Editorial
Medium-sized French towns, each home to an establishment that embodies an entire chapter of its history and local way of life. This dossier offers portraits of exceptional hotels, chosen for their unique character rather than their star rating alone: historic residences, listed mansions, Renaissance manors or estates at the heart of vineyard country. Addresses worth the detour in their own right.
Benjamin Arnaudet, Curious and urban writer
Contents
01
Biarritz: the Hôtel du Palais, an empress's residence turned palace
Former summer residence of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, the Hôtel du Palais remains the only palace on the French Atlantic coast. Portrait of an establishment that has weathered a century and a half of history without ever losing its soul.
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02
Montpellier: the Hôtel Richer de Belleval, a reinvented mansion
Listed as a historic monument and restored by architect Philippe Prost, the Hôtel Richer de Belleval pairs a 17th-century mansion with the Michelin-starred cuisine of the Pourcel brothers. Portrait of a Relais & Châteaux address at the heart of the Écusson.
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03
Reims: the Domaine Les Crayères, art de vivre on the Saint-Nicaise hill
Former Polignac family estate on the Saint-Nicaise hill, the Domaine Les Crayères has embodied the grand art of Champagne living since 1904, between Michelin-starred dining and a legendary cellar of nearly 60,000 bottles.
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04
Saint-Malo: Le Valmarin, the soul of an 18th-century malouinière
In Saint-Servan, the malouinière Le Valmarin has preserved since the 18th century the very particular architecture of Saint-Malo's privateer residences. Portrait of a discreet address, away from the bustle of the walled city.
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