Relais & Châteaux is a world in and of itself, unlike any other. A warm, welcoming, gourmet affair awaits where outstanding quality is coupled with each individual property's passion for their own region and its terroir.
The art of giving Relais & Châteaux with our Gift vouchers and Gift boxes Lys. If you want to spend a magical evening in stunning surroundings in absolute tranquility or enjoy a gourmet dinner at a restaurant of one of our Grands Chefs, there are more than 300 Relais & Châteaux properties awaiting the lucky receipients of this gift, to offer them a truly memorable experience.
Relais & Châteaux offers you a veritable world tour. Whatever the occasion, however long you stay, each of our hotels will offer you the very best of its culture and region. Our TV Channel See our thematic videos
When you experience Relais & Châteaux, you experience a whole array of sensations. Each of our properties offers the opportunity to enjoy an unparalleled range of sensory experiences, where the beauty of a particular place, the warmth of the hospitality and the quality of the cuisine are in perfect harmony. Scents and tastes, landscapes and colours make every stay a rare and intense experience.
Discover the excellent cuisine served in our properties: traditional or contemporary, it never fails to be wonderfully creative. This creativity is recognised throughout the world, as our Grands Chefs are considered to be the pinnacle of fine dining.
La Grenouillère, originally a typical regional family restaurant, has become, under Alexandre Gauthier, a place which is definitely out of the ordinary. The century-old buildings have been preserved, but two sleek new metallic marquees by architect Patrick Bouchain have redesigned the property. The restaurant, which now opens out onto the garden and greenery, serves a radical cuisine, one that is rooted in the local area and uses freely and imaginatively ingredients from the sea and from hunting and gathering. You can extend your sensory experience by staying in one of the huts in the garden; their uncluttered design and rustic aesthetics create the perfect setting for a break in the countryside.
During the Hundred Years War, the town of Verneuil-sur-Avre was the setting of a battle between England and France. Today it is celebrated as one of the most beautiful destinations in France, and is a fantastic place for a relaxing holiday. 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. The small château of Le Clos has retained some of its English charm with its spacious and manicured lawns bordered by regal, centuries-old trees. Another unique feature is the Anglo-Norman conical turret roof with flambé glazed bricks and a floating oak staircase, inspired by the great architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in a parkView details
This architectural gem stands in the middle of a romantic park, one hour from Le Touquet, between the Opal Coast and Belgium. The subtle balance of classic architecture and contemporary art makes this the perfect setting for what is one of the top restaurants in the region. Grand Chef Marc Meurin pays tribute to Pas-de-Calais producers by using ingredients like Boulogne-sur-Mer scallops, Étaples bass and other fish from the North Sea. Meurin believes that “because of the currents in the nearby sea, the fish become strong and daring, which ultimately enhances the quality of their taste”. Savour his creations in two glass-roofed restaurants and learn the tricks of the trade by attending his cookery classes.
Lindsay and Christian Germain, the owners of this manor house just a stone’s throw from Le Touquet and the Channel Tunnel, have combined the best of England and France to make a visit to this property an absolute must. When English charm meets French fine dining, it makes for a seriously enjoyable stay. Lunch on the terrace, dine with friends, or simply relax in the flower garden with a book, a glass of champagne, or a cup of tea, at what was once the country retreat of the Wooster/Rothschild family. A stroll along the ramparts of the town and some of the finest beaches on this Opal Coast await.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in townView details
Born in Normandy, Grand Chef Gilles Tournadre 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. He adds his personal touch to the local style, joyfully reinterpreting the classics and giving them a new twist, as with his version of the traditional Normandy pressed duck recipe and his Rouen-style roasted pigeon. A staunch defender of top-quality and locally sourced products, he will always prefer to serve a fresh line-caught fish, brought to shore by the local fisher man, rather than an exotic fish from overseas.
Formerly an inn, at one time a grocer’s shop, 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. Stroll under the willow trees and enjoy the collection of vintage mini-bars. An hour from Trouville and Honfleur, this is the ideal starting point for sampling the best that the region has to offer.
Once a favourite refuge for impressionist painters, La Ferme Saint-Siméon is celebrated for its bucolic surroundings and beautiful channel light. Monet and Courbet came here working on their colours, while the poet Baudelaire escaped the melancholy of Paris for the little port of Honfleur looking for inspiration. Today the farm is fully restored and the premises offer an exceptional spa as well as beauty treatments and relaxation based on organic products such as milk and apples from Normandy. “Oh, Saint-Siméon”, exclaimed the painter Eugène Boudin in one of his journals. Indeed it is hard not to love the place, and even harder to leave it behind.
