7 Vineyard Hotels To Visit In France
Château Capitoul
Languedoc
Situated in the Languedoc region of southern France and close to the Roman town of Narbonne, wine has been made from the vineyards here since the 12th century. Today, the property is a collaboration between hoteliers Karl and Anita O'Hanlon and the Bonfils family (key wine producers in the Languedoc). Guests can enjoy a number of wine experiences, including a guided tour through the vineyards where you’ll learn about the wine heritage of the château, the biodiversity of the terroir, the grape varieties and winemaking, followed by a wine tasting. The château itself dates back to the 1890s – as you enter, you can’t help being wowed by the 19th-century spiral staircase that leads to the eight suites on the first and second floors. These combine contemporary luxe with classic French and art deco touches, and boast renovated chandeliers, polished wood floors and stunning marbleised bathrooms. The larger suites have windows on two sides with views over the countryside towards Narbonne cathedral. For families and larger groups, there are 44 self-catering villas – 26 with pools – just a short walk away. Fine-dining restaurant Méditerranéo offers tasting menus based on local produce. There are also walking and biking routes straight from the château, and the enchanting fishing village of Gruissan and its golden sandy beach are just a ten-minute drive away.
For more details and to book, visit ChateauCapitoul.com
Château Troplong Mondot
Bordeaux
Located on a hilltop with breathtaking views over the rolling vineyards down to the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, Château Troplong Mondot is the highest wine estate in Bordeaux. The property is first and foremost a winery, and its vineyards date back to the 19th century. Here, the team produces award-winning wines and guests can enjoy a variety of tasting experiences and tours of the estate. There are four accommodation options to choose from, all individually done up in rich fabrics and earthy colours: within the main 19th-century building there are two bedrooms and a suite – the wood-panelled Edouard room is named after the owner; the Bell Tower room has stunning views over Saint-Emilion’s iconic church; and L’Atelier, located on the upper floor, has two bedrooms and a sitting room. A short stroll away, within the vines, is the more rustic Vineyard House – the old vineyard worker’s cottage is hidden among hydrangea and lavender bushes and has two double bedrooms, a sitting room and terrace. The focus here is very much on food, too, and a reservation at the Michelin-starred restaurant Les Belles Perdrix is a must. On Thursdays, a new chef’s table is the best way to experience chef David Charrier’s exquisite seasonal food when he hosts a private dinner for up to six guests in the heart of his kitchen.
For more details and to book, visit Trolong-Mondo.com
Château de Berne
Provence
In the Var hinterland about an hour from Saint-Tropez and just north of medieval Lorgues, this five-star Relais & Châteaux wine resort is located in a sprawling, postcard-perfect estate that produces an excellent rosé as well as some elegant whites and reds. The grand 18th-century castle, which can be booked for up to 20 people, and the country house (the hotel) share a courtyard – the latter houses the 34 rustic-chic rooms and suites, all done up with furniture and art picked up from local antique markets, two restaurants, a gorgeous Cinq Mondes spa and a shop that sells top-notch Provençal produce. There are also three private villas within the grounds. A tour of the 150 hectares of vineyards that have been certified organic since 2021, the cellar and a tasting of their different vintages is a must; the cellar also offers other local treasures like olive oil from the estate and jams and honey. The restaurants rely on seasonal produce grown on the estate as well as from local suppliers – the one-Michelin-starred Le Jardin de Berne, overseen by chef Louis Rameau and pastry chef Eric Raynal, is the jewel in the crown and open every evening. For something more casual or a light lunch, Le Bistro’s menu includes regional classics, sharing dishes and pizzas with seasonal toppings. Work off all this food and wine by exploring the surrounding area – there are a number of hiking and mountain biking trails nearby.
For more details and to book, visit RelaisChateau.com
Les Sources De Caudalie
Bordeaux
Set within the 600-year-old wine estate of Château Smith Haut-Lafitte, a short distance south of Bordeaux, this luxe rural hotel and spa sits by a lake amid the vineyards. The château itself, which dates back to the 14th century, is where the Grand Cru Classé wines are produced, and you can book various tours of the estate and the cellars, as well as tastings; or you can even experience what it is like to be a vineyard manager or cellar master for a day. Back at the hotel, there are 40 rooms in the main building, most with a terrace or balcony and 21 suites spread across other buildings – all are individually designed and elegantly decorated with a perfect mix of old and new. There are also six cottages for those looking for a little extra space – we love L’Ile Aux Oiseaux which is built on stilts above its own pontoon. The food across all the restaurants is astonishingly good but, if you want to push the boat out, be sure to book into the two-star Michelin La Grand’Vigne well in advance. As you would expect, there is an amazing selection of wines and true oenophiles will love the French Paradox Bar, which opens onto a cellar where 1,200 precious bottles are stored. Finally, don’t miss a treatment at the fabulous Vinothérapie Spa, the birthplace of renowned Caudalie grape-based beauty products – signature treatments include barrel soaks, grape wraps and firming massages.
For more details and to book, visit Source-Caudalie.com
Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
Epernay
Located on the site of a former coaching inn, rumoured to have hosted King Charles X of France as well as Napoleon and his entourage, this uber luxe, contemporary hotel is just a short 40-minute train journey from Paris. It sits majestically near the village of Champillon in the middle of the vine-covered hills of Epernay, the capital of Champagne. Heaven for lovers of fizz, the concierge can organise exclusive private tastings and harvesting sessions at some of the most famous Champagne houses that are normally closed to the public. Back at the hotel, there is no better spot to enjoy a glass of bubbly (the list of Champagnes by the glass is extensive) than on the terrace overlooking the surrounding vineyards, followed by some serious food at one-Michelin star Le Royal (book well in advance) or something more casual at chic brasserie Le Bellevue. The design of the hotel means that each of the 47 state-of-the-art rooms and suites have spectacular views of the valley, as does the superb spa with indoor and outdoor pools.
For more details and to book, visit RoyalChampagne.com
La Bastide De Marie
Lubéron
This restored 18th-century stone farmhouse situated in its own estate just below Ménerbes in the heart of the Lubéron in Provence is owned by glamorous French hotelier family the Sibuets. Overlooking rolling vineyards dotted with olive groves and lavender fields, you’ll be able to tour their 26-hectar Domaine de Marie vineyards and wine cellar, where some 90,000 bottles of red, white and rosé are produced each year from 11 grape varieties grown on the estate, including Grenache, Syrah, Roussanne, Vermentino, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. The hotel, in line with their other properties, oozes style and sophistication, is incredibly comfortable and the service is impeccable. Chef François Martin uses fresh, seasonal produce and heads out most mornings to scour the local markets for inspiration for his daily menu suggestions. He can also prepare a wonderful picnic for you to enjoy somewhere quiet on the estate or to take with you on a bike ride.
For more details and to book, visit LaBastideDeMarie.com
Château de Candie
Savoie
Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, just outside the picturesque town of Chambéry, lies this very French, ivy-clad château that dates back to the 14th century when it is thought there were vineyards growing on the land. However, these were abandoned in the 19th century, and it was not until 2009 that the owners decided to replant Viognier grapes which are well suited to the Alpine climate. Today, the property produces around 3,000 bottles of the Candie 1891 which you can enjoy in the hotel’s restaurants and bar or if you book in for a tasting experience with one of the sommeliers. The 25 rooms are all different in size and style with super comfortable, large beds, and most boast views across the valley and the hotel’s attractive outdoor pool. We particularly love the three-level suite in the circular tower which has a hot tub.
For more details and to book, visit PurpleSummer.com
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