Le Saint-James

Location: Bordeaux & the Wine Country | France

Price guide: £££££ £100-£200 per person per night

Le Saint-James is a unique boutique hideaway in Bouliac in the lush bucolic landscapes of Bordeaux’s wine country. The hotel was designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, inspired by the historic tobacco drying lofts, with authentic exteriors concealing contemporary, minimalist interiors, all set within picturesque, fragrant gardens.

Perfect forCouples - and especially wine lovers - keen to escape to the idyllic French countryside.

In the knowThe hotel was originally an 18th-century farmhouse, then a restaurant, before being transformed into a luxury hotel full of character and charm. It is named after a street in historic downtown Bordeaux.

Recommended for...

Food & Wine
Setting & Views
Hideaway
Chic Design

Hotel Overview

Sense of Place

Le Saint-James has a stunning setting, perched on a hill looking out over the Garonne River, and surrounded by the vineyards of Bouliac, which is known as the ‘Balcony of Bordeaux’ for its panoramic views - all just 15 minutes from Bordeaux.

Rooms at Le Saint-James

Four pavilions house the stylish and spacious rooms and suites. Generously-sized windows allow light to pour in, and the panoramic views make it a challenge to tear yourself away. Pale wood beds, polished wood floors, leather chairs, whitewashed walls and stone features create a cool, soothing ambience.

The centrepiece of the Harley Davidson Suite is, as you may have guessed, an authentic Harley Davidson, while the Jacuzzi Suite has a private outdoor terrace with a Jacuzzi so you can soak up the gorgeous countryside views in utter luxury.

Food & Drink

Creative French cuisine is whipped up at the exquisite Michelin-starred restaurant, using fresh produce from the daily markets, where you can dine while enjoying the views over the valley. The characterful Café de l'Esperance, a short walk away in central Bouliac, is where to go for hearty classics like steak frites as well as tempting buffets of starters and desserts.

The hotel's bar opens onto a vast terrace where you can enjoy the sunshine in the summer, while in the winter you can cosy up by the fireplace with a nightcap.

Facilities

The striking outdoor heated pool has a sleek, silvery teak deck, along with breathtaking views of the lush vineyards, and there's also a sauna. The lounge opens onto a flower-laden terrace, a lovely spot to relax in the sunshine.

Activities at Le Saint-James

Try your hand at French cooking with a cookery class, where you can learn the inside tips of French gastronomic classics from the expert chefs in an inviting setting overlooking the citrus garden, while wine tasting in the vineyards is a must, to enjoy some of the world's finest wines.

In between wining and dining, go horse riding and biking along the scenic countryside trails, while other activities on offer around Aquitaine range from visiting thalassotherapy centres to canoeing along the waterways, playing a round of golf or spending a fun day out in a theme park.