Château d’Audrieu, located between Caen and Bayeux, offers the opportunity to travel back in time. This 18th century edifice, listed as a historical monument, offers the warm welcome you associate with a family home. The elegantly proportioned château is set in an extensive 25 hectares of wooded grounds and gardens. Hesitate not a minute longer, all the charms of Normandy await you at Audrieu! Turn the pages of history and discover not only the beaches of the D-Day landings, but also Bayeux and its famous Queen Matilda's tapestry, Caen – the city of the Dukes of Normandy –, and Mont-Saint-Michel – a treasure of French heritage –, not to mention the restaurant’s gourmet delights.
At Les Maisons de Bricourt there are breathtaking views of the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel and, at your feet, the oyster farms and the little port of Cancale. In this world of illustrious seafarers, the spirit of the restaurant Le Coquillage is one of elegant simplicity paired with gentle hospitality. The cuisine showcasing produce from the bay of Cancale reflects the maritime adventures of this former 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 Roellingers’s joie de vivre is evident in the patisserie-tea room Grain de Vanille, the Cuisine Corsaire cookery school and the Épices-Roellinger warehouse.
Surrounded by the immense sea and the reefs of the Pink Granite Coast, the Manoir de Lan-Kerellec is a jewel in Brittany’s crown. From your balcony, drink in the magical panoramic view of the islands of Milliau, Molène and Losquet. 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. Enjoy your dinner in the dining room built in the shape of an upturned boat, a masterpiece by the Compagnons du Devoir.
Formerly a smuggling port and refuge for privateers, Roscoff has remained a unique destination, with its waves of emerald, granite fisherman’s cottages and manor houses nestled amongst the cliffs. This hideaway is an ancient trader’s property with a swimming pool, spa and direct access to the beach. The chef will treat you to an exceptional quality of fish and seafood, directly sourced from the local fishermen. His cuisine is a reflection of modern Brittany; it is a real pleasure to see, to feel, to taste! A 15 minute boat trip is all that is needed to discover the small island of Batz, a “tropical” pearl with palm trees and beaches of fine sand that has been magically misplaced in the English Channel.
Refined dishes such as tartare of bass and caviar, prawn salad and carpaccio of Saint-Jacques à l’orange, take on a special flavour when they are served in a wonderful place like Hôtel de la Plage. The panoramic restaurant overlooks the ocean and the vast beach of fine sand. There are similar views from the rooms, where you can hear the gentle lapping of the waves. Guests with families will enjoy the beach entirely dedicated to children.
A door leads out to the ocean and 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 at this historic castle and manor house surrounded by 120 hectares of private forest that overlooks a wide stretch of sea. Helicopter flights over the cliffs of Brittany are also on offer. On returning to 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.
The secluded island of Belle-Île-en-Mer is the ideal setting for a restorative getaway. Visitors arrive by boat on this aptly named “beautiful island at sea”, with its rocky coves with turquoise water, blooming hills and pastel-hued ports. Castel Clara overlooks the picturesque Goulphar Bay, where the Impressionist Claude Monet liked to paint his magical landscapes. Marvel at the views of the Aiguilles de Port-Coton, a series of sculptural rocky formations jutting out in the middle of the ocean, savour the delights of the local cuisine, or head to the thalassotherapy centre or spa to experience Belle-Île-en-Mer health treatments with fresh gorse flowers.
Bertrand Jaquet, owner of Domaine de Rochevilaine, has a genuine passion for Brittany and his desire to share that love with his guests is evident. Be seduced by the breathtaking, typically Breton setting on the Vilaine estuary with its jagged cliffs and blue waters. Savour a Breton lobster like none other at the seaside restaurant, where dining feels a bit like being on the deck of an ocean liner. Listen to the sound of the waves during a restorative treatment at the excellent spa, perhaps “la table phénicienne” (the Phoenician table), a massage patented by the establishment. Another one of Bertrand Jaquet’s passions is art, as guests are bound to discover in the hotel’s wonderful art gallery.
The boundless charm of this estate works its magic as soon as you cross the gates. A ravishing 15th century castle nestles in the heart of magnificent parkland with its ancient trees and outbuildings housing the guest rooms. Each of the rooms boasts an original décor and they all exude warmth, authenticity and sophistication: also the hallmark of the chef’s inventive cuisine at Le Montaigu, and of the décor of the bar in the former stable block which has preserved the ancient marble feed and water troughs. The Cour Carrée spa is a perfect haven of peace offering well-being and peace of mind and the 18-hole golf course, designed by Henry Cotton, provides superb views over the castle.
For the past four centuries, this granite fort on the Croisic peninsula has stood guard over the moods of the sea and the ramparts, moats and drawbridges are all still standing. Built to resist storms and attacks, today, behind this tough exterior there is charming oak panelling, sweet-smelling gardens, a sheltered swimming pool and a kitchen garden. The chef uses herbs and vegetables from the garden in his inventive cuisine that usually includes fresh seafood. For dessert, the slightly salty homemade caramel is a real treat.
