By continuing to use our site, you accept the placing (i) of cookies to determine the site's audience, visits, and your navigation, to provide offers adapted to your areas of interest and personalised advertising, and (ii) of third-party cookies designed to suggest videos, share buttons, and relay content from social media.
See more
Jean-Georges Klein is a Chef Relais & Châteaux, who has been awarded three Guide Michelin stars. ‘While I was born in Alsace, I've almost always lived in Lorraine. It's in Lorraine, not far from the forestry workers' house where my grandmother prepared meals for lumberjacks, that I caught my first fish, discovered the world. I wanted to study fine arts, but I pursued hotel management studies. However, it was only when I was 39 that I left the family restaurant hall to take over control of the kitchen. This late vocation only made the experience stronger. Since 2015, by taking charge of the Villa René Lalique kitchen, I rediscovered my native Alsace. Since then, I’ve been looking for ways on how I could incorporate the flavors from these two regions into my dishes – flavors which gave me so much joy. The tour between Alsace and Lorraine evokes the richness and history of regions that are so special in France's cultural landscape. A discovery trip through landscapes and products that are dear to me…’
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur: suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
*Total price provided for information only, based on accommodation for two people in a double room for the number of nights per property as indicated on this page, exclusive of recommended activities, properties that cannot be reserved online and restaurants.
Restaurant and hotel in a park. This charming château is close to 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, a Unesco World Heritage site. Adoménil is an 18th century building that has been beautifully restored and enhanced by subtle touches of modernity. Starred 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.
... Learn moreless
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of the most beautiful squares in France. Its architecture can be discovered in summer through a splendid sound and light show that reveals the city's richness and history in about ten tableaux. The façades of the city hall, the Opera, the Fine Arts Museum, Hôtel de la Reine and the Pavillon Jacquet are alternately lit up. For a moment, one becomes a child again...
On the route
Pigeon breeders, Gugney-aux-Aulx
I share some small addresses with my friend Cyril Leclerc, a Grand Chef at the Château d’Adoménil. These include a breeder of very high quality pigeons we both like to work with. Based at Rue de l’Arte, in the small village of Gugney-aux-Aulx, Thierry Laurent is able to offer tender and pinkish pigeons that we take a malicious pleasure in preparing.
Baccarat Glassworks
Another unique place. The first glassmaker authorised to blow glass in Baccarat was Antoine Renault, who got an authorisation from Louis XV in 1764. The crystal glassworks gained in importance and became the Compagnie des Cristalleries in 1881. Today it is simply known as Baccarat. Adjacent to the works, which is still operating, you will find the museum that retraces its history and allows you to discover the various phases in crystal glassmaking. You will also find at the Château d’Adoménil many blown, cut or engraved glass objects from the famous glassworks.
Hotel and restaurant in a village. The villa built here by René Lalique in 1920 is now a refined hotel and restaurant, a living homage to the celebrated designer, best known for his art nouveau jewelry and art deco glass. The six exclusive suites, each inspired by an original motif from Lalique’s visionary creations, recount, in the heart of the northern Vosges region, the history of an emblematic name in the annals of French crystal. In the spacious, window-lined dining room of the new gastronomic restaurant, the adventuresome and artistic Chef Jean-Georges Klein serves dishes characterized by pure flavors and appealing colors. And the cellar is spectacular: it stores some 12,000 bottles, including an extensive selection of Alsatian and Bordeaux wines.
... Learn moreless
Opened seven years ago on the former Hochberg glassworks site, this museum was completely imagined by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. In memory of the remarkable work of René Lalique, the museum mainly underlines glass and crystal objects made on the spot. At the first rays of sunshine, the former works seems to light up. There, you can follow the theme tours extended by interesting hands-on workshops.
Restaurant and hotel in the country. In the heart of the forest there is a unique location, a place of unsurpassed serenity.
Yes, it is a restaurant but it is also more than that; it is an experience.
Our stars are in the sky; our rewards in the eyes of our guests.
A new vision of hospitality–a unique, well-appointed and genuine retreat.
... Learn moreless
In the heart of a village of 520 inhabitants has been established the most surprising of cabarets. This warm and cheerful place, which is worthy of the best cabarets in Paris, offers a high-quality show imagined by a former cook, Pierre Meyer. Feather dancers, jugglers, magicians, stuntmen and acrobats take turns on the stage for a completely crazy performance.
Since 1969, this engineering structure allows boats to avoid passing through 17 locks built over four kilometres along the Marne au Rhin canal thanks to its surprising 45-metre drop. In the past, it took almost a day on water to cross. The lift lock that you can experience will make you really dizzy. The only two similar structures in the world are in Russia and Belgium.
Restaurant in town. Au Crocodile has rediscovered its lustre. At the heart of this historic restaurant, chef Franck Pelux honours the reputation of a gourmet institution originally recognised with three Michelin stars in 1989, when chef Emile Jung was at its helm.
Backed by Cédric Moulot, chef Franck Pelux draws on the fundamentals of Alsatian cuisine to develop rich and concentrated flavours. As for the decor, his partner, Sarah Benahmed, has brought warmth and intimacy to the large salon lit by a 19th-century skylight and adorned with a large painting depicting traditional French festivities.
