Let’s set off to rediscover one of France’s most beautiful regions: Burgundy. Renowned for its wines and dotted with majestic châteaux, the region boasts a host of upmarket hotels with unrivalled charm.
La Côte Saint Jacques
Renowned as one of the best hotels in Burgundy, this Relais & Château in Joigny has 22 rooms and suites, all of which are inspired by the natural beauty of this beautiful region. Colours live in perfect harmony, precious fabrics add relief to the rooms and the balconies and terraces, which sometimes include a private Jacuzzi, invite you to read a book facing the peaceful panorama. To make your stay even more relaxing, this boutique hotel boasts a spa with a magnificent swimming pool nestling under arches covered in green mosaic, a tropical lounge, a hammam with a starry sky and a whirlpool bath overlooking the Yonne. A veritable wellness journey in Burgundy. But the five-star hotel is best known for something quite different: its gastronomic experience. The two-star restaurant run by chef Jean-Michel Lorain and his nephew Alexandre Bondoux is an institution. While its décor has recently been redesigned, the table highlights the classics that have made this family-run establishment a temple to epicureanism. Enjoy a lobster blanquette, poularde de Bresse steamed in Champagne (no less) or a mille feuilles with three light creams. Local produce and regressive flavours guaranteed, not to mention the sublime wine list. We also recommend the well-being lunch, for a meal that’s light on the stomach but ultra gourmet on the palate.
The Domaine de Rymska
‘Rooms, Spa, Cuisine and Wines in Burgundy”: that’s how the Domaine de Rymska describes itself on its website. And the least we can say is that the mantra whets the appetite. Set in rolling countryside 30 kilometres from Beaune, the Relais & Châteaux hotel sits in 80 hectares of parkland. While nature reigns supreme on the outside, the 13 rooms and suites offer a princely experience. Perfect for daydreaming and relaxation, these rooms are distinguished by their refinement and cosy ambience, all with an authentic charm of beautiful wooden beams and stone walls. For food and wine, head to Jérémie Muller’s Table de Rymska. Most of the produce comes from the estate and its farm, from Charolais beef to poultry and vegetables from the garden. And the quality of the dishes reflects the proximity of the area. In the luxury spa, stone and wood reign supreme, transforming the space into an atypical cocoon of softness. The property even has its own stud farm!
Le Roncemay
A true golfer’s paradise with its majestic 18-hole course, Le Roncemay, near Auxerre, has been part of the Burgundy landscape since the 19th century. While the estate was once home to the region’s many hunters, it was completely reimagined in 2018. The brains behind this major renovation have preserved all the charm of the place. Exposed beams, Burgundy stone and warm colours can be found throughout the hotel, while family heirlooms sit alongside contemporary designer furniture. All 23 rooms and suites have that authentic, elegant country house feel. Another experience that might motivate you to make a reservation is the immense spa, with five treatment rooms, an incredible indoor pool, a hammam, a sauna and sensory showers. In terms of catering, there are two areas to choose from. Le Roncemay, the gourmet restaurant run by new chefs Virginie Jacquet and Anish Chourey, and Le Sausson, the friendly bistro. The region also boasts a wine cellar for wine tourism enthusiasts. Country walks and visits to neighbouring villages are also highly recommended.
Château de Courban
You’ll recognise it by its pretty terracotta-pink façade and the green plants that climb up to the roof. Château de Courban, between Troyes, Dijon and Chablis, is set in the National Forest Park. With its rich family history, the spirit of this residence is evident from the moment you enter. It’s easy to imagine taking a dip in the pool in summer, or warming up by the open fire in the cosy lounge-library with its sublime piano. The 24 cosy bedrooms all have the advantage of being different, which encourages you to come back several times to enjoy the upmarket country atmosphere. We recommend the Pigeonnier for an unusual romantic getaway. Maxime Lesobre’s gourmet restaurant, with its large glass roofs flooding it with light and offering a glimpse of the estate’s Italian-style gardens, serves up poetic, flavoursome cuisine. The traditional and relaxing spa is also well worth a mention, ideal after a bucolic escapade on the estate.
Bernard Loiseau
Excellence is not just the order of the day at the Bernard Loiseau hotel. It comes naturally, supported by world-renowned offerings. At the foot of the Morvan park in Saulieu, this Relais & Châteaux represents the French art of living. The restaurant La Côte d’Or, where Louis-Philippe Vigilant’s mission is to perpetuate the culinary heritage of his mentor Bernard Loiseau, the iconic chef who died 20 years ago, has been awarded two stars. Opposite the 17th-century building is the Loiseau du Morvan bistro, serving local market cuisine. In addition to the 34 wood-clad rooms, there is a 1500m2 wellness area, one of the finest spas in France. Logically, given its size, all the facilities you need for a complete relaxation experience are here.
Read also : Our selection of the most beautiful hotels for a weekend near Paris
Featured photo : © Jerome Mondiere La Côte Saint Jacques
