In short… A small jewel box hotel in the historic village of St. Émilion that offers sophistication and style without feeling precious or uptight.
The surroundings… Perfectly situated across from the 400-year-old Château Canon gardens, the hotel sits at a high point and offers stunning views while being steps from the town center. Excellent restaurants and wineries are within walking distance, while maintaining the peaceful atmosphere of a small French village.
The vibe… Sophisticated and sexy, with a perfect combination of textures, materials and influences. Young and old would feel at ease here, and the vibe is a cross between your cool uncle’s pied-à-terre in France and an intimate club room on an historic ocean liner.
The design… Chic, masculine, sensuous. Dark colors, woods, warm lighting and interesting curios. The furnishings are French, Italian and Scandinavian.
The rooms… Small but well-designed for comfort and efficiency. There are only 6. Each offers something special with regards to a view and other details.
The food & drink… One of the owners is also the hotel’s chef and he is happy to prepare locally-sourced, outstanding French meals. Breakfast was included in the morning and was delicious. The bar is well-stocked and apart from the highly sought-after wines of the region, they also make cocktails, including a mean martini.
The wellness… There is no gym or spa, unless the bar counts as wellness…as it should.
Is it family-friendly? Probably not great for kids, unless they’re well-behaved and a little older.
Any other details to note? Because it’s so small, the owners Laurent and Benoit are very present. And this is a good thing. They clearly have mastered the art of hospitality and they do go to lengths to make a guest feel at home, without feeling intrusive or overbearing. Housekeeping and such were excellent.
Be sure to… As St. Émilion is only 45 minutes from Bordeaux, it goes without saying that wine tasting in the region is a must. Also, Les Bains d’Eugenie is about a 2-hour drive to the south and offers historic gardens, three different Michelin star restaurants, thermal baths and a renowned spa.
Date of stay… April 13-15, 2026
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