A Luxury Getaway in the Heart of Burgundy France

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about A Luxury Getaway in the Heart of Burgundy, France.

Discover the charm of Burgundy at Château de Vault-de-Lugny, a haven for travelers seeking exquisite cuisine and a serene escape. This superb 5-star château, nestled in the heart of nature, offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Just over a 2-hour drive from Paris, Château de Vault-de-Lugny stands at the gateway to the Morvan park in the south of the Yonne department. You have to pass through imposing fortifications surrounded by a 14th-century moat to discover this sumptuous residence nestling in a 70-hectare estate.

A Luxury Getaway in the Heart of Burgundy, France.

A little history about the Château de Vault-de-Lugny in the heart of Burgundy.

Elisabeth Bourzeix’s father bought the Château de Vault-de-Lugny by chance in a newspaper advertisement in the 1960s. At the time, Elisabeth was working in Paris in the family business, supplying the capital’s luxury hotels with seafood products.

Her childhood travels had given her a taste for fine establishments, and she was already thinking of renovating the Château into a hotel and perhaps opening a gourmet restaurant. She made her dream come true 20 years later, taking over the reins of this sublime monument steeped in history, before meeting her husband Pascal, who would accompany her on this adventure.

This site is steeped in history, with the first foundations dating back to 1120. Lord Jocelin d’Arcy, a close associate of the Duke of Burgundy, is the oldest known owner. The Château then passed from hand to hand, until in the 15th century, Louis XI decided to demolish the building following a disagreement with its occupants. All that remains of this original building are part of the surrounding walls and the keep, which is now a listed monument.

The de Jaucourt family rebuilt the estate, and in 1967, Elisabeth Bourzeix’s father bought the Château, which was converted into a luxury hotel in 1986.

Prime Location

Accessible from Paris by train or car in just over 2 hours, the Château de Vault-de-Lugny seduces visitors with its peaceful surroundings, away from pollution and noise, offering the ideal setting for relaxation in the heart of its immense wooded park and vegetable garden.

It’s as if you’re cut off from the world as you stroll through the park’s century-old trees, listening to the flow of a trout river. Open every day from April to November, the hotel has 16 bedrooms and a 30-cover gourmet restaurant, which welcomes guests from France and abroad.

Luxurious Suites and Rooms

Air-conditioned and equipped with Wi-Fi, the 16 spacious rooms, including two suites, combine tradition and modernity.

While each room is decorated differently, they all respect the spirit of the place: some have period fireplaces, original wooden floors and panelling, high French ceilings, romantic canopies with precious fabrics, or flowery hangings.

In the bathrooms, marble basins and old-fashioned baths add to the comfort and refinement.

Special mention should be made of the impressive “chambre du Roy“, once reserved for the Kings of France visiting the region. Its ceiling, decorated with fleur-de-lys, has been faithfully restored using traditional 17th-century techniques.

The Vauban Suite is a large suite for 2 to 4 people, with beautiful views overlooking the gardens. It can be booked with one bedroom for 2 persons or 2 bedrooms for up to 4 persons. It also has its own private dining room.

Indoor Swimming Pool and Jacuzzi

The enchanting ambience is enhanced by the château’s splendid indoor swimming pool and by its luxurious Jacuzzi. These facilities make it an exceptional destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation in picturesque surroundings.

Located in a magnificent vaulted cellar built of Burgundy stone, the pool can also be privatized for a romantic dinner or birthday party, with champagne and “mignardises” included.

A Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Valucien

The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Valucien, is run by talented Mauritian chef Franco Bowanee.

Chef Bowanee creates elegant, flavorful dishes with exotic touches for a culinary experience that delights the senses. His culinary creations perfectly blend local ingredients and international influences, offering a unique gastronomic journey.

Over 80% of the fruit, vegetables and spices come directly from the Château’s pesticide-free kitchen garden, and each product is picked fresh in the morning according to the needs of the chefs, who make a point of highlighting regional products and local producers.

Their dishes also include organic vegetables from Vault-de-Lugny, organic honey from the Morvan, organic trout from Crisenon, and mushrooms from the surrounding forests.

The Château’s menu is up to date and evolving, often based on themes such as morels, truffles, lobster and/or game and also includes a choice of gluten-free dishes.

After 17 years at Château de Vault-de-Lugny, the chef and his team (which includes Franco Bowanee’s wife, pastry chef, Karina Lava) were awarded a Michelin star in 2019, which has since been renewed.

A range of tailor-made activities

The immense wooded park offers beautiful walks where you can see grey herons, peacocks, geese, sheep, horses and guinea fowl roaming freely.

After admiring the view from the top of the 13th-century keep, guests can fish for pike or perch in the river ‘Le Cousin’ and enjoy them as part of their meal.

From September onwards, the Château also offers truffle hunting sessions in the wild, in the company of truffle dogs.

The hotel is also a central location for exploring and discovering the riches of the region: visit the Vézelay Basilica and Fontenay Abbey, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, cycle through medieval villages, discover famous vineyards, hike the GR 13, canoe, go rafting, go horse riding…

Apart from the usual activities, Château de Vault-de-Lugny is a place where almost anything is possible. Keen to offer a made-to-measure service, the owners try to meet every request.

Final words about A Luxury Getaway in the Heart of Burgundy, France.

Whether you’re a gourmet or simply looking for a serene getaway, Château de Vault-de-Lugny promises an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the rich history and natural beauty of Burgundy, and indulge in the luxury and comfort of this extraordinary château.

I hope you enjoyed this feature about A Luxury Getaway in the Heart of Burgundy, France and have a look at our top ten recommended getaways just 2 hours from Paris.

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