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.
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.
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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.
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Back in 1954 the Dépée family turned this former post house into one of the first Relais & Châteaux properties. Charming and tranquil, this top culinary destination is surrounded by Loire châteaux and the vineyards of Sancerre and Pouilly. Experience the rare pleasure of sleeping under a thatched roof, and allow yourself to be seduced by the cuisine of Grand Chef Yoshi Miura in the restaurant, looking out on century-old oak trees. On the menu is a magical ravioli of wild mushrooms and velouté with a truffle jus, and John Dory in a La Ratte potato crust and sweet red onion sauce. This delicious food is complemented by wine from the highly acclaimed cellar.
In the Champagne region just a few minutes from Epernay, there is a paradise of well-being and good living. Here, every possible step has been taken to ensure complete relaxation between serene walks, tranquil baths, essential oil massages and gourmet meals that delight the palate whilst keeping the figure trim. Sample tartare of langoustines with citrus fruit aromas and don’t resist a glass of champagne.
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.
Set amid lush vineyards that extend as far as the eye can see, Royal Champagne is a former coach house. Once one of Napoleon’s favourite stopovers, it is the ideal base from which to explore the glorious Champagne maisons. But there is no need to travel, just visit the house’s wine cellar that boasts no fewer than 280 exceptional brut and rosé vintages and crus. Savour these outstanding wines while dining at the restaurant, soaking in the panoramic views of the vineyards of Épernay.
Legend has it that Jean Cocteau designed this castle’s staircase... Regardless of whether it is true, this rumour speaks volumes about the attention to detail in this palace where Jean-Jacques Rousseau once liked to stroll in the French garden and French literary figures Racine, La Fontaine and Dumas stayed. Which now famous pages did they write here? This can be contemplated 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
A former monastery and listed historical monument, the Prieuré d’Orsan invites you on a journey back in time. Far from the hustle and bustle of the modern world, there are no phones or televisions here. Nestled in a wooded valley in Berry, this charming hotel has spacious and inviting rooms. They all boast breathtaking views of the magnificent Orsan Gardens. Extending over fifteen hectares, these gardens inspired by medieval illuminations feature stunning architecture and orchards, herb and vegetable gardens that produce ingredients for the culinary delights served in the restaurant. The art of hospitality is also cultivated here making it a perfect place to unwind and recharge your batteries.
The beautiful island of Ré is really worth a visit. Among the charming ports linked by a network of pathways to be explored by bike, crisscrossing the sandy earth, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, surrounded by the Vauban fortifications, is the best place to stay. The hotel is a 17th century shipbuilder’s residence with windows overlooking the port, near the fortress by Vauban, a Unesco World Heritage site with spectacular views of the Atlantic. There is also the option to stay in the Villa Clarisse – 18th century private mansion – just a stone’s throw away. Both hotels boast gardens, views of the old town and heated swimming pool. Here, the mast of a passing fishing boat may perhaps be the only thing to disturb your view of the setting sun.
Between Cognac and Bordeaux, two renowned wine-growing regions, this Renaissance-style château enjoys a commanding position in the heart of this superb eight-hectare park overlooking the Gironde estuary. This superb residence boasts a past which is rich in both art and history. Its exquisite furnishing fabrics, antique furniture and crystal chandeliers take you back to an elegant and cosseting atmosphere where you lose all sense of time. Château de Mirambeau, which expresses a French art de vivre that is sophisticated yet unpretentious, offers delightful gourmet cuisine. When evening comes, seek out one of the most fascinating rooms in the château, the “Cognathèque”. This is the ideal place if you want an initiation into the tasting of wine and the best cognacs.
Just outside Limoges, there is a peaceful haven where the lush vegetation is at its most beautiful. Time seems to stand still at La Chapelle Saint-Martin, where guests can step back in time and experience what life in the private residence of this 19th century porcelain manufacturer would have been like. Those who are partial to a beautiful landscape will instantly fall in love with the chapel surrounded by 35 hectares of 200 year-old trees. The surrounding countryside is delightful, and the grounds, ponds and old dock are the perfect place for quiet contemplation. While the house and gardens are historic, the inspirational cuisine is refreshingly modern.
