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.
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In an utterly charming atmosphere, Michel Rostang celebrates 30 years of inspiration, taste and passion for fine dining. Constantly in pursuit of perfection, his cuisine is a reflection of his personality: simple and generous. Anyone who has visited his restaurant knows that his pairings of classical and modern flavours are indeed the epitome of perfection. His wonderful Sole meunière with its shellfish marinière or the mythical pike quenelle à la Jo Rostang are just some delicious examples as is the exquisite hot tart with bitter chocolate. His cellar, with more than 1,300 outstanding wines, is certainly one of the most prestigious in the French capital.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in townView details
“Cooking well relies on a clear head, a generous spirit and an open heart”…
This “maxim” from Paul Gauguin applies itself marvellously to Jean-Pierre Vigato’s kitchen and establishment - a jewel nestled in the heart of an historic private Parisian mansion. As soon as you cross the threshold, the magic takes over and you find yourself in a cosy, discreet and refined atmosphere in the middle of a private garden. The cuisine is constantly being reinvented. A self-taught chef, Jean-Pierre Vigato creates his recipes based on continuous innovation and by sourcing himself the best ingredients at the markets .
Apricius is a must for restaurant connoisseurs and those who like to try extraordinary flavour combinations.
Right next to the Champs-Elysées and the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, feast your eyes upon the unique interiors of this hotel with its furniture sculpted out of precious woods, fabulously comfortable sofas, silks from the Orient and shimmering satins. The Hotel Daniel is an elegant address and the perfect base for discovering Paris at its most romantic and cosmopolitan, and savouring an equally original and sophisticated cuisine. A simply exceptional residence.
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The jewellers on Place Vendôme are a natural setting to one of the greatest culinary inventors: Alain Dutournier. Always intent on respecting products and flavours, for him “three times nothing is already a lot”. This doesn’t stop him from being renowned for his minimalist, original cuisine based on unexpected textures and complexities: prawns, melon and saffron - lobster, almonds and fennel - Saint-Pierre, cabbage and raifort - pheasant, chestnuts and Alba truffles - foie gras, topinambur and black truffles. Here, originality is the order of the day. Here, emotions are omnipresent. Here, non-conformity has been elevated to a lifestyle. If you are a gourmet aesthete, the Carré des Feuillants is an absolute must.
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Never where you expect him to be. Guy Martin has turned opposites into his religion. Talk about cuisine and the chef replies art. “Paintings are my main source of inspiration. I cook like others paint”. Always a pencil in his pocket. Always a piece of paper to do a sketch. “I draw the recipes which are born in my head…” For him cuisine is an aesthetic pleasure. Each dish is a masterpiece. The flavours of the world come together in airy creations like Breton lobster with green apple jus, grilled turbot and artichokes with pineapple-sage infused oil, or green pea ice-cream.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in townView details
What could be more singular than an artist’s intuition? In the heart of Paris, just a stone’s throw from the Jardin du Luxembourg, stands a prestigious building where Hélène Darroze and her team invite you every day to experience unexpected culinary creations; a unique, one-of-a-kind menu concocted in harmony with the chef’s emotions and mood. Creations are prepared with the freshest of ingredients from the market. Céline, the sommelier, will invite you to pair them with a selection of wines served by the glass of the greatest crus that the cellar can boast. Feminine intuition joins forces with excellence to offer the ultimate fine dining experience...
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The Pré Catelan offers sublime culinary delights based on seasonal products. Frédéric Anton rounds off his dishes with bold creativity. Come and rediscover sea urchins, velvet swimming crab, sardines, marrow or langoustines served as ravioli or spring rolls. Treat yourself for the very first time to an unforgettable apple in blown sugar.
To accompany your menu, the wine list has been prepared by Olivier Poussier, World's Best Sommelier 2000. You can also choose to have dinner or lunch at the “table du chef” in the kitchen.
