A château in the middle of the vines, a night in a Grand Cru Classé, a spa where one smears oneself with grape, or even an arty boutique-hotel in the very heart of Bordeaux… Gironde is full of ultra-desirable HQs to set down one's suitcases. We give you our favourite addresses for a beautiful escape under the sign of Bacchus and the great art of living.
Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey Lalique
The project? To sleep in a Premier Grand Cru Classé. Heading to Sauternes where this jewel of the 13th century, set in the heart of 18 hectares of vines, has been transformed into an ultra-select hotel of 13 rooms and suites, under the aegis of the house Lalique.
Where others pile on the gilding, each space here has been designed like a subtle jewel box. The colour palette plays with the shades of the vineyard: velvet bordeaux, solar gold, deep green. On the flavour side, Jérôme Schilling, starred chef who passed through the Villa René Lalique in Alsace, revisits South-West products with a hint of daring. No spa nor pool? No need. Here, one sips a cocktail in the cosy lounge or the inner courtyard, or leafs through a rare edition in the library before slipping under the sheets.
The + that makes the diff? The Lalique A.D. all over: glasses, candlesticks and even a crystal barrel in the wine cellar. The ultimate in chic? Bathrooms equipped with Lalique taps and branded products. That fully justifies its ranking among the most beautiful hotels of Gironde.
Price: from €317
© Karine Faby
Château Léognan
Shout-out to the #teamCapFerret: we’ve found a stunning spot that rivals your favourite HQ. Just minutes from Bordeaux, in the heart of the Graves vineyard, Château Léognan rises on a 28-hectare estate, in a wildly rural setting with chapel, pond and century-old trees. Fully renovated under the baton of Cécile Siméone, this iconic château gets a second youth with 17 rooms and suites set up as cosy cocoons, a bar, a restaurant perched on a panoramic terrace overlooking the park, and a spa in the middle of the forest. And for sweet tooths? Scrumptious snacks to die for.
The + that makes the diff’? Sleeping in full nature in a lodge or a treehouse perched among the pines, vines and pond offering a 180° panorama with birdsong as an alarm clock. A dream for a romantic weekend.
Price: from €250
©gaelle leboulicaut
Les Sources de Caudalie
12 km from Bordeaux, in the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Les Sources de Caudalie are a manifesto of rustic elegance, entirely built with recycled materials from nearby farms, in perfect harmony with nature. Scattered between the main building and annexes with typical charm of Aquitaine, 40 rooms and 9 suites offer an ideal refuge to curl up after a day wandering the vineyard. The best: the stilted suite set on an island in the middle of the lake bordered with sculptures. The perfect hideout for a night of love, a glass of grand cru in hand. The double-starred restaurant delights in a romantic setting under a wooden frame and for a more relaxed vibe, the bistrot handles the refuelling. Not forgetting the wine bar where one nibbles tapas and fine bottles.
The + that makes the diff’? The hotel’s wellness offering, with the Vinotherapy spa and cult brand products. Drawn from 540 metres underground, a hot spring feeds the jacuzzi nestled in a former wine press. And for the antioxidant shot: signature treatments with grape polyphenols, massages with vine shoots, or anti-aging rituals with resveratrol.
Price: from €297
©MPMorel_2022
Château Grand Barrail
The epicurean duchess sleeping within you only has to set down her suitcases in this dream château located in Saint-Émilion, an hour from Bordeaux. A 19th-century jewel set in a 7-hectare park where romantic turrets, listed façade and impeccable gardens set the tone for a deliciously timeless stay. Inside, 41 rooms and 5 suites signed Jean-Philippe Nuel, all different, equipped with four-poster beds, ultra-deep bathtubs and views over the vines. A beautiful pool to bask in the sun and a queen-worthy spa complete the experience. And on the food side? Start the day with a royal breakfast under the dome of the Moorish room, lunch in the hushed bar and dine in the gourmet restaurant where refined dishes match the estate’s grands crus.
The + that makes the diff’? The location in the middle of the vines near Saint-Émilion.
Price: from €246
Le Burdigala
Setting off on a whim to the City of Wine? Go! First stop: Le Burdigala, five-star boutique-hotel freshly renovated, located steps from the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Inspired by the ancient Gallo-Roman city whose name it bears, this urban and resolutely arty jewel reinvents the Bordelais spirit with a mix of classicism and modernity. Designed by interior architect Oscar Lucien, the décor plays on contrasts: marble-effect carpet, antique busts and columns on one side, colourful murals by artist Mioshe and designer furniture on the other. Hushed vibe and absolute comfort in the 83 rooms, perfect for chilling after a city escapade.
The + that makes the diff’? A pied-à-terre that ticks all the boxes with a restaurant, game room, cinema and coworking spaces. Just like home… and forget your return ticket.
Price: from €267
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