Staying in this 13th century château overlooking the Lot valley is a truly unique experience, an authentic immersion in the history of France during the Middle Ages. For this was the summer residence of the Counts and Bishops of Cahors for seven centuries. Today, the Chef draws his inspiration from local producers, and has won an international reputation for working wonders with black Lalbenque truffles and Quercy lamb. The wine list includes the great Malbec wines and vintages produced in the château’s very own wine cellars.
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After he has been at the helm of the Suquet since 2009, Sébastien Bras has been carving out his own path on the plateau d’Aubrac, following in the footsteps of his father. And while that well-trodden path is there for all to enjoy, his precise and inventive cuisine is punctuated by the excitement of the moment. We are humbly presented with the plant world in all its many-splendoured glory, subtle pairings are playfully explored, in a cuisine that reflects every nuance of flavour of this living world. Here, on the plateau d’Aubrac, life moves apace with nature. If a menu is faithfully to reflect the local area day by day, then nature has to be at its very core.
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This 17th century former Carthusian monastery is a prime location for relaxation and an awakening of the senses. In the restaurant, Grand Chef Jean-Luc Rocha works with style and subtlety. His contemporary and sophisticated cuisine – pain perdu with seaweed and thin cuttlefish strips, baby lamb in citrus dressing with fava beans and creamy peas – makes every meal a surprising experience. The menu, inspired by the great tradition of French cuisine, is enhanced by the best wines from Bordeaux and elsewhere. Located amongst the vineyards, this contemporary hotel offers the ideal combination for a comfortable, relaxed and revitalizing stay. In partnership with wine experts Château Lynch-Bages, Cordeillan-Bages proposes an epicurean itinerary through the universe of wine and cuisine.
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This 19th century mansion combines all that is great about the southwest of France and the Landes, the country of wide open spaces. The scent of the sea pines drifts over those relaxing by the swimming pool or on the white sandy beaches, only a few kilometres away. Grand Chef Jean Coussau concocts gourmet recipes originating from the region with its wealth of exceptional products, like wild Adour salmon, hot duck foie gras with grapes or sand asparagus from the Landes.
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A small country palace, a romantic haven, a feast for the senses, for pampering your body and letting your mind wander. This family home is an invitation to happiness. Fairytale gardens, aristocratic abode and symphonic cuisine. A musical quartet, where herb and ancient rose gardens line the pathway to a stunning spa, La Ferme Thermale®. In the kitchen, Michel Guérard creates celestial marvels. Everywhere else, Christine casts her poetic touch.
“Greeting our guests as we do our friends” is the motto of Sylvie and Olivier Lacroix, the couple who own this superb country mansion. They are a goldmine of information when it comes to this beautiful region, and will advise you on how best to discover it by using the scenic routes and lanes. The Lacroix family collect old Armagnacs and will be more than happy to introduce you to the region’s best sun-soaked wines, Madiran, Jurançon and Tursan, which are best enjoyed in the shade of the big leafy plane tree or by the ancient oak tree of the Bassibé Estate.
The Queen Mother of England made this charming hotel her base when she visited Albi, the native town of the artist Toulouse-Lautrec. In 2010, Unesco classified this episcopal city, a medieval gem constructed in red brick, a World Heritage site. Just as the royal visitor did, appreciate the gentle way of life, the spacious rooms opening right onto the beautiful park, and dinners in the restaurant or terrace, with magnificent views of the river Tarn. With a glass of Gaillac in hand, discover the beauty of post-Impressionist landscapes whilst learning how Albi witnessed the birth of Catharism and, during the Renaissance, supplied pigments to the greatest painters of the age.
“Just like an Italian palazzo, overlooking a garden with fountains...” Under the benevolent protection of the village’s medieval church and the shade of tall century-old plane trees, stands this beautiful 18th century charterhouse. The stone arcades of its sand colored frontage invite you to discover an elegant succession of living and dining rooms. Spend an afternoon by the fireplace in the library, a summer night dining under the lime-tree, taking sips of amber Armagnac from its vineyards, nestled in its soft sofas; all this generous joy, real hymn to the delicious products of Gascony, matches the harmony of its luminous simplicity. In the gardens, find out your true essence thanks to the expert treatments provided at the Thermal Spa.
