Château Cordeillan-Bages

There are larger and more spectacular castles in France, but Château Cordeillan-Bages makes the most of its relatively intimate size. It’s set in the village of Bages, in the heart of Bordeaux’s Haut-Médoc wine region, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary — just a half-hour down the river from the city of Bordeaux itself, on the same estate that produces Château Lynch-Bages’ wines.

The house itself dates back to the middle of the 19th century, with some elements remaining from a 17th-century structure; its 28 rooms, however, aren’t shy about incorporating contemporary elements in the décor, as well as all the modern comforts you’d expect from a proper luxury boutique hotel.

Its natural setting provides plenty of opportunity for leisure, as does its outdoor pool and its gym and sauna. Food and wine, however, are the twin main attractions. A tour of the winery can be arranged, and a bottle of the local product is never farther than an arm’s length away. Café Lavinal, under the direction of chef Gabriel Gette, serves refined local cuisine, accompanied by the contents of a wine cellar that runs to some 1,800 bottles.