I can’t believe it’s October 2019 already! Just three(ish) weeks till I get married (eek), the cold weather has really hit London, Christmas decorations are slowly appearing in the shops and I’ve become completely addicted to the gym since I returned from France and I have no idea why. With all that in mind, it got me looking back at the year a lot and reflecting on all of the places I’ve stayed and eaten in. One place in particular which I can’t get out of my head is Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey by LALIQUE. A stunning Relais & Châteaux hotel, oozing luxury in the heart of Sauternes, Bordeaux.
The hotel is just a short few minutes by car to some of the most well-known Sauternes wineries and surrounded by lush green vineyards. From the road the hotel is actually quite unassuming, you can’t quite work out what is behind those wooden gates – but you only wish you did. We drove through the entrance, parked up at the door and very quickly – concierge arrived out to our car. Taking our luggage away from us, parking our car and swiftly checking us in.
We couldn’t stop staring from the moment we passed through the doors. Lalique glass, dripping from quite literally every corner, every door handle, every light. There are millions of pounds worth of Lalique glass inside this property I would imagine and it makes for such a dramatic impact.
For those and don’t know of Lalique or Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, both are considered to be some of the finest in their area of expertise. Lalique, is a French glass maker, founded by renowned glass maker and jeweller René Lalique in 1888 who now creates stunning pieces of glassware reaching record-breaking sales prices.
Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, an old and prestigious wine-producing property in the village of Bommes which was ranked as one of the Premiers Crus Classés in the historic 1855 classification.
Before heading up to our room, reception presented us with a welcome glass of something delicious. I can’t quite recall what it was, but with a rather humid 33 degrees outside – it was very much welcomed.
We were staying in what I believe was one of the superior rooms which was the entry-level standard of the hotel, but felt incredibly generous. I can only imagine what the suites must be like here. The room had beautiful views looking out over the vineyards and with all the mod cons you could hope for. As well as lots of Lalique glass. All of the lights, TV surround, dressing table, wardrobes, bed linen – it was all Lalique and it was all jaw-droppingly beautiful.
Even the bathroom was like a work of art, packed with even more Lalique glass and Lalique toiletries to create your very own in-room spa experience. The rain show I think was probably the best I have ever experienced before.
Just across from our room on the first floor was the magnificent and sumptuous library which is home to a collection of Lalique decanters, cosy seating areas for tucking into you favourite book and a grand piano for the more musically talented. We loved chilling out in this room come the evening when the shutters are closed and all of the Lalique glass illuminated the room in a rainbow of colours.
A little further past the lounge is a terrace which overlooks the inner courtyard and was drenched in sun during the afternoons. The perfect place to relax and sip on a glass of chilled Sauternes.
Head back downstairs to the ground floor opposite reception and you’ll discover the opulent hotel bar. This large yet very cosy space exudes elegant luxury and in my opinion pays great homage to Lalique. A fireplace takes centre stage and around it – sofas, armchairs, crystal lamps, a stunning black lacquered bar and display cabinets showcasing Lalique partnerships with major spirits companies such as The Macallan, Hardy and De La Tour and Patron.
Fancy some retail therapy? You’ll be glad to know there is an onsite shop filled with everything Lalique and the wines produced by Château Lafaurie Peyraguey. You can even have a tour of the winery just next to the hotel or see the famous glass barrel produced by Lalique which sadly we didn’t have enough time to visit.
Once you’ve finished up shopping and sipping wine in the cellars, the grounds here are immaculate and well worth exploring. At the back, endless lush green vineyards, to the front, a pristine lawn for relaxing and outside the front door, more rolling hills which if you continue walking lead straight to the other wine-producing châteaux. The hotel also offers bike hire if walking isn’t quite your thing.
At night, the hotel really comes into its own, illuminated within the vines. It’s quite magical and to make such a magical evening means booking dinner in the hotels restaurant which is looked after by head chef Jérôme Schilling – the former executive chef of Villa René Lalique, awarded two Michelin stars. It’s pure perfection and you can read my full review HERE.
After dinner we retired back to our room to enjoy our Lalique purchases earlier in the day and enjoyed the yummy jelly sweets placed next to our bed during the evenings turn down service.
One thing that really stood out for me a lot at this hotel was breakfast. It’s included in all rates and I think it was rather spectacular. The room it’s served in was so cosy and being the first, we managed to get the best table. Looking out into the vineyards.
Fresh fruits, freshly baked French sticks, freshly made patisseries and home-made jams are all waiting on the table as you enter the room. To the side of the room a small buffet station with cheeses and charcuterie, cereals, yoghurt and some sublime freshly pressed juices. Everything was of such high quality I really can’t imagine finding a better continental breakfast anywhere else. You might find more quantity being offered in other hotels, but not at this level of quality.
Staying here for just one night was never going to be enough, but it was an experience that will most certainly keep us coming back for years to come. My new obsession with Lalique, the location within the vineyards, the beautiful wines the property produces and the gastronomic experience this hotel offers. There are so many reasons why you should visit Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey by LALIQUE – so head over to their website and book you’re stay now! Before this hotel is no longer France’s best kept secret escape.
