L’Hôtel de Toiras
Hotel and restaurant in a village
The beautiful island of Ré is itself really worth a visit. Among the charming ports linked by a network of pathways to be explored by bike paths crisscrossing the sandy earth, Saint Martin de Ré, surrounded by the Vauban fortifications, is the best place to stay. Your base: a 17th century shipbuilder’s residence with windows overlooking the port or starting from May 2011 the Villa Clarisse, just a stone’s throw away, with its gardens, its views of the old town and its spa with swimming pool. The mast of a fishing boat may perhaps disturb your views of the setting sun, but would that really bother you? ...Read more
France, Saint-Martin-de-Ré

Restaurant Richard et Christopher Coutanceau
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux on the seafront
“It seems that being born a Coutanceau means being born to cook”, remarked chef Joël Robuchon one day. At the La Rochelle restaurant, father and son form a pair of unequalled chefs. Christopher, the son, absorbed the culinary rigor of his father and added his own wizardry. But the “Coutanceau touch” remains: incredible sea food, purchased that same morning at the port market. Don’t forget to ask for the secret of the Breton lobster stew braised in crustacean butter, or tips for preparing a crusty sea bass in a shellfish froth, accompanied by gnocchi “Mona Lisa”. What’s more,there’s a cellar with more than one thousand labels totalling more than 20,000 bottles. A full programme in itself... ...Read more
France, La Rochelle

Le Richelieu
Hotel and restaurant on the seafront
The old harbour of La Flotte still bears the traces of the bustling activity that used to reign over this now tranquil island in its golden age, during the 19th century. One of the best illustrations of this is the old covered market, a must-see between two dives in the sea. Just outside the village, right on the beach, your private pavilion awaits you. The view of the ocean and the very best in thalassotherapy treatments make this the perfect place to recharge your batteries. ...Read more
France, La Flotte-en-Ré

Château de Mirambeau
Hotel and restaurant in the country
It was the Renaissance that inspired châteaux like this one: its splendour modestly hidden behind the trees in its park. Magnificence on this scale is not revealed instantly… A hot air balloon trip will enable you to view the estate from a different angle and to cast your eyes further afield toward the vineyards of Cognac and Bordeaux. Located between these two winemaking strongholds, this hotel comes with a guarantee of unforgettable tastings… ...Read more
France, Mirambeau