Chateau Grand Barrail Hotel, Saint-Emilion, France

The Enchanting Château Grand Barrail Hôtel

Château Grand Barrail Hotel is located on Route de Libourne near the renowned medieval village of Saint-Emilion, in the heart of the world-famous Bordeaux vineyards. Actually if you are driving from Bordeaux, which we did, it’s only a 40 minute drive, and a pleasurable one at that. The South-West of France has a lot to offer. This beautiful hotel and spa is a four-star luxury hotel but if I was in charge of rating it, I’d give it five, and I hope my photos here do it justice and explain why.

What a sight! The hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the world. It has a gourmet restaurant, spa, gardens, park and vineyard.

Our Room with a View

Our room was large and stylish, but most important, it was luxuriously comfortable.

It had everything you’d expect from a luxury hotel but exceeded many of the four-star hotels I have experienced. Chocolates on your pillow, fresh roses in the twin-sinked bathroom.

Although not located in the main building, we couldn’t have asked for a better view.

Lunch on The Terrace

We couldn’t wait to dine outdoors on the terrace and sample all the gourmet restaurant had to offer. Of course first things first, and a delicious bottle of bordeaux was ordered.

 

The restaurant is run by Chef Romain Gondras, and each dish we ordered was mouth-watering. We began our dining experience with lunch, a meat and cheese platter … amazing.

I think you need a close up of our dessert surprises … complimentary from the Chef.

Drinks by The Pool

Was there a pool ? … why of course … and we enjoyed every minute of it.

Dinner to Die For

More eating ? … well one must have one’s dinner. King Prawns and pasta, so fresh and moreish.

And steak that was cooked to perfection served with chunky potato chips.

Don’t get me started on the bread … how do the French do it! Ah and there I am looking all delighted with myself, and the delicious desserts that were presented.

The Vineyard and Shop

After dinner we took a walk around the estate and into the vineyard. It was lovely to get up close and personal with the vines.

Before we left we took ourselves next door to the Château Grand Barrail Wine Shop. It sold wines from the region, including wine made from the grapes that are grown in the Grand Barrail vineyard.

Many vineyards group together to make wines and we got to taste a number of them, but before that we did we did a little window shopping.

Look at Patrick there, looking all tanned and sophisticated, doing something he loves … tasting wine!

 

… and sure we couldn’t come home without a bottle or three ourselves. Not only as a memento from our wonderful stay but also because it was really good wine.

Patrick and I hope to return to Château Grand Barrail Hôtel again some day. But as two became three, and then four. Next time it might be with our boys. Or perhaps we should just keep this little piece of paradise for ourselves.

During our stay we visited the nearby village of Saint-Emilion. It’s a magical looking cobble stoned place that is a must visit if you are visiting Bordeaux … but more on Saint-Emilion another time. 

For more French adventures visit: here

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*This article first appeared on The Life of Stuff on April 9th 2016 but has since been republished with updated links and format.

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