Discover this charming, discreet hotel and restaurant in the heart of the Saint-Germain forest; what a treat to be surrounded by nature and yet still be so close to Paris. The interior design is a subtle mix of furniture and paintings collected over the generations. Whether in winter in a cosy setting close to the fireplace, or in summer for lunch under the acacias, this is the ideal venue for a weekend away, a touristic stopover or for a family celebration. Cazaudehore-la Forestière offers a delightful welcome and authentic cuisine, and above all a truly unique ambience.
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The Dépée family turned this former post house more than 65 years ago into one of the first Relais & Châteaux properties. The Sologne, the Loire chateaux and the vineyards of Sancerre and Pouilly surround this culinary destination full of charm and tranquillity. Facing century-old oak trees, you will be seduced by the magic of ravioli of wild mushrooms and velouté with a truffle jus or John Dory in a La Ratte potato crust and sweet red onion sauce. Prestigious wine cellar.
In the Champagne region just a few minutes from Epernay, there is a paradise of wellness and well-being. Here, everything possible has been done to ensure that you completely relax between walks, baths, essential oil massages and gourmet meals which pay as much attention to keeping your figure trim as they do to pleasing your palate. Imagine pan-fried scallops in a shellfish jus… with a small glass of champagne? After all, there are some things you simply can’t refuse…
In the heart of a vineyard, this former, recently refurbished coach house - one of Napoleon’s favourite stopovers is the perfect base from wich to explore the glorious Champagne maisons. No need to travel the region, all you need to do is visit the wine cellar here which boasts no fewer than 220 exceptional brut and rosé vintages and crus. The best place to taste them is on the terrace overlooking the vines which extend as far as the eye can see. Intoxicating.
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Les Crayères: a mythical property in the heart of Reims, nestled discretely in a 7-hectare park with lush vegetation and the most inventive paradoxes. As soon as you cross the threshold, a feeling of intimate sophistication envelops you in an atmosphere of rarity and elegance. Here, 20 perfectly appointed rooms and suites await you . The warm welcome, the impeccable service, the spellbinding gourmet cuisine, with a wine list including over 400 Champagne labels, as well as a new brasserie all combine to make this the ideal setting to discover the best the region has to offer.
Legend has it that Jean Cocteau designed the castle’s staircase… This “rumour” speaks volumes about the attention to detail in this palace where French literary figures Racine, La Fontaine and Dumas stayed. Which now-famous pages did they write here? You will have all the time in the world to ponder this while strolling through the magnificent grounds, swimming in the pool, playing a round of golf or a game of tennis and dining like royalty, discovering the best local products and excellent wines.
Made famous by the Hundred Years’ War and the famous battle of Verneuil, the town of Verneuil-sur-Avre is today the ideal place to relax... in peace. 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. This small château has retained some of its English charm with its spacious lawns with their straight lines and its centuries-old proudly pruned trees. One hundred years, that’s the time you would like to spend in this romantic residence tucked away close to the regional nature reserve of Perche. Don’t miss the wonderful wine cellar and collection of Calvados.
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One hour from Le Touquet, between the Opal Coast and Belgium, the elegant facade and sophisticated interior of the Château de Beaulieu grace the surroundings of a romantic park. This architectural gem is also home to one of the best restaurants in the region. The chef, Marc Meurin, pays tribute to Pas-de-Calais producers by using ingredients like Boulogne-sur-Mer scallops, Etaples bass and other fish and shellfish from the North Sea - “because of the currents in the nearby sea, the fish become strong and daring, which ultimately enhances the quality of their taste”. You can savour his creations in two glass-roofed restaurants and learn the tricks of the trade by attending his cooking classes.
