In Joigny, Burgundy, at the La Côte Saint-Jacques hotel

It's been a family affair for four generations. In the beginning was Marie Lorain, seamstress and fine cook, who opened a small boarding house. Her son Michel, the builder, was a daring man, going so far as to dig a tunnel under the main road that initially separated the picturesque main house from a new, more luxurious establishment on the banks of the Yonne. He went on to win a Michelin star and the Relais & Châteaux label, before continuing to win awards with his son Jean-Michel, a former member of the Troisgros family.

A photographer in his spare time, Jean-Michel has traveled throughout Africa, bringing back animal portraits that lend an African touch to the reinvented décor of the thirty-two 5-star rooms and suites. Karine, his wife, orchestrated a resolutely animal decor. In the corridors, tigers and golden lions watch out for distracted visitors.

Now it's nephew Alexandre Bondoux's turn to juggle Burgundy's finest produce in the double Michelin-starred restaurant. A house cocktail is followed by a floating island with Kristal caviar, enhanced by a hint of black garlic and horseradish. Lobster blanquette offers a bouquet of marine flavors softened by tangy baby vegetables. This gustatory epic concludes with delicate gariguette strawberries enhanced with a lovage syrup. A no-brainer. Brunch with its farandole of savory mignardises? Another must.

Côte Saint-Jacques also boasts a vast 800m spa.²equipped with a 12-metre swimming pool, hammam, sauna and whirlpool bath. In the new tropical-style cabin, with balneotherapy, infrared sauna and duo treatment rooms, you can discover a wide range of services, including Ayurvedic, Tahitian, Californian and Japanese massages... You can extend these sensory experiences by strolling through the garden, facing the Yonne, which follows its lazy course.

From €290 per room.
14, faubourg de Paris 89300 Joigny.
Côte Saint-Jacques

Photo credits: @CoteSaintJacques - @J.Mondiere