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Sandy beaches, stunning vineyards, exquisite gastronomy. Just a short drive from Saint Tropez, the village of Ramatuelle, France, is sure to enchant you. With proximity to downtown as well as untainted nature, the Gulf of Saint Tropez is the perfect destination for both luxury and outdoor lovers. Whether you dream of strolling quaint villages or eating at Michelin-starred restaurants, biking through vineyards or shopping for luxurious threads, a vacation in Ramatuelle, France, is for you. Here’s how to spend your vacation in Ramatuelle, France.

Your Luxury Itinerary for Ramatuelle, France

How to Get to Ramatuelle

The best way to get to Ramatuelle, France, is flying into the Nice or Marseille airports. From there, we can pick you up and drive you to this charming part of France. It’s imperative to have car access for your trip to Ramatuelle as its sights and attractions aren’t all located nearby.

Explore downtown Ramatuelle

Wander through this southern French village of 2000 inhabitants. Unlike its neighbor Saint Tropez, the village of Ramatuelle is much calmer. You can sip on a café au lait and munch on a croissant as you imagine all the history that has been lived in this town since the 11th century. Later, you can stroll past its Église Notre Dame, whose tower dates back to the 1300s and allowed villagers to spot imminent dangers from afar. You can also appreciate sea views as well as swaths of forests from this quaint village.

Wine Tasting in the Gulf of Saint Tropez

Given its prized position amidst many vineyards, it would be a pity to visit Ramatuelle without a wine tasting. Our oenological expert will take you on a tour of two wine estates in the AOP Côtes de Provence and explain the ins and outs of the terroir.

Kick back on Pampelonne Beach

Ramatuelle is best known for its Pampelonne Beach, where you can admire the crystal blue water. Whether it’s lying out on a transat or building sand castles with your little ones, a day at Pampelonne Beach is essential. Beach restaurants and clubs line the stretch meaning you needn’t wander far for refreshments. During its summer season from May to October, we recommend dining at Loulou. Sip on a Ramatuelle Spritz, marked by champagne, rosé, peach and strawberry. Nosh on its sea bass carpaccio or truffle tagliatelle. The restaurant also has its own private beach, which means you can waffle between dining and beaching in a cinch.

Private Dining in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez

Dinner with a view, that’s the dream, right? But what if we told you that you could have the views all to yourself? French Side Travel can organize a private dinner overlooking the Gulf of Saint Tropez. And the best news: it’s all yours. You’ll enjoy a gourmet meal in total tranquility.

Private Visit, Wine Tasting and Lunch at Château Saint Martin

Only 40 kilometers north of Saint Tropez, Château Saint Martin is worth the trek during your time in Ramatuelle. Your guide will show you the domain and explain the intricate craft of winemaking. You can’t go wrong with a glass of wine, but we recommend you sip on one of their specialties: vin cuit de Provence, a Porto-style beverage, or marc de Provence, alcohol distilled from its grape stalks.

Your domain visit will be punctuated with a gourmet meal as well as chocolate and cheese tastings. We can organize car service for your trip to Château Martin, but the domain can also be reached by helicopter.

Where to Stay in Ramatuelle

La Réserve

Step into a world of luxury with a stay at this five-star hotel. You’ll fall in love with this modern design marked by its “arty chic spirit pervading the Côte d’Azur of the 1950s,” according to its site. Stay in one of its secluded villas with a private pool and sea views. Don’t skimp on meals while staying at La Réserve: feast on Michelin-starred Eric Canino’s meals at La Voile all while admiring the sea.

Villa Marie
Nestled somewhere between Saint Tropez and Pampelonne Beach, this five-star hotel is a paradise waiting to be tasted. Marked by its vintage accents, this boutique hotel’s 45 rooms will entice you with its cozy yet regal setting. We have a feeling you’ll fall for its Dolce Vita Restaurant with a terrace surrounded by trees and giving views to the Mediterranean.

Packing your bags already for a stay in dreamy Ramatuelle? Be inspired by some of our top tours: The Best of The French Rivieras History and Culture in a Week, A Romantic Trip to the French Riviera and A Unique Wine and Food Excursion to the French Riviera. We’re ready to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

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Bordeaux’s wine labels only tell part of the story. This region of France does indeed boast rich vineyards and terroir, but there’s even more to taste in Nouvelle Aquitaine beyond the table. Located in western France and not far from the Atlantic Ocean, Bordeaux is a vibrant city with charming architecture and fascinating history. During your trip to Bordeaux, we’ll organize exquisite wine tours and tastings, and we’ll invite you to explore the depths of this part of France. We’re rounding up some of the best hotels in Bordeaux so that your trip is a dream from the first bite to the last sip.