This year, the six kilometres of fine sand at La Baule have joined the very select circle of “The World's Most Beautiful Bays Club”. This Belle Époque mansion house with its sophisticated English style décor by Jacques Garcia stands across from the Atlantic Ocean. Every detail counts. The perfect retreat for a charming break, with staff who are attentive to your every wish. The delicious breakfast already hints at the chef’s treats in store, fricassee of lobster or sea bass with caviar. Another major attraction: the thalassotherapy centre and many other leisure activities are a mere stone's throw away. Here, the last word in chic is to get around on one of the bikes borrowed from the hotel.
Nestled on nine hectares of grounds, the Château de Noirieux is an oasis of calm, elegance and privacy. The atmosphere recalls the grandeur of historical stately homes and there is a magnificent inlaid Érard piano. The Maîtres de Maison Anja and Gérard Côme take pride in ensuring that everything is perfect, right down to the slightest detail. Each room is lightly perfumed with its own special fragrance, the welcome is warm, the terrace is surrounded by beautiful nature and, in the kitchen, the chef has discovered the secret of remarkable and inspired cuisine, tailored around the freshest produce that’s in season.
Located on a cliff overlooking the Loire, recently listed by Unesco as a World Heritage site, this luxurious hotel carved into the rocks is truly unique. The south-facing cave rooms with a view of the Loire, some carved into the rock, are all elegantly decorated with stylish fabrics in perfect harmony with the setting. The classical but creative Breton-inspired cuisine perfectly marries the fresh seafood with local products. Each season brings new things to discover at this treasure on the Loire.
Delve into history at this magnificent château in the heart of the Loire Valley. Its gorgeous stained glass windows, ornate woodwork and stately gardens transport guests back in time to 1560, when Château de Noizay was the setting of an important episode in the French Wars of Religion. Here, a group of Protestant Huguenots, known as the Amboise conspirators, hatched their plot to abduct the young King Francois II. Each of the château’s rooms has its own unique décor featuring authentic period furniture. It is the perfect base from which to explore the sites and tastes of the legendary Loire Valley.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in a parkView details
In a forest along the Wine Route in Loir-et-Cher lies a hunting lodge built in 1860. The walls of this historic residence are covered with ivy and the eaves are alive with sweet song of birds. Nature lovers will be delighted with this hotel, which has its own private lake and “The Queen’s Alley”, a homage to the courtly promenades of Marie-Antoinette. Grand Chef Rémy Giraud describes the cuisine as “classical-modern”. On the menu are crémeux of crab in a sea urchin emulsion, young pigeon of Mme Lebert and lime soufflé. There are plenty of fine wines on offer, including the great Loire whites like Vouvray, Montlouis and Touraine.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in townView details
In this Renaissance manor house in the heart of Romorantin, the capital of Sologne, the city that made Leonardo da Vinci come to France, Grand Chef Didier Clément takes great delight in experimenting with natural flavours. His author’s cuisine, which highlights forgotten ingredients such as angelica, elderflower and peppery grains of paradise, will surprise your taste buds. His white asparagus or chanterelles, seasonal game, fine desserts, accompanied by the best Loire wines, subtly awaken the senses.
So many wonderful experiences await at the Château de Curzay, built in 1710. Take a hot air balloon ride from the park and survey Romanesque Vienne from the sky. Drift in a boat down the Vonne, at the heart of the estate, in search of the secret garden, and have a picnic on the banks of the river, in the shade of 200 year-old cedar trees. Go for a walk through the estate’s 120 hectares in search of deer that roam wild. Visit the Futuroscope, a fairytale temple of images. Discover the seductive charm of the Poitevin marsh. Stop off in the town of Poitiers to admire the medieval facades. Back at the château, days and nights can be spent in magnificent tranquillity, between romantic strolls, dinner on the terrace, beauty treatments, classical music in the chapel and relaxing at the pool.
On the sand dunes, facing the charming port of La Gravette, Anne de Bretagne is a contemporary villa with striking Jade Coast architecture, perfectly placed to enjoy the best of Brittany. There are breath-taking views over the ocean from the suites and the Italian-style terraces. In the excellent restaurant, Philippe Vételé’s cuisine is inventive with a touch of the sea, in perfect harmony with the wines selected by Michèle Vételé, a highly-recognised sommelier. In season, you can try wild clams with shredded leek, with white Muscat vinaigrette sorbet. Fish and shellfish create a perfect match: “slow-cooked” line-caught sea bass is served with a sardine concassé, a string of winkles and a sea lettuce emulsion.
