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.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in town
Ile Barbe: a little green paradise on the banks of the river Saône where the eccentric writer Félix Benoît proclaimed its independence in 1977 - declaring himself, at the same time, the governor of this new territory. A gourmet through and through, he would have been enamoured by the cuisine of Jean-Christophe Ansanay-Alex, who turned this restaurant into one of the best in Lyon with his delicious, elegant recipes such as sea bass in a shell of butternut squash with chestnut milk and white truffle oil. The new governor of the island, that would be chef Ansanay-Alex…
Like a lord overlooking his domain, the Château de Bagnols sits proudly amongst the Beaujolais vines and lush green hills. Each room, each piece of furniture in this prestigious residence, which is a listed historical monument, takes you back to a bygone era. The stunning architecture, gigantic fireplaces and fairytale rooms lead you somewhere between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance... This imaginary journey back in time is simply impressive. Under the beamed ceiling and the imposing Gothic fireplace in the Salle des Gardes, the restaurant seems to await the return of the Knights of the Round Table to serve up royal, regional cuisine. A toast to happiness!
It is as if a Princess and her Prince Charming could appear at any moment in this fabulous setting: a 15th century fortress standing in the region of Auvergne with its volcanoes, meandering rivers and pristine lakes. If the magic of the towers, keeps and King’s chambers isn’t enough to enchant you, the gourmet cuisine, made with the best produce from local farms, will do the trick…
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in town
“Our profession entails the permanent quest for the finest products. The extraordinary nature of a dish comes down to so few things...”. When Michel Troisgros removes his toque for a few seconds to talk about cuisine, people listen attentively. The son of Pierre Troisgros has long since established his own first name with his “very pure and often acidulated” cuisine. “I had the great fortune to travel at a very young age, at an age when impressions are the most vivid and I only had a somewhat vague idea about what my cuisine would turn out to be... I drew inspiration from Italy and Japan”. Marie-Pierre, his wife, has a passion for architecture and design. She attends to the details of the minimalist decor of this beautiful residence. Elegance comes down to the little things…
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in town
Is it possible to visit Lyon without visiting Geneviève and Pierre Orsi? Year round, this “little house” pays sacred tribute to classic products: duck foie gras ravioli, baby pigeon and calf sweetbreads… the great classics of bourgeois cuisine are created or re-interpreted with a refined twist. For this great chef, each flavour emerges like a flower in season which appeals to all of our senses and stays with us like the radiant memory of a wonderful restaurant, in the heart of the town…
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in a village
In the heart of the old spa of Charbonnières-les-Bains, in a large landscaped park, Le Pavillon de la Rotonde is a place dedicated to pleasure and relaxation. Opening onto spacious terraces, the 16 rooms and suites with their modern take on 1930s style boast direct access to the dream spa with its majestic pool and black mosaics. A prestigious backdrop to the talents of Chef Philippe Gauvreau that culminate in truly exceptional cuisine. Under the aegis of Philippe Gauvreau and Frédéric Fass, an authentic lifestyle has come into being.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in a village
With its panorama open to the horizons of the Valleys of Ardèche and Mont du Velay, this is the new hotel of Régis and Jacques Marcon with a new environment which has received “Ecolabel” approval. Comfort and well-being combine with the environment in perfect harmony. This is a hotel with rock-carved rooms and minimalist decor, which combines intimacy with the freedom to admire the surrounding mountains. Enjoy natural swimming in the pure water of the small well-being area. Come and meet Régis and Jacques in the restaurant, these mountain lovers will offer you tastes of mushrooms, wild vegetables and herbs alongside the green lentils of Puy, river fish and their latest find, lamb “couci-couça” with cep praline. Michèle will ensure you enjoy the timeless delicacies placed before you.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in town
In a new resolutely contemporary space, the Henriroux family came up with the excellent idea of adopting the number 3: 3 starters, 3 main courses, 3 desserts, 3 white wines, 3 rosé wines, 3 red wines, 3 champagnes and 3 fruit juices. But the idea didn’t stop there. The Espace PH3, as it was christened by its inventor, is arranged around an original kitchen island where the chefs go about their business in front of the guests. The gourmet restaurant “La Pyramide”, renowned throughout the Lyon region, continues to resolutely evolve and surprise by adding this new “playing field” for professional chefs to its already famous fine dining experience.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in town
You thought you were in Lyon, but here you are in Florence. These ochre walls, this artistic decoration, this whiff of indulgent relaxation around the pool… There is no doubt this is Italy…Why this anachronism? Florence and Lyon have been closely linked since the Renaissance period and the marriage of Henri IV and Maria de Medici. The Villa Florentine is a tribute to this golden era. Nestled on a magic hill, this is the ideal romantic retreat to escape the hustle and bustle of Lyon and enjoy dinner with views of the city lights from the “Terrasses de Lyon”.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in town
Few women have managed to make a name for themselves amongst the culinary elite. Anne-Sophie Pic has pulled off an even greater feat: she has acquired a first name. The daughter of the great chef Jacques Pic is no longer referred to as the “daughter of…” In a man’s world, she offers a “feminine” cuisine with a sensitive touch: “Taste evokes emotion. This idea of emotion is often linked to the past and so to childhood memories that are a major inspiration of my cuisine today”. Her laboratory of new flavours is also a meeting place and a lodge with a modern and relaxing atmosphere. An absolute must…
