphar Bay, where the Impressionist Claude Monet liked to paint his magical landscapes. Marvel at the views of the Aiguilles de Port-Coton, a series of sculptural rocky formations jutting out in the middle of the ocean, savour the delights of the local cuisine, or head to the thalassotherapy centre or spa to experience Belle-Île-en-Mer health treatments with fresh gorse flowers.
A door leads out to the ocean and a private dock for immediate boarding. Sailing between Lorient and the island of Groix is an unforgettable experience and just one of the many pleasures in store at this historic castle and manor house surrounded by 120 hectares of private forest that overlooks a wide stretch of sea. Helicopter flights over the cliffs of Brittany are also on offer. On returning to the ground, sample the delights of the menu of fresh seafood and Brittany’s local produce, followed by a shiatsu massage to finish off a perfect day.
For the past four centuries, this granite fort on the Croisic peninsula has stood guard over the moods of the sea and the ramparts, moats and drawbridges are all still standing. Built to resist storms and attacks, today, behind this tough exterior there is charming oak panelling, sweet-smelling gardens, a sheltered swimming pool and a kitchen garden. The chef uses herbs and vegetables from the garden in his inventive cuisine that usually includes fresh seafood. For dessert, the slightly salty homemade caramel is a real treat.
Formerly a smuggling port and refuge for privateers, Roscoff has remained a unique destination, with its waves of emerald, granite fisherman’s cottages and manor houses nestled amongst the cliffs. This hideaway is an ancient trader’s property with a swimming pool, spa and direct access to the beach. The chef will treat you to an exceptional quality of fish and seafood, directly sourced from the local fishermen. His cuisine is a reflection of modern Brittany; it is a real pleasure to see, to feel, to taste! A 15 minute boat trip is all that is needed to discover the small island of Batz, a “tropical” pearl with palm trees and beaches of fine sand that has been magically misplaced in the English Channel.
Surrounded by the immense sea and the reefs of the Pink Granite Coast, the Manoir de Lan-Kerellec is a jewel in Brittany’s crown. From your balcony, drink in the magical panoramic view of the islands of Milliau, Molène and Losquet. Then you might want to take a walk along the coastal path to taste the sea spray, or scuba dive for a closer look at the underwater nature reserve. Enjoy your dinner in the dining room built in the shape of an upturned boat, a masterpiece by the Compagnons du Devoir.
On the sand dunes, facing the charming port of La Gravette, Anne de Bretagne is a contemporary villa with striking Jade Coast architecture, perfectly placed to enjoy the best of Brittany. There are breath-taking views over the ocean from the suites and the Italian-style terraces. In the excellent restaurant, Philippe Vételé’s cuisine is inventive with a touch of the sea, in perfect harmony with the wines selected by Michèle Vételé, a highly-recognised sommelier. In season, you can try wild clams with shredded leek, with white Muscat vinaigrette sorbet. Fish and shellfish create a perfect match: “slow-cooked” line-caught sea bass is served with a sardine concassé, a string of winkles and a sea lettuce emulsion.
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.
The boundless charm of this estate works its magic as soon as you cross the gates. A ravishing 15th century castle nestles in the heart of magnificent parkland with its ancient trees and outbuildings housing the guest rooms. Each of the rooms boasts an original décor and they all exude warmth, authenticity and sophistication: also the hallmark of the chef’s inventive cuisine at Le Montaigu, and of the décor of the bar in the former stable block which has preserved the ancient marble feed and water troughs. The Cour Carrée spa is a perfect haven of peace offering well-being and peace of mind and the 18-hole golf course, designed by Henry Cotton, provides superb views over the castle.
