It's a collection that promises elegance and luxury, often accompanied by fine dining: choosing a Relais & Châteaux member is sure to leave you with lasting memories and a longing to return. Here are our favorite hotels from the collection in France.
Château Lafaurie Peyraguey
For whom?
For a couple of accomplished sybarites. One of the most prestigious addresses Relais & Châteaux, for a break combining art, fine dining, and history.
The pitch:
One army of vines up to the horizon of this terroir of Crus Classés Sauternes. For the Commander-in-Chief, this abundant castle walled. A keep, a Renaissance loggia, and the touch of famous architect Mario Botta give this 5-star address, a singular prestige, property of the Lalique crystal works.
It is precisely under Botta's glass roof, facing an ocean of vines, or nestled beneath the chandelier of 120 crystal leaves, that one settles in around wonderfully set tables: delicate porcelain, Lalique decanters and glasses honor the doubly Michelin-starred cuisine of the prodigious chef Jérôme Schilling. This Meilleur Ouvrier de France, with what audacity, is dedicated to working with Sauternes, which he distills throughout his dishes.
How to get there
By train, Bordeaux is only 2 hours from Paris-Gare Montparnasse, and the château is 35 minutes from the station.
We like:
- The 13 rooms and suites that showcase a dazzling array of Lalique-designed pieces, from vases to chandeliers, to coffee tables, door handles, and even sink faucets!
- The incredible barrel of crystal and glass, cinched with brown leather, at the entrance to the chapel transformed into a wine vat, watched over by the glass cross, conceived by Damien Hirst.
- The tour of the estate and cellars, culminating in a vertical tasting of four vintages of Sauternes' Premier Grand Cru Classé.
- The imposing library, where it's a pleasure to linger and immerse yourself in reading a book on the history of vineyards or that of René Lalique.
Château Lafaurie Peyraguey
Place called Peyraguey, 33210 Bommes
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Baumanière Les Baux de Provence
For whom?
For those who appreciate places steeped in history and high gastronomy, all supported by impeccable service.
The pitch:
Nestled between the cliffs of the Baux-de-Provence Avignon and Arles, this 17th-century estatee century, the five outbuildings flourish amidst the sweetness of lush gardens. In its 53 rooms, owner Geneviève Charial has opted for a contemporary atmosphere punctuated with Provençal touches, all in soft hues and antique furniture. The superb view of the Vallée des Baux is also noteworthy.
The table is mythical for more than one reason: it is Chef Glenn Viel who officiates there. With three Michelin stars rewarding cuisine that is as delicate and inventive as it is unclassifiable, served at L'Oustau de Baumanière, is added the star of the Cabro d'Or and the story of this restaurant where Queen Elizabeth II and San Antonio, Mireille Darc and Cocteau sat down to eat.
How to get there
By train, 3h 16 from Paris-Gare de Lyon, then 35 minutes by car from Avignon TGV station.
We like:
- The cellar, with its 50,000 references – including bottles over a century old – ranks among the finest in France and proudly presents the esteemed names of Margaux, Yquem, and Romanée Conti.
- The 500 m2 from spa to Sisley's signature treatments, Une Olive en Provence, which, in addition to the trio of hammam, sauna, and sensory pool, adds a beautiful outdoor swimming pool.
- The privatizable family home (12 people) right next to the spa but with complete privacy.
- The chocolate shop where you can taste the creations of Pastry Chef Brandon Dehan and Chocolate Chef Julien Despaquis.
Baumanière – Les Baux-de-Provence
D27, Mas de Baumanière, 13520 Les Baux-de-Provence
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Jiva Hill Resort
For whom?
For the hyperactive who juggle multiple outdoor activities in a superb natural environment. Great to taste as a couple, but also perfect for families.
The pitch:
This 5-star Relais & Châteaux encompasses 45 hectares in the heart of the Haut-Jura Natural Park; a guarantee for the 44 rooms, all with balconies or terraces, to reveal a great view of the mountain. A rather minimalist and understated decoration, effective and warm. Of the 4 lodges, a favorite, for the one with the outdoor jacuzzi.