On the site of Paris’s first airfield, lies |Paris’s only château hotel, surrounded by beautiful private gardens.| This grand neo-classical mansion has 48 spacious rooms and suites, each with its own décor, inspired by different stories and colourful figures, from René Magritte to Madeleine Castaing. A collection of 12 000 books is displayed in the fascinating library bar, which is reminiscent of traditional English gentlemens’clubs and is the perfect place for an intimate tête à tête. In the gourmet restaurant, traditional cuisine is inventively prepared and can also be served on the extraordinary terrace in summer time. Unwind in the elegant wellness center, with the signature Saint James mineral massage. All this tranquillity and character can be found close to the boutiques of the Avenue Victor Hugo and Arc de Triomphe.
Lindsay and Christian German, the owners of this manor house just a stone’s throw from Le Touquet and the Channel tunnel, have combined the best of both worlds to make a visit to this property an absolute must. When English charm meets French fine dining, you are obviously in for a seriously enjoyable stay. A stroll along the ramparts of the town and some of the finest beaches on this Opal Coast await you.
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Gilles Tournadre was born in Normandy and 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 and adds his personal touch to the local style, such as his version of the traditional Normandy pressed duck recipe. Here the classics are joyfully reinterpreted and given a new twist.
A staunch defender of top-quality products, he will always prefer to serve
“a fresh line-caught whiting brought to shore by a little fishing boat rather than an imported turbot”. And what can we say other than… he’s right!
Formerly an inn, at one time a grocery, 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. Prepare yourself to fall in love under the willows… Not far from Trouville and Honfleur, this is the ideal starting point for sampling the best that the region has to offer.
It was with this remark that the painter Eugène Boudin expressed his love for this place in one of his notebooks. With its bucolic charm and its washed-out light effects, the Saint-Siméon farm was one of the favourite refuges of the Impressionists. Monet and Courbet came in search of their colours. The poet Baudelaire also came here in search of inspiration abandoning the melancholy of Paris for the little port of Honfleur. Now restored, the premises today offer spa and beauty treatments worthy of the Roman thermal baths. “Oh Saint-Siméon!”, how hard it is to leave…
“It is easier to get to heaven from a cottage than from a palace” wrote Saint Francis of Assisi. You will agree with him once you have set foot here in “God’s little acre”. Exceptional seafood cuisine, sunsets beneath your window that set the ocean alight and the little port of Honfleur just steps away… For those who love long horseback rides and romantic interludes.
A journey back in time awaits you at this castle listed as a historic monument. Its first owner, the Lord of Percy, was also William the Conqueror’s personal chef. However, the major historic chapter to relive in the surrounding area is the battle of Normandy - which changed the course of the Second World War between June and August 1944. This is the best Relais & Châteaux address for discovering the beaches of the D-Day landings, as well as to explore the Mont Saint-Michel.
Breathtaking views of the bay of Mont Saint Michel and, at your feet, the oyster farms and the little port of Cancale. It is to this world of illustrious seafarers that Jane and Olivier Roellinger welcome you, surrounded by their loyal team. The spirit of the restaurant “Le Coquillage” is imbued with healthy yet elegant simplicity paired with gentle hospitality. The cuisine showcasing produce from the bay of Cancale reflects the maritime adventures of this 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 patisserie-tea room “Grain de Vanille”, the “Cuisine Corsaire” cookery school and the “Épices-Roellinger” boutique: all ways to share the Roellinger’s joie de vivre between heaven and sea.
Surrounded by the immensity of the sea and the reefs of the Pink Granite Coast, the Manoir de LanKerellec is a jewel in Brittany’s crown. From your balcony, drink in the panoramic view of the islands of Milliau, Molène, and Losquet. Magical! 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. You might even bump into one of the crustaceans that you will find on your dinner plate that very evening…
Formerly a smuggling port and refuge of privateers, Roscoff has remained a unique destination, with its waves of emerald, its fishing houses of granite and its manor houses nestled amongst the cliffs. Your hideaway: an ancient trader’s property with a swimming pool, spa and direct access to the beach. For cuisine, Loïc Le Bail can tell you better than anybody about the local speciality: the pink onion, tender and sweet, the only sweetener that the Roscoff pirates took with them on their sea journeys. Being less reckless, you will only need a quarter hour’s boat journey to discover the small island of Batz, a “tropical” pearl misplaced in the English Channel with its palm trees and beaches of fine sand.