Best Hotels in Bordeaux

How to Get to Bordeaux

The city of Bordeaux is directly accessible through its Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, where one of our drivers can pick you up. You can also arrive by high-speed train at the Bordeaux Saint Jean train station from Paris in a little over two hours.

Hotel des Quinconces

This five-star hotel promises both prestige and intimacy. Having served as the consulates of England and the United States, the hotel boasts an intricate history. You might even discover one of its secret hatches! With only nine rooms, each has its own flavor and name, such as Laurel or Kinmokusei. We’re certain that you’ll feel cozy in the Jatoba room’s king-sized bed surrounded by chimneys; you’ll be tempted by its luxurious bathtub, too. Decades ago, this very room served as the reception room for the Consulate to the United States during the Cold War.

Enjoy the hotel’s quaint gardens and order a drink at its Xanadu lounge. A patron of the arts, the hotel also showcases local artists’ exhibitions and invites guests to admire. Hotel des Quinconces is the perfect spot for a cozy, romantic getaway as you explore the region of Bordeaux.

Hotel de Pavie

A bit outside of Bordeaux, Hotel de Pavie is worth the trek. This five-star hotel is located in Saint-Emilion and best be on every wine aficionado’s bucket list. Hotel de Pavie has worn many hats over the years: convent, dance hall and hotel restaurant. No matter your style, this hotel has a variety of rooms and suites located in their Bell Tower, Village and Suite houses.

Enjoy a meal at Chef Yannick Alléno’s La Table de Pavie. This Michelin-awarded chef will tempt you with his caviar paired with a smoky eel sauce or roasted pigeon paired with a walnut purée. But the likelihood is that you came to Bordeaux for the wine. This hotel restaurant’s sommelier is here to help you; you can opt for a food and wine pairing with a variety of different wines.

Private wine workshop on Bordeaux Grand Crus

Every glass of wine has a story. From the type of grape to climate, the winemaking process is incredibly intricate. Perhaps you’d like to understand more about what goes into making world-renowned wines. We can organize a private workshop with an oenological specialist who can explain the techniques behind appellations such as Saint Emilion and Pomerol. And don’t worry: you’ll get to sip on several Grand Crus, too!

InterContinental Bordeaux

If you’re in search of a regal experience while in Bordeaux, look no further than a stay at the InterContinental. Their 130 rooms and suites could’ve jumped right out of a movie scene; its Opera views, crown moldings and thoughtful decoration are sure to delight. For true wine lovers, we must recommend booking a stay in the Wine Bar Suite. Yes, you read that right: a room with its own private wine bar with Grands Crus by the glass service.

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant also has taken residence in the InterContinental. Book a romantic, chic dinner for two at Le Pressoir d’Argent Gordon Ramsay, where you can feast on a Michelin-decorated menu. You might want to start studying the menu as there are over 500 wines to choose from.

Private Full-Day Boat Tour in Arcachon Bay + Oyster Tasting

Only an hour’s drive away from Bordeaux, the town of Arcachon offers an entirely different landscape. Arcachon is home to Europe’s largest sand dune. From this town, we’ll pick you up for a boat tour on your very own pinasse, or fishing smack. You’ll be able to experience the Cap Ferret peninsula. If you fancy some fresh oysters, we’ll organize a meal with a local farmer. Bon appétit !

La Maison Bord’eaux Hotel

Don’t let the modern decoration at La Maison Bord’eaux Hotel fool you; this four-star boutique hotel has roots dating back to the 1700s. At that time, it served as un relais de poste, or a place to change horses. This hotel offers a much cozier experience with its 21 rooms. We have a feeling you’ll be tempted by the Deluxe Whirlpool & Terrace Room. At the hotel, you can also enjoy your glass of wine and learn more about what you’re drinking on the hotel’s iPads.

Explore our Destinations

The region of Bordeaux beckons with its impressive wine culture. But beyond your glass of wine, this part of France has much exploring to be done. And with a stay at one of the best hotels in Bordeaux, you’re sure to have both a tasteful and comfortable experience.

Already packing your bags for a stay at one of these best hotels in Bordeaux? We totally get it. And we’re more than happy to organize your stay as well as your visits during your trip to Bordeaux. Be enchanted by Food and Wine Lovers Tour of Paris and Bordeaux, A Luxury Escape to Bordeaux and our The Essence of Bordeaux and it’s Region.