Nov
To stay in an historic French château in the middle of Beaujolais in the grape harvest season is a dream come true for any lover of fine wine, gourmet food and good living—and now we have an exclusive offer for Members to do just that at the famous five-star Château de Bagnols.
Château de Bagnols, just 27 miles from Lyon, is one of France’s most luxurious hotels. Staying here in this mediaeval château is truly to consider oneself king of the castle—an historic monument, so important that it is protected by the State, it has a moat, drawbridge and thick stone castle walls, ramparts and towers, all dating from the 1200s. It has played its part in battles and conflicts including the Hundred Years War. It is like being in a living part of French history—but there is more, much more, to Château de Bagnols than this. Fastidiously restored by Lady Hamlyn, grandiose yet comfortable, it has earned its title as one of France’s greatest hotels because the whole experience of staying here is phenomenal in terms of style, service, food and wine, ambience, and every other category of what makes a great hotel, some of which is indefinable.
Take, for example, the bedrooms, which are probably the finest in France. The restoration of many of these rooms has revealed remarkable Renaissance and 18th century wall and ceiling frescoes. The rooms, all with private bathrooms, many of which are located in the towers and therefore circular with arrow-slit windows, have been furnished with velvets and silks complemented by rare and beautiful antiques. They also possess the latest telecoms systems.
As to food and wine in this world-famous region for both—the award-winning international chef is a master at producing gourmet dishes, from regional specialities to traditional spit-roasted meats and game and inspirational new flavours. You will feast beneath the coat of arms above France’s largest Gothic fireplace, created to mark the royal visit of Charles Vlll in 1490—or beneath the 100-year-old limes in the beautifully landscaped park overlooking the fountains when the weather is fine. As to wines, the list is exceptional, including the 10 celebrated Beaujolais crus and the great wines of neighbouring Burgundy and Bordeaux.
For relaxation you can stroll around the château, through the carefully restored gardens across acres of lawns and through aisles of yew and boscage landscaping, thousands of shrubs and flowering trees, fruits and lavender. Or swim in the Roman pool, enjoy beauty and wellness treatments, go riding, wine tasting, play tennis or have a round of golf. You can also explore the local area—Lyon is lovely, as are the local villages—but honestly, when ‘home’ is a chateau such as this it is almost impossible to tear oneself away.
How to get there
Château de Bagnols is set among vineyards, forests and green hills in the heart of the beautiful Beaujolais countryside in south-east France, just 17 miles from Lyon Saint Exupéry International Airport. The train from Paris or Geneva takes a little over two hours.
International Hotel: Our Members receive exclusive Club rates at this lovely chateau. For further details, to check availability, and to book, please call Member Services on 020 7399 2960 or follow the link below.
PLEASE READ: Hotel Bookings Cancellation Policy.