Tartare of bass and caviar, prawn salad, carpaccio de Saint-Jacques à l’orange… These refined dishes take on a special flavor when they are served in such an ambiance:
a panoramic restaurant overlooking the ocean and, on both sides, an endless beach of fine sand. From the window of your room, you can take in the same marine beauty.
The only inconvenience: the sea makes a bit of noise at night, and you’ll have to get used to the gentle lapping of the waves… Let’s wager that you’ll easily do so!
A door leads out to the ocean and to 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 for you at this historic castle and manor house surrounded by 120 hectares of private forest. If you aren’t much of a sailor, a helicopter flight over the cliffs of Brittany might be more your thing. Once your feet are firmly back on 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...
Belle-Île-en-Mer… “The appropriately-named” island, as the XIXth century poet Eva Jouan remarked about this “Beautiful-Island-at-Sea”. Accessible by boat, this little island has a secluded feeling about it that makes an ideal retreat for a contemplative spa break. Between indulging in the “Light legs” and “Massages of the world” body treatments, your gaze will stray over the Aiguilles de Port-Coton (amazing rocky formations that jut out in the middle of the ocean), the small pastel-coloured port of Sauzon, and your own imaginings. An occasion for absolute well-being and relaxation.
A vast, typically Breton area can be found in Morbihan, on the Vilaine estuary, at the tip of Pen-Lan. A site born of architectural prowess: these historic manors were taken apart stone by stone and then rebuilt by the sea. Right by the waves, spa bath therapy offers a rejuvenating, iodized therapeutic treatment. As for the restaurant, the Breton lobster does honour to its reputation. Is a lobster prepared better anywhere else in the world? This is also where you can meet Bertrand Jaquet, its owner, and also an art lover and genuine fan of Brittany. This place is the culmination of all of his passions. They might rub off on you…
Next to a 15th century castle, this 200-hectare property steeped in history, skilfully combines comfort and hospitality. Five truly unforgettable atmospheres are found here: a hotel in harmony with its setting, a gourmet restaurant, a brasserie with its relaxed ambience and inventive cuisine, a spa dedicated to physical and spiritual wellness and a golf course with velvety greens. This is a true haven of tranquillity where courtesy and sophistication are the order of the day.
On the Croisic peninsula is a historical gem: for the past four centuries, this granite fort has stood guard over the moods of the sea. The ramparts, moats and drawbridges are all still there. Built to resist storms and attacks, today, despite its stern exterior, this monument welcomes guests, and exhibits all of its charms: oak panelling, scented gardens, a sheltered swimming pool… And a vegetable garden where the chef also grows the herbs that flavour his inventive cuisine that often includes fresh seafood.
Its six kilometres of fine sand have made the beach at La Baule one of the most beautiful promenades on the Atlantic coast. Opposite this beach sits the Belle Époque manor where every detail is perfect. The vast lawns are immaculately kept, a tribute to the owners’ perfectionism. The delicious breakfast already hints at the other culinary delights in store such as scallops marinated in grapefruit juice and olive oil. Another great feature is the thalassotherapy centre just steps away. The ultimate chic is to go there by bike…
Nestled on 9 hectares of grounds, the Château de Noirieux is an oasis of calm, elegance and privacy with an atmosphere recalling the grandeur of the stately homes of a bygone age. Your hosts Anja and Gérard Côme take pride in ensuring that everything is perfect, down to the slightest detail. Each room is lightly perfumed with its own special fragrance, the welcome is warm, the terrace is surrounded by nature and, last but not least, you will be treated to a remarkable and inspired cuisine, tailored around the seasons and the freshest produce available. Chef Gérard Côme has discovered the secret of dishes that never fail to please.
