The 5-star Intercontinental - Grand-Hôtel in Bordeaux
The best hotel in France
Facing the Opéra concert hall in the centre of the city, the InterContinental Bordeaux has dethroned Parisian luxury hotels like the Bristol and the Ritz to be voted 2018 best hotel in France in the World Travel Awards.
Le Pressoir d'Argent, the restaurant of the 5-star Grand Hôtel, is headed by twice Michelin-starred English chef Gordon Ramsay. The hotel also boasts the Les Bains de Léa Nuxe Spa.
A magisterial setting, impeccable service and exceptional fine dining.
The luxury plus: the breathtaking views of Bordeaux from the hotel’s rooftop bar
The 4-star Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz
A luxury journey through time
The Hôtel du Palais is a Biarritz icon and luxury hotel that carries the French state Living Heritage Company label. Its history begins in 1854, when it was the residence of Empress Eugénie and Napoléon III. Following a comprehensive programme of renovation and refurbishment, you can now enjoy the luxurious pool at the Imperial Club, and the sunbathing terrace, which boasts direct access to the beach and some of the best surfing spots.
The Villa Eugénie restaurant offers breathtaking uninterrupted views of the ocean in suitably romantic surroundings. Chef Jean-Marie Gautier is a Meilleur Ouvrier de France, and offers sophisticated fine dining cuisine whose roots lie in traditional Basque dishes. A true culinary journey.
The luxury plus: The hotel’s Leonor Greyl Institute offers a full range of hairdressing and barber services. The Guerlain Institute offers a range of expertise for which this illustrious French institution is rightly famous, with personalised care treatments for men and women, combining physical, energy-focused and mental wellbeing.
The 5-star Chais Monnet in Cognac
the definition of luxury
Famous for its history, fine food and heritage, Cognac gained a new upscale hotel in summer 2018. Located close to some of the very best Cognac houses, the Chais Monnet hotel is set in two hectares of gardens, and has been created out of a winery and wine cellars originally built in 1838 to offer 92 bedrooms and suites, 13 apartments, two restaurants and a contemporary spa.
The luxury plus: the 1838 Jazz Lounge Bar, where you can enjoy a cocktail as you browse the list of 400 cognacs available from the hotel cellar.
The 4-star Splendid in Dax
Art Deco charm on the banks of the River Adour
This Art Deco icon was once the focus of cultural and artistic vitality for the town of Dax, and welcomed all the most famous names of the age: from Ernest Hemingway and Sacha Guitry to Joseph Kessel…
Reminiscent of a huge ship, its bold architectural style was inspired by the legendary cruise liner Normandie; permanently moored on the River Adour, it remains an invitation to a world of dreams and escape. Reopened in 2018 following a major programme of renovation work, it has succeeded in retaining its distinctive identity at the same time as offering elegant, comfortable, contemporary style suites and bedrooms. The hotel also boasts two fine dining restaurants and two bars.
The luxury plus: The spa with its marriage of 1930s mosaics and contemporary architecture offers Spa Des Cinq Mondes treatments. A peaceful, soothing and relaxing treat after exploring the town of Dax.
The 4-star Grande Terrasse Hotel & Spa in La Rochelle
Wall-to-wall ocean
An essential destination on the Atlantic coast: the Grande Terrasse Hotel & Spa - Mgallery by Sofitel at Châtelaillon-Plage.
Following complete renovation of the hotel and the addition of a new spa, the Grande Terrasse Hotel & Spa welcomes you to Châtelaillon-Plage, between La Rochelle and Rochefort. The views of the beach from its 72 rooms and suites are never less than breathtaking.
The Gaya restaurant is managed by famous Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire, whose menu is built entirely around the tastes of the sea, and is redesigned every three months by the chef himself.
The luxury plus: The hotel offers its guests the opportunity to use its NUXE seawater spa for soothing relaxation in idyllic surroundings overlooking the ocean. Contentment, luxurious peace and pure indulgence: definitely not to be missed.
The 4-star Castel Novel in Brive
‘Simply luxury’
Ideally located 10 minutes from Brive-la-Gaillarde in Corrèze, the Château de Castel Novel looks out over an enormous estate that includes a 25-acre arboretum. ‘Simply luxury’ is the central principle and commitment of this historic place. Sophie and Nicolas Soulié welcome you to one of the château’s 27 rooms and suites. Chef Nicolas was voted the region’s ‘Young Talent of the year’ by the Gault et Millau Guide in 2011. His cuisine manages to be simultaneously contemporary and traditional in its celebration of the local terroir and its producers.
The luxury plus: Outdoor pool and tennis court.
The 4-star Les Sources de Caudalie
Luxury hotel service among the vines
At the heart of the Grand Cru Classé Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyard, the 5-star Les Sources de Caudalie hotel is dedicated to the vineyard lifestyle: “The thoughtful service of a luxury hotel, and the warm welcome of a family home”.
With 40 rooms, 7 junior suites, 14 large suites and 1 apartment, the choice is very much yours.
The hotel Vinotherapy Spa complex is totally unique. Treatments here combine the virtues of naturally hot spring water rich in minerals and trace elements with the most recent scientific discoveries about the benefits of vines and grapes. Allow yourself the gentle pleasures of personal pampering.
In the hotel’s La Grand’Vigne restaurant, talented two Michelin-starred chef Nicolas Masse serves a cuisine inspired by the vineyard and its terroir. The menu complements and enhances the range of wines offered by Head Sommelier Aurélien Farrouil.
The luxury plus: Work alongside Nicolas Masse’s kitchen team in the hotel’s cookery school to learn how you can reproduce the restaurant's top recipes.
The 4-star Château de la Cazine in Noth
French hospitality at its best
Deep in the Creuse countryside (45 minutes from Limoges / 25 minutes from Guéret), the Château de la Cazine at Wyndham Halcyon Resort is a building of real architectural elegance and refinement set in 220 acres of wooded grounds. All its 19 super-luxurious rooms and the hotel’s one suite boast magnificent panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.
The château restaurant serves a sophisticated take on traditional French cuisine, with the emphasis on fresh local produce.
Set in beautiful countryside, lakes and forests, the Château de la Cazine is a rural retreat that feels a million miles from the ceaseless activity of city life. The ideal destination for rest and relaxation... why wait?
The luxury plus: The hotel wine bar is the ideal place for a quiet, comfortable evening or just to enjoy a relaxing glass.
Follow us, the editors of Nouvelle-Aquitaine-Tourisme.com as we show you around… our home.
From the peaks of the Pyrenees to the Marais Poitevin canals via the wharfs of Bordeaux, the beaches of the Atlantic to the shores of Lake Vassivière near Limoges, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is full of fascinating, entertaining stories that will amuse one and all.