Bordeaux estates have embraced wine tourism welcoming guests for tastings, lunches, dinners and even overnight stays. A few offer the unique opportunity for wine enthusiasts to live the full Bordeaux château experience, with exclusive use of their properties. Such an invitation can include private access and visits to cellars, extensive tastings and seriously good food specifically designed to complement the wines on show.
It’s also an opportunity to discover local architecture from the inside. The ‘Chartreuse’ is a classic Bordeaux architectural style, an ‘enfilade’ of rooms, often book ended with towers. Even when grand (some are very grand) it gives an impression of intimacy that lends itself well to hospitality.
Here’s a collection of very different Bordeaux châteaux you can call your own.
For those considering a trip, the suggestions below are based on both their attractiveness for wine lovers and their renown. The cost range given is based on the cheapest low season price, up to the highest in high season. In most cases breakfast is not included.
Cos d’Estournel’s Chartreuse
St-Estèphe
SLEEP: Rentable as entire chartreuse only, six doubles, two suites
PRICE: €32,000 (£27,532) per night, all year round
CONTACT: No website; booking enquiries via email to [email protected], or call +33 5 56 73 15 50
Extraordinary luxury is the signature of La Chartreuse at Château Cos d’Estournel in St-Estephe. Hardly surprising when the owner, Michel Rebeyier, is also the head of the luxury hotel chain La Reserve.
With its exotic architecture and three pagodas, Château Cos d’Estournel dominates the hillside approach to the appellation and the Chartreuse doesn’t disappoint. Designed by Jacques Garcia as a family residence, the six bedrooms and two suites are all unique with Carrara marble bathrooms. One suite even has its own fitness space.
Guests have access to the owner’s library, cigar lounge and personal cellar.
As well as the dining room, lounge, terrace, indoor and outdoor heated pools there’s a steam room. It’s perfect in the summer for a dip and in the winter for the log fires, but it has all year round appeal due to the unique access to the spectacular cellars and wine tastings of Château Cos d’Estournel.
Château Ormes de Pez
St-Estephe
Credit: Château Ormes de Pez
SLEEP: Seven doubles
PRICE: €155-€195 (£133-£167) per night including breakfast
CONTACT: https://www.ormesdepez.com/en /
St-Estèphe is surrounded by its tree lined park. It belongs to the Cazes family, owners of Château Lynch Bages and the hotel Cordeillan Bages – so they understand hospitality.
It has five double en-suite rooms and two smaller bedrooms, two living rooms, a breakfast room and a dining room that can host 14 guests.
There’s a swimming pool in the park and a concierge service for vineyard visits, restaurant bookings and, should you prefer, the services of the inhouse chef.
Château Giscours
Margaux
Credit: Château Giscours
SLEEP: Five doubles or entire property (no children under 12)
PRICE: €140-€230 (£120-£297) per night
CONTACT: https://giscours.com/les-offres/les-chambres-dhotes/
Chateau Giscours, one of the largest properties in Margaux, is surrounded by a beautiful park and woodland. Close to Bordeaux, it’s the first Margaux property as you drive up the Route des Châteaux from the city. Three charming and cosy rooms have been renovated for guests above the old stables next to the impressive neoclassical chateau.
Château du Tertre
Margaux
The Bordeaux fifth growth, Château du Tertre. Credit: Tourisme Médoc Estuaire
Five beautifully decorated and spacious en-suite double rooms. Accessible from the courtyard with views across the vines. A delicious breakfast served in the elegant dining rooms and the chateau probably has one of the most picturesque swimming pools in Bordeaux.
SLEEP: Five doubles
PRICE: €300 (£258), per room per night
CONTACT:
Source : https://www.decanter.com/wine-travel/france/chateau-accommodation-bordeaux-living-the-dream-travel-371714/
