5 hotels for a gastronomic weekend

Five-starred and Relais & Châteaux members, these legendary restaurants don't just invite you to savor their exceptional cuisine. They invite you to enjoy a total experience, the time of a luxurious stay that combines all pleasures - gastronomy and well-being, nature discovery and culture; all in these regions of France that are the envy of the whole world.

In Provence, Le Domaine de Baumanière

This legendary address at the foot of the cliffs of Les Baux-de-Provence needs no introduction. Inaugurated in the 50s and still owned by chef Jean-André Charial, who was responsible for its heyday, the gourmet restaurant l'Oustau is now home to the (very) talented Glenn Viel.s) talented Glenn Viel, who is infusing this historic restaurant with new creativity, while Michel Hulin offers more regional cuisine at La Cabro d'Or. But you should know that here, gastronomy is just one of the (many) delights of the place... A 20-hectare estate with gardens filled with fruit trees, beehives and vegetable gardens, three swimming pools, a magnificent spa and, last but not least, 53 rooms and suites divided between an XVIIIᵉ manor house, a XVIIᵉ mas and two more contemporary ones. A unique address, in the image of an ideal Provence.

• Gault&Millau's opinion on Baumanière Les Baux-de-Provence
• Rooms from 375 euros
• 900 route d'Arles 13520 Les Baux de Provence

l. Parrault

In the Loire Valley, Fleur de Loire

Let's face it, we love this rare place, set high above the Loire with an extraordinary view of the historic bridge and Blois Cathedral. We come here to savor Christopher Hay's meticulously prepared cuisine, which gives pride of place to Loire Valley specialties, especially river fish, such as this exceptional carp à la Chambord. Depending on your mood, you may choose the Fleur de Loire gourmet restaurant or the L'Amour Blanc table, but in any case, you'll want to extend the experience by staying in the hotel, which is housed in a former hospice.tel, a former hospice designed by interior architect Caroline Tissier, with its luxurious rooms and spa, just a stone's throw from the large outdoor swimming pool.

• Gault&Millau's Fleur de Loire review
• Double room from 261 euros
• Quai Villeboy Mareuil 41000 Blois

alexandre Moulard - Fleur de Loire

In Burgundy, La Côte Saint-Jacques & Spa

On the banks of the Yonne River, this luxury retreat has retained its country house feel, with its huge fireplace, stone walls and refined 22 rooms and suites, extended by beautiful terraces. This elegant atmosphere is the perfect setting to discover the exceptional cuisine of Jean-Michel Lorain and his nephew Alexandre Bondoux, who reinvent the region's terroir with spirit, as evidenced by this Bresse poularde prepared with champagne steam. An experience worth the trip in itself, but you can also take advantage of your stay to take a break in the hotel's sumptuous spa (800 m² with hammam and swimming pool) before exploring the town of Joigny and the surrounding vineyards.

• Gault&Millau's review of La Côte Saint-Jacques & Spa
• Double room from 297 euros
• 14 Faubourg de Paris 89300 Joigny

jean-Michel Lorain - J. Mondiere

On the shores of Lake Annecy, Auberge du Père Bise

It's almost twenty years since Magali and Jean Sulpice took over the reins of the Auberge du Père Bise in Talloires, restoring the luster of this legendary address on the shores of Lake Annecy. The loyal clientele (and there are many) enjoy Jean Sulpice's exquisite cuisine, which pays homage to Savoyard gastronomy and Annecy's terroir, with fillets of perch with cabbage or venison enhanced with gentian and juniper. A regional spirit is also evident at Bistrot 1903, which delights with local recipes such as this exceptional crayfish gratin. The 23 rooms and suites offer guests a bright, refined atmosphere, with soft tones, blond wood furnishings and splendid views of the lake. not to be missed, the spa with hammam, jacuzzi and a beautiful swimming pool.

• Gault&Millau's review of theAuberge du Père Bise
• Double room from 313 euros
• 303 rue du Port 74290 Talloires Montmin

fanny

in Noirmoutier, La Marine

This is one of France's most renowned restaurants, yet the atmosphere here is delightfully family-friendly and relaxed. The credit for this goes to the master of the house, the formidable chef Alexandre Couillon, and his wife Céline, who welcome their guests as friends, in this beautiful house anchored on the port of Herbaudière. Here, you can enjoy menus that are unique for each course, created according to arrivals at the Noirmoutier fish market and local produce from the house's extensive kitchen garden. The result is always exceptional, and can also be enjoyed bistro-style at nearby Table d'Élise. And to extend the experience, guests can move on to one of the five rooms in Maison Moiseau, adjoining the restaurant... Waxed parquet floors, white walls and natural materials, all opening onto the ocean and the comings and goings of the boats entering and leaving the port.

• Gault&Millau's review of La Marine
• Double room from 230 euros
• Rue de la Pointe 85330 Noirmoutier

And also... Cuisine handed down from generation to generation, Maison Troisgros

One of France's great institutions, where epicureans come to enjoy the high-flying cuisine of the Troisgros family, led today by César (fourth generation), who reinvents the family gastronomy, sublimating it by working with acidity and spiciness, grilled and smoked dishes. A sign of the times, the family has moved from its historic Roanne address to a beautiful Italian-style villa surrounded by orchards and a pond. It houses not only the gourmet restaurant, but also elegant rooms divided between the Manoir and the Maison des Kakis. For family reunions, don't miss the hacienda-like Farmhouse, with a number of rooms and mezzanines designed like cabins. Kids love it...

• Double room from 360 euros
• 728 Route de Villarest 42155 Ouches