Near the city of Carcassonne and the canal du Midi, both listed as Unesco World Heritage sites, the Domaine d’Auriac is built on the ancient settlement of Carsac, where the history of Carcassonne began. Today, calm and comfort reign supreme here. Enjoy strolls around the bucolic park, accompanied by singing birds, and savour the Mediterranean aromas. Play a round on the 18-hole golf course or relax in the sumptuous swimming pool. And if the medieval town of Carcassonne does not quench your thirst for history, then it’s worth a visit to Rennes-le-Château, made famous by the legendary abbot Saunière and a treasure that is still shrouded in mystery.
Historians are divided on the etymology of the name Mirepoix. For some, it comes from the Occitan language and means “he who watches fish”, while for others it comes from Latin and means “he who looks at the mountain”. Indeed, the experts will probably never agree when it comes to this little medieval castle town located between the clear waters of the river Hers and the impressive Tabe mountain range, except on one thing: its irresistible charm. It is here that the elegant Relais Royal hotel immerses you in its romantic atmosphere. Succumb to the charm of the inner courtyard, garden, swimming pool, majestic rooms and stone walls dressed in winding ivy. The hotel is also ideally situated to explore Carcassonne and its majestic Cathare castles.
In an unspoilt valley in French Catalonia, looking out at the snow-topped mount Canigou, you will find the Château de Riell, perched among parasol pines and oleander trees. This hotel is made for those who appreciate sophisticated beauty, with its baroque interiors and a restaurant whose highlights include lamb and seafood. Sports enthusiasts can choose from the huge range of outdoor activities against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery and the open-air swimming pool set on the castle’s ramparts. Discerning gentlemen travellers will be impressed by the ambiance that owner Biche Barthélémy has created in her castle. The Out of Africa bar has a safari theme and the dacha, where you can sit and read or just enjoy breakfast, will make you feel like you have stepped into a Russian novel. A splendid escape in Romanesque Roussillon.
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Even if he can’t take the credit for Yves Klein blue, this particular Mr. Klein could also copyright some of his creations. His name is Jean-Georges Klein and he is the Grand Chef of this family-run establishment where purity reigns both in the décor and on the plate. However, this minimalism is spiced up by a big dash of daring: “Every day I test combinations, contrasts, tales of the unexpected, I try things out, I like to take risks.” Food is served in a light-filled dining room with a glass roof, in the heart of the forest. The motto here is that “everything is possible, as long as you aren’t set in your ways”.
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Grand Chef Georges Victor Schmitt serves up surprisingly sensuous cuisine. His unforgettable foie gras is highly appreciated, as well as his fresh sea fish, truffled blue lobster and the full repertoire of local game, combining the best of tradition and modernity. His renowned gourmet breakfast with foie gras and truffle brouillade and seasonal dishes delight the eyes and above all the taste buds. They can be savoured during mild weather in a magnificent shady garden, or by a fireplace during the winter in this history-steeped setting where the Soldiers of Year II, celebrated by a famous poem of Victor Hugo and the works of Erckmann & Chatrian, the neighbours from Phalsbourg, met. On the doorstep of the vineyards of Alsace and the mysterious Vosges, the chef has turned this inn with its imperial rooms into a unique gourmet experience in this historical city.
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This charming château is just a stone’s throw from Lunéville, a town which Voltaire wrote “felt” just like Versailles. In the so-called “Little Versailles” of the Dukes of Lorraine, you can explore the Baccarat crystal works and Nancy’s famous Stanislas square, which is a Unesco World Heritage site. Adoménil is an 18th century building that has been beautifully restored and enhanced by subtle touches of modernity. Grand Chef Cyril Leclerc creates audacious gourmet cuisine that gives pride of place to fresh products, many of them from the surrounding Lorraine countryside. The best of both the past and present come together in the courteous service and fine cuisine at this beautiful hideaway.
In the 17th century, Colroy-la-Roche was a German village called Koenigsberg, which means “the King’s mountain”. When it became French again, the village, with its pristine undulating countryside, retained its majestic character. It is here that Mireille and her son Nicolas have created an inviting hotel with the charm of a family home, featuring fascinating historical features. In the Pastoureaux room, the Jura wood panelling comes from the house where Pope Calixtus II was born. On the picturesque veranda, soothing birdsong comes from the trees that the birds have made their home. Relaxation is complete in the blissful spa, which offers body contouring with essential oils. Epicureans will be delighted by the cuisine in the atmospheric restaurant, which showcases the finest products from Alsace, a region with a proud gastronomic culture. Not to be missed: the opening of a new 1,500 m2 “Nature Spa” in spring...
