Summer lives on in Southwest France

Just minutes from Biarritz and the beaches of the Basque Coast, Brindos Lac & Château offers an unexpected retreat on the shores of a private lake. Here, summer feels inextricably linked to nature and a sense of well-being–don’t miss the chance to spend the night in one of its floating lodges before tasting the Basque terroir in the restaurant.

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Dordogne river, Château de la Treyne is a spectacular setting in which to savor the final days of summer. Set amid 300 acres of private forest, this 14th-century chateau invites guests to slow down amid the landscapes of the Lot. Come evening, its terrace overlooking the river becomes an exceptional destination for cuisine inspired by the surrounding terroir of Quercy.

Overlooking the Lot Valley, Château de Mercuès brings together medieval heritage and winemaking tradition. This 13th-century fairytale residence has its own wine estate, where Malbec, the Cahors region’s emblematic grape variety, takes center stage. In September, as the harvest season begins, guests feel even more immersed in the landscape.

In the heart of the Sauternes vineyards, Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey represents the elegant art de vivre that combines exceptional wine, fine crystal and haute cuisine. The Lalique universe is woven into the very fabric of this historic wine estate, while its two-Michelin-starred restaurant showcases cuisine that complements the vines–an especially enticing destination as the grape harvest approaches.

In the shadow of Carcassonne’s medieval citadel, Domaine d’Auriac offers a peaceful retreat amid expansive greenery. Built on the site of an ancient fortified oppidum, this family-owned property combines history with the gentle pace of southern French living. An ideal stop for combining heritage, nature and the last rays of summer sunshine–perhaps on the 18-hole golf course.

In the heart of Saint-Émilion, Hôtel de Pavie offers a front-row seat to the vibrant atmosphere of late summer in Bordeaux. From its panoramic terrace, the rooftops of the medieval village give way to the surrounding vineyards, while the two-Michelin-starred La Table de Pavie’s cuisine is in constant dialogue with the landscape. An ideal starting point for exploring the Route des Grands Crus during harvest season.

Just a few miles from Toulouse, En Marge is an intimate hideaway whose gardens sets the tone. In this secluded setting, nature finds its way onto the plate through seasonal cuisine and responsibly sourced ingredients. A gastronomic destination in its own right, it’s also ideal for escaping the city and rediscovering the tranquility of the countryside around Toulouse.

In Saint-Cyprien, the Mediterranean naturally offers a few extra weeks of summer. Set on a private peninsula in a lagoon, L’Île de la Lagune combines the gentle rhythm of the sea with thalassotherapy and gastronomic pleasures. From wellness treatments and relaxing moments by the water to cuisine inspired by the local terroir at L’Almandin, everything here feels like it’s helping delay the arrival of autumn.

Between the Atlantic ocean and the foothills of the Pyrenees, L’Auberge Basque brings the cultural identity of the French Basque Country to life in a former 17th-century farmhouse. The property cultivates a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with a deep connection to its surroundings, also reflected in Chef Cédric Béchade’s cuisine, which is shaped by the seasons and local producers. An authentic way to explore the Basque countryside, off the beaten path.

On the outskirts of Limoges, La Chapelle Saint-Martin reveals a more secluded side of Southwest France. This family-run property is nestled within 84 acres, where centuries-old trees and the Limousin countryside create an idyllic setting in which to disconnect. Perfect for couples or families, September escapes are complemented by cuisine deeply rooted in the region’s terroir.

On the banks of the Charente river, La Nauve embodies all the charm of a Belle Époque residence surrounded by gardens. The history of Cognac and its time-honored artisanship are at the heart of this bucolic retreat: this is a place to slow down as much as to explore the surrounding region. Gastronomy is an integral part of the experience. At Notes Restaurant, the cuisine draws inspiration from the property’s own kitchen garden and orchards.

On the heights of Bouliac, Le Saint-James stands out for its architecture by Jean Nouvel and panoramic views over the Bordeaux region. Conceived as a contemporary tribute to the terroir of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the property also provides a gateway to the vineyards and the celebrated Route des Châteaux. A destination that epitomizes the architecture, gastronomy and the landscapes of Bordeaux.

Please note: Le Saint-James Bouliac is currently closed but is scheduled to reopen on 2 January 2027.

On the heights above Laguiole, Le Suquet appears to rest amid the vast landscapes of the Aubrac plateau. Here, nature is far more than a backdrop: for generations, it has shaped the identity of the Bras family and a cuisine intimately connected to the plants, seasons and flavors of the region. Spectacular views deepen this immersion, making every stay an experience profoundly rooted in its surroundings.

In the heart of the Périgord, Le Vieux Logis has all the charm of a family home surrounded by peaceful parkland. In Trémolat, guests are invited to take their time, enjoying the gardens and gentle countryside before sampling the produce and dishes that have made the region’s gastronomy so renowned. A property that naturally encourages guests to slow down as the bustle of summer fades away.

In the Landes, Les Prés d’Eugénie has cultivated an art of hospitality in which gastronomy and well-being go hand in hand. In the heart of Eugénie-les-Bains–a village renowned for its thermal waters–its gardens, wellness and beauty treatments and cuisine combine to form a distinct art de vivre. The experience, refined over three generations of the same family, continues at the property’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant, one of Southwest France’s most celebrated gastronomic destinations.

In Magescq, in the heart of the Landes, Relais de la Poste tells the story of five generations of the same family and their enduring passion for hospitality and gastronomy. This Southwestern institution cultivates a warm atmosphere deeply rooted in its surroundings, set amid the Landes forest and with the Atlantic Ocean close by, that’s perfectly suited to an end-of-summer escape.

In Chaudes-Aigues, in the Cantal, Restaurant Serge Vieira creates a striking dialogue between history and modernity. This medieval château is married with contemporary architecture that opens onto nature, offering 360-degree views across the surrounding landscape. In this intimate setting, two-Michelin-starred cuisine offers a fresh, culinary perspective on this land of wide-open spaces.

Just steps from La Rochelle’s Old Port, Villa Grand Voile has the intimate atmosphere of a private townhouse, complete with a secluded patio and swimming pool. The Atlantic is never far away–and makes its presence felt on the plate of chef and fisherman Christopher Coutanceau, whose three-Michelin-starred restaurant places the ocean at the very heart of its cuisine. One final sea-scented escape to hold on to the taste of summer.