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.
Le Dîner des Grands Chefs at the Château de Versailles
On 6 April 2011 the famous Gallery of Battles at the Château of the Sun King provided the setting for an evening in honour of French culture and gastronomy.
Organised at the initiative of Jaume Tàpies, Chairman of the Board of Relais & Châteaux and Marc Haeberlin, Chairman of Grandes Tables du Monde, under the patronage of President Nicolas Sarkozy, this unique dinner, staged in partnership with Moët Hennessy, was orchestrated by 60 internationally renowned Grands Chefs. They all celebrated the inscription of the Gastronomic Meal of the French in UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Chefs, who came from all the regions of France and several countries, each created an exceptional dish based on the finest regional produce: Challans Duck, Breton Lobster, Port-en-Bessin Scallops, Aquitaine Caviar, Spring Morels, Marenne Oysters, Roquefort … The Chefs of the French Presidential Palace also participated in the celebration.
The 650 privileged guests first had a private visit to the exhibition "Majestic Thrones" in the Hall of Mirrors before the gala dinner in the sumptuous setting of the Gallery of Battles. Guests included celebrities from the world of culinary arts and the hotel industry but also from politics, amongst them Minister Frédéric Lefebvre, Jean-Jacques Aillagon, Chairman of the Public Establishment of the Château de Versailles and Christophe Navarre, Chairman of Moët Hennessy.
For the Grands Chefs, meeting in the spirit of the wonderful fellowship of Relais & Châteaux, this was an opportunity to pay homage to culinary traditions by creating delightful variations on the theme of French Grande Cuisine. They envisioned the sophisticated food and wine pairings, supported by Moët Hennessy with a Dom Pérignon 2002, a Cheval Blanc 2004 and a Château d’Yquem 1996 from its prestigious cellars, followed by a Hennessy Paradis Cognac, and coffee grand cru, selected by Nespresso.
The whole event was staged with no less than 72 maîtres d’hôtel and 22 sommeliers. 5,300 glasses, more than 200 magnum bottles of Champagne, 310 bottles of wine and 8,000 flowers. This complex logistic organization was necessary to set the stage for a masterly interpretation of this gourmet opera. The proceeds of the evening will be donated to the French Heritage and Gastronomy Mission (MFPCA), chaired by Jean-Robert Pitte, for the creation of the Cité de la Gastronomie.
On 6 April 2011 the famous Gallery of Battles at the Château of the Sun King provided the setting for an evening in honour of French culture and gastronomy.
The Pavilions, Phuket, member of Relais & Chateaux, is proud to welcome 2 Michelin Stars Chef Philippe Etchebest from Hostellerie de Plaisance in Saint Emilion, France for a gastronomic week from 13 to 16 January 2010.
This mouthwatering new cookbook contains a feast of recipes and menus contributed by 29 talented Relais & Châteaux Chefs, including six Grands Chefs - A choice of 97 receipes to choose from- order on line today for your personal copy @ £30.00 plus postage and packaging
Now, take part of your culinary experience home in a special offer courtesy of MasterCard. Book an internship with L’École des Chefs through June 30, 2005, and receive a complimentary signed copy of Patrick O’Connell’s acclaimed new book, “Refined American Cuisine.” The book, a distillation of Patrick’s 30 years in the kitchen and a life spent contemplating American cuisine, offers 150 tantalizing recipes, each with a story to tell.