Located in the heart of a cliff overlooking the Loire, a unique site in the world (even recognised by UNESCO), this hotel is unlike any other: the Hautes Roches manor is the fi rst luxury cave hotel where guests will enjoy spending some moments in silence and allowing the old stones to do the talking. The south-facing rooms, some carved into the rock, are all elegantly decorated with stylish fabrics to create harmony with the setting. The Brittany-inspired cuisine is both classical and creative and perfectly marries the fresh daily sea produce with local products. Each season reveals unknown sides to this
treasure on the Loire.
1560. In order to live their faith freely, against the Catholics acknowledged as being “legal”, the Protestants planned to remove the young king François II. This was known as the Amboise plot. Built in the 16th century, Noizay Château was both witness and theatre of this historic episode and still retains some remarkable traces of those times: a mystical atmosphere is created by the majestic stained glass windows and printed ceiling roses. Your tour of the Loire châteaux starts here…
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Along the Wine Route in Loir-et-Cher, lies a hunting lodge built in 1860. The ivy-covered walls, the eaves alive with singing birds; here you will find a historic residence located just next to the château … Nature lovers will delight in the charm of this bourgeois residence in the midst of a forest with a private lake and offering “classical-modern” cuisine, as described by the chef Rémy Giraud. On the menu: crémeux of crab in a sea urchin emulsion and jasmine, young pigeon of Madame Lebert, lime soufflé … The wine? A white obviously: Vouvray, Montlouis or Touraine, all you have to do is choose.
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In the heart of the town of Romorantin that was the inspiration for extensive projects by Leonardo da Vinci, Didier Clément takes delight in exploring unique natural flavours in a Renaissance manor house. When savouring his cuisine you will discover rocambole, grains of paradise, angelica and elder flower... A variation of chanterelles or white asparagus, seasonal game accompanied by the best Loire wines will subtely awaken all your senses.
Take a hot air balloon ride from the park and survey Vienne’s many Roman buildings from the sky. Climb on board a boat and drift down the Vonne, at the heart of the estate, in search of the secret garden and have lunch at the water’s edge. Go horseback riding through the estate’s 120 hectares in search of deer that roam wild. Visit the Futuroscope, a fairytale temple of images. Discover the seducing charm of the Poitevin marsh. Stop off in the town of Poitiers, an important centre of medieval France...
So many wonderful experiences await you when you stay at the Château de Curzay. Built in 1710, it has retained the serenity of its era with the tranquillity of its welcoming interiors and its two hundred year old trees. The days and nights can be spent in magnificent tranquillity, between romantic strolls, dinner on the terrace, beauty treatments and classical music in the chapel. With riding lessons, a confectionery workshop, and a treasure hunt based on the legend of Melusine, children have their own programme.
Lava from volcanoes sculpted the magnificent landscapes of the Midi de l’Auvergne, creating a fabulous setting for this fairytale hotel. The heart of this Auvergne lodge, consisting of a dozen restored cottages, is the little 12th century château which sits above the village perched on a basalt spur, between two rivers. Once you cross the threshold of the austere walls, the dreamlike ambience created in each cottage beckons you to a wonderland: La Grange and its canopy made from birch trunks, straight out of an imaginary forest, or La Cabane with its bathroom hewn from lava. This place evokes a child-like wonder where emotion reigns supreme.
|On the sand dunes, facing the charming port of La Gravette|, Anne de Bretagne is a contemporary seaside villa with striking North-American inspired architecture, perfectly placed to enjoy the best of Brittany. Sip aperitifs on the Italian-style terraces, whilst taking in breathtaking views of the ocean, which can also be admired from the suites. Stroll around the lush green hotel grounds before taking a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters of the pool. Warm light fills the interior, which features Wenge hardwood floors, excellently-chosen modern furniture and works of art. In the delightful restaurant, sample Philippe Vételé's inventive cuisine inspired by the high seas, outstandingly paired with wine chosen by renowned sommelier Michèle Vételé.
