Hotel Finds: Saint-Émilion
Beautifully designed interiors at L’Hostellerie de Plaisance. Photo courtesy of L’Hostellerie de Plaisance.
If quick access to the cobblestone streets and medieval landmarks of Saint-Émilion are your priority, you’ll find a number of superb lodging options within the village itself – tiny as it is. On the other hand, if you want to experience a vineyard life and wake up in a château, there are plenty of choices as well.
At L’Hostellerie de Plaisance, enjoy magnificent views of Saint-Émilion and miles of vineyards. Photo courtesy of L’Hostellerie de Plaisance.
L’HOSTELLERIE DE PLAISANCE
5 place du Clocher
Situated immediately adjacent to the iconic Église Monolithe, the five-star L’Hostellerie de Plaisance blends in with the other stone buildings in the village of Saint-Émilion. But step into the lobby and find yourself in an Italianate mansion, with beautifully designed interiors. Continue to the long terrace and enjoy magnificent views of the village rooftops, Tour du Roy, and endless rows of vineyards.
Many of the rooms have balconies with the same extraordinary views. All rooms are spacious and tastefully furnished, with large screen TVs, iPod docks, minibars and luxury bath products. The restaurant is one of the best in the region. Read more about the menu in FOOD QUEST.
LOGIS DE LA CADÈNE
3 place du Marché au Bois
Another outstanding option in the village is Logis de la Cadène, located in the very center of Saint-Émilion. Four attractively furnished rooms with parquet floors and Chinese artifacts are available. Five additional rooms will be available later this year.
Comfortable king-size beds ensure a good night’s sleep. Extra-large bathrooms feature double vanities with both a shower and a tub. Breakfast at the award-winning restaurant is included as well.
Au Logis des Remparts is recently remodeled, but has preserved its original architecture.
Gardens and inviting pool at Au Logis des Remparts. Photos courtesy of Au Logis des Remparts.
AU LOGIS DES REMPARTS
18-22 Rue Guadet
Also located in the center of Saint-Émilion, three-star Au Logis des Remparts is actually built into a section of the city’s old Roman walls – so, observation of the city’s unique architecture starts the second you check in! The hotel’s rooms have been recently remodeled and are nicely furnished with exceptionally comfortable beds.
Amenities include a pool and gardens. An excellent complimentary breakfast is provided. Rates are quite modest, especially given the updated rooms and amenities. Best of all, the staff is superb – helpful, friendly and professional.
Nathalie Boisserie’s cute two-bedroom flat. Photo by Marla Norman
Photo courtesy of Nathalie Boisserie.
SAINT-ÉMILION FLAT
4 Place du Chapitre des Jacobins
Live like a local in a cute two-bedroom flat leased by Nathalie Boisserie, creator of the original fragrance – Essence of Saint-Émilion. The apartment is newly built and nicely furnished with a completely modern kitchen and two bathrooms. Walk out the front door, and you’re just a few steps away from the Église Monolithe, great dining and shopping. For more information, message Nathalie here.
Château Troplong Mondot offers a cottage house and three apartments on the estate. Photo by Marla Norman
OUTSIDE SAINT-ÉMILION
LES BELLES PERDRIX
at Château Troplong Mondot
For stunning views and impeccably-kept accommodations, book into Château Troplong Mondot. The four-star estate offers a dreamy cottage house, nestled in the middle of the vineyard – with rows of grapevines at every view. Quaintly furnished with chintz fabrics, tile floors, and an open fireplace, the cottage is a welcoming retreat. The two-bedrooms are spacious and each includes bathrooms equipped with a shower and an old-fashioned claw-footed tub.
Sitting area and open fireplace in the “Workshop” apartment.
Spacious, comfortably elegant interiors at Les Belles Perdrix. Photos by Marla Norman.
In addition to the cottage, there are three beautifully designed apartments. One is two-bedroom, while the others are one-bedroom. All have gourmet kitchens, gorgeously-outfitted bathrooms and comfortably furnished bedrooms. Additionally, the larger two-bedroom apartment offers a dining area and open fireplace.
Breakfast is available at the elegant Les Belles Perdrix restaurant. (More about the dining at Les Belles Perdrix in FOOD QUEST.) The morning menu includes mouth-watering pastries along with housemade preserves and jellies. Yogurt – made on site daily – along with fresh fruit and a thick, decadently rich apple compote is offered as well. But, the best breakfast is the astounding sunrise most mornings at the Château. To stand on top of Mondot, looking out over the village of Saint-Émilion, while sunrise colors play out over endless miles of vineyards, is a feast you’ll never forget!
Sunrise at Château Troplong Mondot – unforgettable! Photo by Marla Norman.
CHÂTEAU GRAND BARRAIL
Route de Libourne
The four-star Belle Époque Château Grand Barrail looks as if it is right out of a fairy tale. Located on a seven-acre park just a few miles outside of Saint-Émilion, the property is a member of Small Luxury Hotels. Amenities on-site include a spa with saunas and hot tub, heated swimming pool and restaurant.
The Baroque-style dining room is adorned with heavy molding, stained glass windows and wingback chairs. Breakfast is available for guests. A dinner menu offers traditional Bordelaise dishes with items such as Rack of Lamb, Veal, Pigeon Stew and Grilled Sea Bass. Desserts include Crème Brûlée, Mousse à L’Orange and cheese boards.
One of the larger properties in the area, the Grand Barrail offers 41 rooms and five suites. All rooms have king-size beds or twin beds, flat-screen TV, Nespresso coffee machines and minibars. Suites provide a sitting and study area and can accommodate up to three persons. Panoramic views of the beautifully landscaped grounds and vineyards are available to all rooms as well.
