Relax with Relais & Chateaux along the Dordogne
Established over half a century ago, Relais & Châteaux is an association of the world's finest hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs that has set the standard for excellence in hospitality.
Family-run, sustainable hotels and residences feature highly among their collection, and the Dordogne offers two remarkable destinations in the Relais & Châteaux collection.
Coupled with the fact that 2015 marks the 75th anniversary of the discovery of the Lascaux Paintings, what more reason could you need to visit this breathtaking region.
Stéphanie and Philippe Gombert offer a combination of authenticity and refinement, the perfect expression of contemporary luxury, in a sublime and relaxing setting at Château de la Treyne.
Situated 5km from Lacave, a small village on the river Dordogne near Souillac, in the Lot département of south west France, the hotel is set on a rocky bluff beneath a wooded hillside, thickly covered with boxwood and truffle oaks. The surrounding area is noted for its natural beauty and a network of caves rich in prehistoric art.
La Treyne is a genuine home, unobtrusively decorated in good taste and discreet luxury, offering peace and quiet to travellers in search of nature and authenticity.
Along with the main hotel, offering eleven beautifully appointed rooms and six suites equipped to the highest standard, facilities include an outdoor heated infinity pool and tennis court.
The grounds cover 300 hectares of garden and woodland, including a Romanesque chapel ideally suited for weddings.
La Treyne also boasts the addition of the Chateau du Bastit, a beautiful 14th/15th century castle accommodating up to 10 guests, situated in an enviable position overlooking the Dordogne just 10 minutes drive from the hotel. In addition to full use of the hotel’'s facilities, Chateau du Bastit has a private swimming pool.
Menus offer creative variations on a classical theme and seasonal dishes served in the elegant Salon Louis XIII dining room or on the terrace overlooking the Dordogne in fine weather. You will definitely need a car in this region, and the best months to travel include April - May and, if the weather is still good, go for September to October to avoid the very hot summer months. For more information on this Relais & Châteaux property visit www.chateaudelatreyne.com
In the same region, Le Vieux Logis is situated in the village of Trémolat. It was first built as a priory before becoming a small farm, with mixed cultivation including tobacco.
The parents of the present owner bought Le Vieux Logis as a retirement home back in 1952 but soon began the process of converting the property to a 'maison de famille' style hotel combining refinement and authenticity.
Rustic in style and with exposed stonework, wooden beams and terracotta tiles, Le Vieux Logis became a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association in 1955, passed to Bernard Giraudel in 1978 and gained a Michelin star for the restaurant in 2005.
Incorporating fourteen luxury rooms and nine suites, in four different buildings, with views of the gardens, the rooms are all equipped to the highest standards - with comfort the guiding design principle.
Facilities also include a large outdoor swimming pool, beautiful landscaped gardens and a gourmet restaurant, with two dining rooms plus alfresco dining on the terrace. The original tobacco-drying room is now the largest dining room, while the smaller offers an intimate setting with an open fireplace.
Vincent Arnould has been head chef since 2000. His cooking style places emphasis on flavour and, working predominantly with abundant local produce, he is guided by the seasons and reinterprets classic Perigord dishes for contemporary taste.
Having won a Michelin star for the restaurant in 2005, in 2007 Vincent was honoured with the prestigious title 'Meilleur Ouvrier de France' - a unique and prestigious award in France.
For reservations and information visit www.vieux-logis.com