The grounds of this 12th century Cistercian abbey exude tranquility and are surrounded by a lake and a botanical garden. Magnificently restored by the Cummings family, the subtle architecture of the exterior contrasts with the spectacular interior design, which incorporates ancient frescoes discovered during the renovation of the abbey. Antique furniture and silken fabrics create an ambiance of subtle sophistication and pure elegance. Dine in a cathedral-like setting and enjoy a wine list that offers the very best of Burgundy.
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Throughout history, the town of Vézelay has charmed artists, poets and kings. Grand Chef Marc Meneau is leading his own crusade for taste in Saint-Père, two kilometres from this mediaeval village from which the second and third crusades started, and now a Unesco World Heritage site. L’Espérance, set in twelve acres of parkland bordered by brooks, offers a very individual, both classical and bold produce-based cuisine. The restaurants, guest rooms and lounges have all been designed with warmth, passion and sophistication. Superb hospitality with particular attention paid to children as budding diners.
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Renowned interior designers Roland and Véréna Schön have turned this former home of a marquis, located amongst pristine lakes, into an astonishing hotel. Cedarwood parquet floors, period furniture and silky wall hangings make each room like a work of art. Enjoy a swim in the environmentally friendly pool with 100% natural water, sink into an armchair to read a book or sample the best wines of the Jura, before sitting down to savour generous, subtle cuisine. The hallmark dishes, like Bresse chicken from the Roussel-Voisard farm in a sealed terrine with Vin Jaune, are worthy of feasts from bygone days.
On the banks of the river Bouzaize sits a large white house with an elegant French-style garden and a majestic park with century-old trees. Susanne and Jean-Louis Bottigliero, the owners of this property, have turned it into a truly charming haven that skilfully blends tradition and modernity. In the ancient kitchen there is a double-hearth chimney that dates back to 1750. Le Bistrot du Bord de l’Eau produces simple, delicious dishes and the Gourmet Restaurant serves traditional dishes with a modern flair.
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Starting with the family inn created in 1872, Georges Blanc, Grand Chef and visionary businessman, has developed a veritable Gourmet Village centred around the original house on the river bank and the rebuilt Ancienne Auberge 1900. Fine dining is, of course, at the heart of this village dedicated to conviviality. Together with his family, Blanc constantly reinvents regional specialties through creations such as the “crêpe vonnassienne” with salmon and caviar or the legendary Bresse chicken with foie gras. Visits are available upon request to one of the five exceptional cellars with more than 135,000 bottles. In just under five hectares of grounds, discover a heavenly spa, an aquatic space next to a pond and a large, landscaped park that is illuminated at night.
In the heart of Auvergne, country of winding rivers, pure water lakes, Romanesque art and volcanoes, stands a 15th century fortress. This truly exceptional place, just a few kilometres from Clermont-Ferrand, has exquisite guest rooms and an outdoor pool in the middle of nature. If the magical towers, dungeons and royal chambers are not enchanting enough for you, our restaurant, with a cellar boasting 500 different labels, will seduce you with a cuisine which makes excellent use of the best local produce.
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With a panorama open to the horizons of the Valleys of Ardèche and Mont du Velay, father and son Grands Chefs Régis and Jacques Marcon’s new hotel has “Ecolabel” approval. This is a comfortable hotel in perfect harmony with its environment. The décor is minimalist and there are plenty of spots from which to admire the surrounding mountains. Enjoy natural swimming in the pure water of the pool. The restaurant is dedicated to seasonal gastronomy. Mountain lovers Régis and Jacques will offer you tastes of mushrooms, wild vegetables and herbs alongside the Puy green lentils, river fish and their latest find, lamb “couci-couça” with cep praline.
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On the banks of the river Saône sits île Barbe, an enchanting, magical paradise that is listed among France’s historical monuments. In 1977, the eccentric writer Félix Benoît proclaimed the island independent and declared himself the governor of this new territory. Benoît was a gourmet through and through and would have been delighted with the cuisine of Jean-Christophe Ansanay-Alex, who has turned this restaurant into one of the best in Lyon with delicious recipes, such as cold foie gras brioche and quince ketchup with grenadine or morel mushroom velouté served like a cappuccino. The new governor of the island, that would be Grand Chef Ansanay-Alex.
