Hameau Albert Ier - France, Chamonix
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the mountains
At the foot of mont Blanc, Pierre Carrier, Perrine and Grand Chef Pierre Maillet have taken over this hotel, devoted to exceptional cuisine and local delicacies, founded in 1903 by “great grandfather Carrier”. The rooms in the main hotel or the chalets in the garden offer both modern and warm comfort. On the one hand, there is the superb menu at the Albert Ier with its elaborate recipes influenced by the Piedmont and Liguria and, on the other, the Maison Carrier with its specialities to be enjoyed in the atmosphere of an old farmhouse or on the terrace while gazing out at the majestic beauty of mont Blanc. The indoor/outdoor swimming pool also boasts views of the eternal snows on the roof of Europe. An equally stunning and delicious address. ...Read more

Restaurant Hélène Darroze - France, Paris
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in town
Being the fourth generation of a family of chefs, for Hélène Darroze, gastronomy is the opportunity to give pleasure. Her cuisine is lively and strongly linked to the emotions. The unique tasting menu is based around what’s in season and the best produce the market has to offer. The Darroze family collection of vintage Bas Armagnacs provides the perfect end to a perfect meal. ...Read more

La Villa Spa - France, Calvi
Hotel and restaurant on the seafront
When you cross the threshold of La Villa, which nestles on the slopes above Calvi, you enter an exceptional world. Jean-Pierre and Marion Pinelli have turned the quintessentially peaceful and harmonious La Villa into one of Corsica’s leading destinations. The parkland overlooks the bay and the silhouette of the Citadel in the distance. Commune with more than seven acres of beautifully-landscaped countryside – all rooms enjoy stunning panoramic views over the Citadel and Calvi Bay. Grand Chef Sébastien Sevellec and his team will treat you to culinary experiences created from prime local ingredients from the Corsican terroir, such as friteau of langoustines with lime-scented bulghur wheat or pan-fried rump of Corsican veal with garden peas and pancetta. His sous-chef is in charge of the Callelu, La Villa’s new restaurant overlooking the harbour, where the menu features seafood. In order to highlight the general atmosphere of well-being, La Villa provides with the Spa Anne Sémonin a large space for individual care. Every year Marion Pinelli organises contemporary art exhibitions in the estate and Jean-Pierre, a classical music enthusiast, organises “Les Nuits de la Villa”, a series of prestigious recitals in an open-air amphitheatre. ...Read more

Le Relais Bernard Loiseau - France, Saulieu
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in a village
The name Bernard Loiseau evokes a unique sensory voyage and an authentic culinary experience. Grand Chef Patrick Bertron has added his talent to the legacy left by his master, with cuisine based on simplicity, powerful tastes and new flavours. But the food isn’t the only attraction at this stunning Burgundy location: owner Dominique Loiseau has made this hotel exceptional in every way. The breakfast room is a listed historical monument. As well as its elegantly-decorated rooms and beautiful lounges, gardens and spa, the welcome is warm and attentive. This is a magical and timeless place where the idea of well-being takes on its full meaning. ...Read more

La Côte Saint Jacques & Spa - France, Joigny
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel on a river
The Côte Saint Jacques is a captivating destination. Most of the pleasant rooms have nice terraces, and there are panoramic views from the jacuzzi on the banks of the river Yonne. With an array of activities available, from cooking lessons, to strolling along the canal, an indoor swimming pool, a spa and special programmes for children, you will not be at a loss for things to do. Grand Chef Jean-Michel Lorain, the hotel’s exuberant owner, will welcome you like a friend, and if you’re lucky, he will let slip the secrets of his recipes. It’s worth a trip here just to enjoy his Genesis of a Dish. ...Read more

L’Oasis - France, La Napoule
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in a village
In the shade of the patio, surrounded by palm trees and other exotic flowers, this lush green oasis is the setting for the renowned cuisine of the Raimbault brothers. Depending on what catches their eye at the Forville market in Cannes, Grands Chefs Stéphane and Antoine put together a menu that is at once contemporary, Provencal and Asian, featuring “Lime-Infused Soufflé of Locally Caught Sea Urchins” and “Soleil Levant of Raw Fish”. But it is their brother François, the patissier in the family, who adds the finishing touches to this magical symphony with his renowned “Caravan of Desserts”. ...Read more

Oustau de Baumanière & Spa - France, Les Baux-de-Provence
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the country
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. ...Read more

La Pyramide - France, Vienne
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in town
Located south of Lyon in the once Roman town of Vienne, La Pyramide has a long legacy in excellent hospitality. Still, Grand Chef Patrick Henriroux, his wife and their children never rest on their laurels; they constantly innovate and update, making La Pyramide an exciting and dynamic destination. The gourmet restaurant Patrick Henriroux has been extensively renovated with contemporary interiors in fresh colours by Régis Dho. Guests will be surprised and delighted at every turn, particularly when they discover the exceptional cellar as well as the impressive collection of Chartreuse liqueurs. The rule of three applies to the good things at L'Espace PH3, the hotel’s second restaurant: three starters, three main courses, three desserts, three white wines, three rosé wines and so on. The open kitchen adds a touch of theatre to the dining experience. ...Read more

La Bastide Saint-Antoine - France, Grasse
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the country
In the heart of a five hectare olive grove, an 18th century residence, La Bastide Saint-Antoine, awaits. The rooms are either Provencal or contemporary style and the gourmet restaurant has a wide, intimate and shady terrace overlooking the Cannes bay. Grand Chef Jacques Chibois creates light and elegant cuisine to awaken the senses, working alchemy with flavours under 1,000 year-old olive trees. On the programme: wandering in the grounds, discovery of the botanical garden, reading, petanque and relaxation in the jacuzzi by the swimming pool. Discover different themed stays: oenology, an initiation to perfume creation, or the École du Goût, a culinary and aromatic tasting school. Fall in love with Provence at this warm, welcoming address imbued with the personal passion of Jacques Chibois. ...Read more