Detailed Review
In 1217, the powerful Beaujolais lord Guichard d’Oingt, undertook the construction of a vast Chateau which, because of its size, equalled the most imposing buildings belonging to royalty and the clergy. Completed four years later, this fortified building crossed the centuries and was gradually transformed, as each additional owner added the improvements which were to make it into the beautiful country castle we know today. Situated in the heart of the Beaujolais vineyards and the hills of the Lyonnais, in the land of the Golden Stones, the Chateau de Bagnols opened its doors in 1992 as an elegant, four-star luxury hotel-restaurant, visited by the great of this world. A haven of peace and tranquillity and a witness to eight centuries of history, Chateau de Bagnols is an architectural treasure of France. It comprises 8 rooms, 12 suites and an apartment, each bearing the name of a famous person connected with the history of the Chateau. As a listed historical building, Chateau de Bagnols is a symbol of French history and tradition. The atmosphere, serene and welcoming, in accordance with a beautiful private residence, allows you to relax in a setting which combines luxury and perfection whilst taking advantage of the beauty of the region.
Press Quotes
"This is not just a hotel, it’s a slice of French history. There’s not a period in the past 800 years that hasn’t left its mark on this chateau." Hernert Ypma in the Times 06
Independent Reviews
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"A fairy-tale luxury hotel, opulently and lovingly restored by a doting British couple, with gorgeous period pieces."
Six hundred years after the end of the Hundred Years War, the English are back. Meticulously restored chateau with period detailing and lavender smells that you'd never find the French creating. Breakfast is taken beside the drawbridge in fine weather... history verging on fantasy, and deliriously happy guests.
Château de Bagnols
By Gemma Pitcher
Château de Bagnols is a grandiose and breathtakingly expensive hotel set in a thirteenth century castle among the forests, green hills – and most importantly, vineyards – of the Beaujolais region in south east France. The hotel is the baby of a British couple, Paul and Helen Hamlyn, who rescued the building from ruin and have devoted four years of their lives to the place, restoring it and filling it with stunning architectural and decorative touches, a fantasy of velvets, marble and ancient wood panelling. A huge collection of glass, china and silver objets d’art were designed by Helen Hamlyn especially for the hotel and can now be bought by guests. The twenty rooms and apartments are each different and distinctive, with dramatic bare floors, wall paintings, and rich velvet and silk fabrics. The cuisine, as one might expect, is rapturous – local seasonal ingredients transformed into dishes of surpassing beauty. Meals are served in the Salon des Gardes, a magnificent room featuring one of the finest gothic fireplaces in Europe, or on the terrace in summer. Sumptuous picnic baskets are provided for those who wish to spend a day in the surrounding countryside, wine tasting, horse riding or even hot air ballooning.
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Client Reviews
One of the truly best accomodations that we have
Ratings
- Comfort:
(5/5) - Character: (5/5)
- Location:
(4/5)
Posted by larry on 2005-01-11.
