Château Franc Mayne

In the fertile wine district of Saint Émilion you can stay in the château of one of the grand wine estates. Château Franc Mayne (Grand Cru Classé) nestles in 7 hectares of vineyards planted on the famous stone quarries in the Côte de Franc, within walking distance of Saint Émilion. The ambiance in the lounge is elegant, but relaxed and informal, like a private home. Off the entry is a pretty salon with a sitting area, a billiard room, and a well-stocked honor bar. The landscaped natural swimming pool is also a treat during the summer. While there is not a restaurant on site, guests can order light meals (ham, cheese, salad, fruits), excellent property wines and table d’hôte dinners can be arranged for groups of six or more and are served in the elegant dining room. Breakfast is enjoyed in the dining room at one long table set before a large open fireplace or outside on the terrace. The guestrooms, which look out over the vineyards and enjoy the quiet setting, are of the standard of a luxury hotel—spacious, beautifully decorated, with comfortable table and seating arrangements, flat screen TV’s, DVD players, a mini bars and large modern bathrooms with amenities such as robes, shampoos, and hairdryers. The price is more consistent with a hotel, too, but included in the rate is a guided tour of the winery, the old Relais de la Poste, and the network of caves and tunnels that connect the Relais with the cellars.