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.
1 activity such as treatment, cooking class or wine tasting for two persons
Château de Rochegude
Hotel and restaurant in a park (Rochegude) The Château de Rochegude is located in the heart of the Provencal Drôme region and majestically overlooks the Côtes du Rhône vineyards. The cellars of the château boast some of the best Côtes du Rhône wine and are a starting point for wine tastings in the surrounding vineyards. Other activites on offer include a visit to the Ardèche caves or to some of the many Roman remains, such as the Pont du Gard and the antique theatre in Orange. On your return to the château enjoy a snack of warm local truffles, thinly-sliced, seasoned and lightly steamed with butter, accompanied by eggs and slices of toast.
Le Domaine de Verchant
Hotel and restaurant in a vineyard (Montpellier) At the end of a drive bordered by century-old trees, this 16th-century country house, set in the heart of magnificent landscaped grounds, offers an exquisite, tranquil retreat, just minutes from Montpellier city centre. Contemporary furniture is a graceful companion to its beautiful old stones and meticulously restored antique mosaics which combine to create a cosy cocoon. The 17 hectares of Verchant vineyards which surround the house, produce wines which can be sampled in the restaurant served with delicious, creative Mediterranean cuisine. The spa is open to the surrounding grounds, with views over the vineyards and the estate, and is the ideal spot to relax or enjoy some personalised, targeted treatments.
Oustau de Baumanière & Spa
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the country (Les Baux-de-Provence) 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.
Le Phébus & Spa
Hotel and restaurant in the country (Gordes) Located between Roussillon and Gordes, Le Phébus is a dry-stone-walled farmhouse where the rooms overlook the tranquil water of their private swimming pools. Built on remains dating back to the medieval knights of the Order of Malta, this is a jewel of a hotel and the perfect place to take shelter when the mistral wind is blowing across the prairie of southern France. Its location makes it the ideal base from which to explore the Luberon, and the Carita Spa is the perfect place to relax. In the restaurant, the traditional cuisine breathes new life into ancient Provencal recipes and offers a superb “soupe au pistou”, a regional vegetable soup with garlic and basil.
La Coquillade
Hotel and restaurant in a vineyard (Gargas) Located on a hill overlooking a winery estate, the Domaine de La Coquillade boasts exceptional views of the Luberon and Mont Ventoux. This charming hamlet contains six sumptuously furnished residences, the oldest dating back to the 11th century. Experience a blend of authenticity and ecology in the heart of the vineyards. Savour either gourmet modern or traditional cuisine, and delight the palate with vintages from the Aureto vineyard. Top-of-the-range bikes are available for cycling enthusiasts to discover the countryside at their own pace. Lovers of Provence and fans of wine, wide-open spaces, nature, calm, and sports will be truly enchanted with the serenity and well-being to be found in this idyllic setting.
Le Mas des Herbes Blanches
Hotel and restaurant in the country (Gordes) With its breathtaking views of the Luberon valley, this Provencal farmhouse is the perfect place to relax. Witness unforgettable sunsets to the song of chirping cicadas from the terraces of the mas with its sun-bleached walls. The house is set around a magnificent pool, surrounded by cypresses, olive trees, mediterranean pines and palm trees. From here, discover the charms of the Vaucluse, with its watermills, windmills and dry stone huts – a beautiful part of the world that has seduced and inspired a number of great artists including Marc Chagall, Serge Poliakoff and Victor Vasarely.
Villa Gallici
Hotel and restaurant in town (Aix-en-Provence) 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.
Domaine de Châteauneuf
Hotel and restaurant on a golf course (Nans-les-Pins) The Sainte-Baume is a mountain ridge that has taken its place in legend thanks to its centuries-old beech grove and the cave where Mary Magdalene was said to have taken refuge, thus becoming a pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages. At the foot of the mountains you will find the Châteauneuf Estate and the 18th century house where Bonaparte stayed in 1794. Discover this little summer palace with old hexagonal floor tiles in red brick, ceramic friezes and Moroccan tiles in the bathrooms. Sit underneath the chestnut trees on the terrace to enjoy a fabulous view of the international golf course of Sainte-Baume and the almost religious calm.
Abbaye de Sainte Croix
Hotel and restaurant in the country (Salon-de-Provence) 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.
Le Couvent des Minimes Hôtel & Spa L'Occitane
Hotel and restaurant in a park (Mane) Nestled on the hillside and drenched in Provencal sunshine, this convent was home to nuns before it was converted into an upscale hotel. Protected from the Mistral wind by the statuesque Volx Rock, the building, which dates back to 1613, is a successful fusion of medieval architecture and contemporary design. You will be delighted by the period facades, 100 year-old terraced gardens, and the station of the cross. The rooms have been decorated with great attention to detail and have a gentle Mediterranean style, as does Le Couvent des Minimes Spa L’Occitane, a temple to wellness and a promise of renewed well-being.
La Bonne Étape
Hotel and restaurant in a village (Château-Arnoux) Countless generations of the Gleize family have looked after this 17th century post house. The balconies, the mosaiced walkways in the gardens and the little almond-green shutters are the work of Jany, the latest in the line. In the kitchen he reinvents the Provencal recipes of his grandmother Gabrielle, with an emphasis on tradition and flavours. Sweets enjoy pride of place, in honour of Jany’s father, Pierre, a confectioner. Sample the delicious lavender-scented honey ice cream served in it’s bee hive. An organic kitchen garden offers the best produce the land offers. Much more than simply a great place to stop off, this is a voyage for the senses and a natural stepping stone to reaching perfect happiness.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the country (Les Baux-de-Provence)