... Learn moreless
The astronomical clock and its dancing automata, Strasbourg
The magnificent Notre-Dame cathedral, a gothic work of art consecrated in the 15th century, houses a clock which is unique in the world: created during the Renaissance by a group of mathematicians, mechanics and artists, it calculates solar and lunar eclipses as well as the dates of the main religious festivals. Everyday at 12:30pm, the parade of the Apostles before Christ is punctuated by a cockerel flapping its wings.
Under the great Christmas tree at the Christmas Market, Strasbourg
During the last five weeks of the year, Strasbourg transforms itself into the ‘Christmas capital’. First opened in 1570, its Christmas Market is one of the oldest and most impressive in Europe. At the heart of the Grande Île, under the luminous garlands of the great Christmas tree, some 300 log cabins attract a continuous crowd to browse for gifts and the best regional culinary specialities.
Hotel and restaurant in the country. The village of Colroy-la-Roche, in the heart of an area of unspoiled valleys, is nature at its best. Here, Mireille and Nicolas have created a welcoming hotel and, since 1975, have remained faithful to the spirit of Relais & Châteaux. Come and visit their new 2,500 m² “Nature Spa” devoted to relaxation and wellness, involving nature, peacefulness and light. Mireille has been true to her surroundings and has developed with a local laboratory a range of cosmetics based on beneficial herbs and honey from the village. The cuisine at the restaurant serves top-quality ingredients from Alsace, a region truly proud of its gourmet culture.
... Learn moreless
Drawbridges, fencing hall, dungeon and cannons recall the tumultuous history of this mountain-top fortress. Set at a 757 m altitude on a rocky spur, the château offers breathtaking views. Built in the 11th century, it witnessed, for centuries, conflicts and rivalries between lords, kings and emperors. Its restoration was initiated by William II at the beginning of the 20th century. A fortress and a fairytale château you can explore as a family.
Massenez distillery, Villé
In 1870, Jean-Baptiste Massenez was working as a mere grower-distiller. In 1913, his son Eugène distilled wild raspberry for the very first time. One of his main customers was none other than the Queen of Sweden, who said she treated her diseased lungs with eau-de-vie distilled in Alsace! Massenez is part of the distilleries happily perpetuating the tradition of eaux de vie produced with fruits grown in the backyard and local products, which eaux de vie is drunk responsibly… Since the 1950s, they have been present in major Parisian breweries and on the tables of starred chefs. Distillerie Massenez
Hotel and restaurant in a village. Between Alsatian vineyards and the Ballons des Vosges, the Chambard is above all a story about the Nasti Family. Since 2000 Olivier and Emmanuel, two brothers united by their taste for hospitality and sharing, have been perpetuating the rich hotel history of a property dating back to the 18th century in the village of Kaysersberg. Olivier runs the kitchen of the “La Table d'Olivier Nasti”, whilst Emmanuel has put together a top wine list for this ambitious restaurant, where copper and silk create a baroque atmosphere. Pure and contemporary lines mark the rooms and the spa of the hotel. Their wives, Patricia and Corinne, have given this property its soul and offer guests a very warm welcome.
... Learn moreless
Listed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, this library located since 1889 in a former wheat hall, has some 700 medieval volumes. It contains works from the former Latin School of Sélestat, the cradle of Rhenan humanism, and from the Beatus Rhenanus library. Its unique holdings attract many researchers from all over the world. A permanent exhibition provides the opportunity to discover how the book evolved between the 7th and the 16th century.
Hotel and restaurant in the mountains. L’Hostellerie des Bas Rupts is an ensemble of Swiss-style chalets in the heart of the Vosges Forest, just above Gérardmer. This welcoming hotel has been managed by the Philippe and Witdouck families for five generations and has managed to retain all its authenticity. Whatever the season, the lake and mountains offer numerous opportunities for nature pursuits. Guests who love the finer things in life and appreciate superb ingredients can go and visit the small local producers and artisans. The hotel’s owners have succeeded in creating a beautifully appointed, upscale chalet. Another major advantage is its gourmet cuisine and superb wine list.
... Learn moreless
When she was a child, my wife used to come with her entire family to the Gérardmer hillsides to pick daffodils. Every spring, on the route around the the town, there always is a continuous parade of cars filled with yellow flowers. Since 1935, the town and its inhabitants are entirely focused on the famous flower with the organisation a flower festival comprising the Corso fleuri parade, floats, and the election of the Queen of Daffodils… Gérardmer
Gérardmer Lake
This glacial lake is located at an altitude of 666 metres. A trail has been developed around it over nearly six kilometres. The path is lined with signs providing explanations on the formation of the lake, the fauna and local flora. The footbridge of the nautical base and the site known as Lido offers really splendid views. In summer, the lake attracts swimmers and enthusiasts of boating activities. Fishing enthusiasts on their part will meet on the fishing estate of the Vallée des Lacs.
Discover why booking with Relais & Châteaux is
a world of privileges
