relais & Châteaux celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2024

Émilie Lesur | 12/18/24, 12:50 PM

In 2024, Relais & Châteaux celebrated 70 years of excellence and passion. A look back at seven decades dedicated to the art of entertaining, the preservation of our culinary heritage and a commitment to sustainability.

As 2024 draws to a close, this year has been marked by a special celebration: 70 years of Relais & Châteaux. This institution, a global symbol of French art de vivre, has its roots in a visionary project born in 1954.

The birth of a legend

On Friday April 16 1954, the eve of Easter, a founding event took place at theAuberge des Templiers in the Loiret region of France. Marcel Tilloy, a hotelier-restaurateur from Baix, gathered around him Jacques and Lucienne-Anne Dépée, owners of this Michelin-starred establishment. Together, they laid the foundations for an unprecedented alliance. Their ambition: to create a network of hoteliers capable of offering travelers much more than a simple stopover, a true haven of peace.

The idea quickly took shape. In less than a month, eight establishments joined forces under the "Relais de Campagne" banner. Among them: L'Auberge des Templiers, Hostellerie du Château de Meyrargues andAbbaye de la Celle. Their charter, built around the 5 C's (Courtesy, Cuisine, Character, Charm and Calm), remains today the foundation of Relais & Châteaux excellence.

A vision that still resonates

at a time when tourists were looking for alternatives to traditional city stops, these hoteliers understood the importance of offering quiet, authentic places to stay, blending modern comforts with French traditions. They paved the way for a new concept: turning every stopover into a memorable experience, where hospitality rhymes with refinement.

Seventy years on, this pioneering spirit has lost none of its force. Relais & Châteaux, which now boasts 580 establishments in 65 countries, remains true to its founding values.

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A landmark year for a timeless heritage

In 2024, the 70th anniversary of Relais & Châteaux was an opportunity to recall the importance of preserving and passing on a living heritage. through its exceptional establishments, the association perpetuates the art of French hospitality, attracting ever more travelers in search of calm, character and courtesy.

This year, the association's chefs joined forces with Slow Food for the "Planting the Future" campaign, as part of their annual Food For Change initiative. Together, they are promoting a plant-centric diet, highlighting the culinary creativity and benefits of vegetables, legumes, grains and other sustainable foods. This movement marks a decisive step towards raising public awareness of the impacts of factory farming and reducing the ecological footprint through committed gastronomy. just like Patrick Henriroux, the 5-toque chef who has embodied excellence and innovation at Relais & Châteaux since 1989.

A list of establishments also recognized by Gault&Millau

Relais & Châteaux establishments, true ambassadors of the French art of living, are also recognized by gastronomic guides such as Gault&Millau. Numerous chefs and emblematic Relais & Châteaux establishments are listed, testifying to their exceptional expertise.
Among the establishments featured in the guide:

Baumanière - Les Baux de Provence (5 toques)
La Côte Saint-Jacques - Joigny (4 toques)
Le Relais Bernard Loiseau - Saulieu (4 toques)
Maison Marcon - Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid (5 toques)
La Villa René Lalique - Wingen-sur-Moder (4 toques)
La Villa Gallici - Aix-en-Provence (2 toques)
Le Petit Nice, Passedat - Marseille (4 toques)

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