HOTELS OUTSIDE PARIS


hotel and a brasserie, which is overseen by Michelin three-star chef Marc Haeberlin.


Les Haras enjoys a fantastic setting, right in the heart of La Petite France, the city’s oldest quartier, and its restoration was supported by IRCAD, the acclaimed medical research and training institute.


Fontevraud L’Hôtel allows you to fully experience the spectacular 12th-century abbey


FONTEVRAUD L’HÔTEL, LOIRE VALLEY You can now stay overnight at the Abbaye de Fontevraud in the Loire Valley, where Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart were originally buried, and their recumbent statues are still located. Since its opening last summer, the Fontevraud L’Hôtel has been attracting in-the-know Parisians for a lovely weekend escape as it’s just a two-hour train ride away from the French capital. France continues to be an innovator when it comes to sustainable strategies for heritage sites, and Fontevraud historic abbey, which dates back to 1101AD, is one such example, as the project was financed by the Pays de la Loire region. But don’t go thinking that this historic site is just a museum, it’s a lively destination that also hosts business seminars, events and contemporary art shows. The award-winning design team of Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku did a wonderful job on the hotel, custom-designing each piece of décor. They focused on organic materials, such as solid oak wood, and even the mattresses are 100 percent natural and locally sourced.


After a day spent exploring the historic site, or cycling the nearby Loire à Velo bike path, head to the ‘iBar’ for an aperitif of Loire Valley sparkling wine – you’ll marvel at the tables that contain touch screens with digital maps and videos. And don’t miss dinner at the restaurant, which is helmed by chef Thibaut Ruggeri, winner of the prestigious Bocuse d’Or 2013. Tel: +33 2 46 46 10 10 www.fontevraud.fr


LES HARAS, STRASBOURG The Jouin Manku agency also did a dazzling design job with Les Haras, transforming an 18th- century royal horse stable and National Stud Farm into a four-star


Inspired by the equestrian world, the interiors are contemporary and elegant, featuring materials like solid wood, calfskin leather from the Haas tannery and brushed metal. Heritage buildings cannot be altered and so instead of touching the existing walls, the designers created a soaring, leather-covered timber structure, akin to a yurt, to contain the restaurant. For the 55 guest rooms, Jouin Manku provided designed headboards finished in saddle leather and curtain pulls made from plaited horse hair. Tel: +33 3 90 20 50 00 Email: reservation@les-haras -hotel.com


www.les-haras.fr


CLUB MED VAL THORENS SENSATIONS, THE ALPS The Club Med spirit is alive and well at the venerable French brand’s newest resort, which


Club Med Val Thorens Sensations offers luxury and first class skiing


help yourself to hot chocolate, drinks, and plentiful après-ski snacks. There’s also complimentary access to the hammam, while treatments at the Carita spa can be booked for an additional fee. When it comes to the resort’s


The elegant decor of Les Haras features an equine theme, befitting its royal history


buffet restaurant, where a brigade of chefs prepare a bounty of gourmet options, you’ll be spoiled for choice – freshly grilled fish, duck with berry sauce and filet mignon are among the dishes on offer – and the dessert station is like a trip to a premium patisserie. Tel: +33 4 79 00 04 83 www.clubmed.fr


opened last December and boasts an enviable perch in Val Thorens, part of the vast Trois Vallées area, the highest ski domain in Europe. The feel here is decidedly luxurious, which turns the all-inclusive concept on its head. This ski-in/ski-out resort provides a great value because equipment rental and first class instruction is included in the price of your stay. At the beginning of your stay, you’ll be outfitted with boots and skis, and given a locker which corresponds to your room number. After a day on the pistes, you can


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IMAGES: © D GAUDIN; CLUB MED VAL THORENS; AGENCE JOUIN MANKU/HILAIRE HELENE


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