A 9-hole golf course, two swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), two tennis courts with instructors, physical training camps, skiing 5 minutes from the resort in winter, wakeboarding at the adjacent water sports center in summer... it's safe to say the Jiva Hill impresses with its variety of activities.
How to get there
3.5 hours by TGV between Paris Gare de Lyon and Geneva Cornavin, then a half-hour drive from the station.
We like:
- The Italian cuisine fantasy of Chef Francesca Lazzari and Le Jiva, the delicately bistronomic table of Jean-François Vasseur.
- The perfect spa relaxation, with Sothys signature treatments and a 10°C Nordic bath before enjoying a sauna or steam room session.
- The arcade to frequent with the family: pool and foosball, jukebox and AC/DC pinball machine in their original condition.
- The cinema, with a choice of 150 films, from classics to – almost – the latest releases. And popcorn is included!
Jiva Hill Resort
Rte d’Harée, 01170 Crozet
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Cap Antibes Beach Hotel
For whom?
For those seeking luxury in privacy, sensitive to contemporary atmospheres as well as starred cuisine.
The pitch:
Large bay windows as if to inhale the Mediterranean, to brush the Lérins Islands and the Estérel massif with a glance. Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel, property of the Addresses group Hotels, offers 35 keys with a private terrace: 30 to 66 m²2, They have in common a minimalist decor that invites serenity, a bubble of zen with whites, beiges, and pinks.
This Relais & Châteaux 5-star hotel has quite a story attached to it: that of the Maison des Pêcheurs, two humble sheds from the 1940s, which later became a restaurant and then a disco frequented by Bardot, Barclay, and Johnny Hallyday. It has shortened its name but increased its renown: because the restaurant Les Pêcheurs now sports a Michelin star for the Mediterranean cuisine of Nice-born chef Nicolas Rondelli.
How to get there
1 hour 30 minutes from Paris by plane, then 30 minutes by car from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport.
We like:
- The Summer Beach Wellness, for an outdoor wellness session between freshwater pools and a massage cabin nestled in the garden for a Holidermie treatment for two.
- The charm of a private beach and the pleasure of a generous infinity pool.
- The hotel's boat for a few hours or a day trip out to sea.
- Sunsets over the Mediterranean while sipping a cocktail at the Bar Beach & Pool, before tasting the exotic dishes of Chef Assaf Granit.
Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel
10 Bd Maréchal Juin, 06160 Antibes
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Domaine des Hautes-Roches
For whom?
For curious couples who love the unexpected, much like the troglodyte rooms at this amazing 4-star Relais & Châteaux.
The pitch:
A quarter of an hour from Tours, you'll find the village of Rochecorbon, riddled with tuffeau caves. It houses this manor, a proud 18th-century building.e century nestled against a cliff: two restaurants, a bar, and two rooms overlooking the Loire River. But what makes this Relais & Châteaux unique are the 12 other "keys," reconverted into cocoons much more comfortable than their former purpose: attached to the Abbey of Marmoutier, they actually housed monastic cells. Surprisingly spacious – they measure between 35 and 55 m2 – they are as coquettish as they are cozy, each offering a unique decoration, in browns or pinks, lime or oranges. Above all, they offer surprising brightness and a view that never tires, of the last river European wildcat.
How to get there
By train, 3 hours from Paris-Gare de Lyon, then a 40-minute rental car from the Aix-en-Provence TGV station.
We like:
- The pleasant shaded terrace overlooking the Loire River, where you can enjoy unpretentious but well-executed bourgeois cuisine.
- The landscaping that cheerfully frames the residence, hosts a beautiful pool during pleasant weather.
- The unpretentious bistro dishes of the second restaurant.
The High Rocks
86 Quai de la Loire, 37210 Rochecorbon
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