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.
Hotel and restaurant in a park (Rochegude) The Château de Rochegude, located in the heart of the Provencal Drôme region, majestically overlooks the Côtes du Rhône vineyards. The cellars of the Château boast some of the best Côtes du Rhône and are a starting point for wine tastings in the surrounding vineyards. Other activites include a visit to the Ardèche caves or to the many Roman remains such as those in Vaison-la-Romaine, the Pont du Gard, the antique theatre in Orange… There is so much to discover in this region! On your return to the Château enjoy a snack of warm, crunchy truffles, steamed in butter, accompanied by eggs and slices of toast.
Le Jardin des Sens
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in town (Montpellier) “We created this restaurant in the same way we create our dishes: the first ingredient was our imagination”. At the age of 24, the famous Pourcel brothers fell instantly in love with this abandoned house in the centre of Montpellier. They opened their first property there: a “garden” that celebrates the five senses where the flavours of Languedoc and the Mediterranean are manifestly sweet or salty, mild or bitter but always exalted. Celebrating the senses also means attention to detail. The hotel decor was entrusted to Bruno Borrione who bestowed on this setting a contemporary look, a unique design, expressing a true art de vivre.
Le Prieuré
Hotel and restaurant in a village (Villeneuve lez Avignon) Owners of two other establishments in this region that they love so passionately, Geneviève and Jean-André Charial have revived this former convent with wonderful restoration work and decoration. Contemporary furniture now sits next to the original stones in a harmonious dialogue. The restaurant menu celebrates the region too: “Fillet of John Dory baked with salty butter and artichokes from Provence”, “duck fillet in its crunchy skin with Mediterranean flavoured dried fruit chutney”. (Lys offer valid throughout the year except for weekends (“weekend is defined as the period from Friday evening to Sunday noon included))
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 waters of their private swimming pools. It is a jewel of a hotel and the perfect place to take shelter when the mistral is blowing across the prairie of southern France. This is the ideal base to explore the Luberon and then recharge your batteries in the Carita spa. 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.
Bastide de Capelongue
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the country (Bonnieux en Provence) In this elegant, sophisticated Provençal bastide, in the heart of the Luberon, between the picturesque villages of Gordes, Ménerbes and Lacoste, guests come to savour the gourmet cuisine of Edouard Loubet that shows the greatest respect for the terroir, the seasons and the environment. Guests will be privy to magical moments in a real family home where the welcome is attentive and sincere. Breakfast beside the fountain, iced tea close to the pool and lavender meadows, morning picking with the chef followed by a cookery class, aperitifs at sunset with exceptional views... Time really does stand still!
Abbaye de Sainte Croix
Hotel and restaurant in the country (Salon-de-Provence) Nostradamus, the Renaissance doctor and astrologist famous for his Predictions, was born in this village which is perfectly placed to explore the marvels of Provence. Did he “foresee” that an exceptional hotel would one day grace this spot so close to his home now a museum? In this former abbey, the Cistercian monks’ cells have been transformed into beautiful rooms offering divine views of the region’s plains, from the Camargue to Sainte Victoire Mountain, and the swimming pool edged by pines and plane mulberry trees. Leave the future to Nostradamus and make the most of the here and now…
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, a pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages. At the foot of the mountains you will find the Châteauneuf Estate and its 18th century house, where the Bonaparte family liked to stay. Discover a little summer palace with old hexagonal floor tiles in red brick, ceramic friezes and Moroccan tiled 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.. Unforgettable moments.
Le Couvent des Minimes Hôtel & Spa
Hotel and restaurant in a park (Mane) Nestled on the hillside and drenched in Provençal sunshine, the Minimes convent was first home to nuns before being converted into an upscale hotel. Protected from the Mistral wind by the Volx Rock, this building, dating back to 1613, is a successful fusion of medieval architecture and contemporary design. Period facades, terraced gardens with hundreds of botanical species, and contemporary interior decor are created by a perfect alchemy. The rooms decorated with great attention to detail have a gentle Mediterranean touch, as does the Couvent des Minimes Spa by L’Occitane, a temple to wellness and a promise of “renewed well-being”.
La Bonne Etape
Hotel and restaurant in a village (Château-Arnoux) Countless generations of the Gleize family have looked after this 18th century post house. The balconies overlooking the orchards, the mosaic walkways in the gardens and the little almond-green shutters are the work of Jany, the latest in the line. In the kitchen it is time to reinvent the Provencal recipes of her grandmother Gabrielle: an accent on tradition and flavours. Sweets enjoys pride of place, in honour of Pierre, his father – a confectioner. To the delight of the chefs an organic kitchen garden offers the best produce of the land. Much more than simply a great place to stop off this is a voyage for the senses, a natural stepping stone to happiness.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in town (Montpellier)
