19th century castle on Bordeaux wine route turned classy yet cozy boutique hotel
Chateau Léognan / Léognan / Nouvelle Aquitaine / France
The French country side is dotted with all these beautiful castles, or chateaus. Many are still private residences, or museums for that matter, but a lot of them have been transformed into classy, beautiful hotels, offering the opportunity to taste the life of a royal (or at least some kind of noble person) for a moment. One of all those chateaus that have opened their doors to the public is this one, the beautiful Chateau Léognan.
This castle, that used to be part of a 17th century estate that was actually owned by monks, is sitting right in the heart of the Bordeaux Wine Route. The chateau is not as old as the estate, but dates back ”only” to the 19th century.
This boutique hotel has 24 rooms, some are located in the castle and some in separate cabins. We opted for a room in the old part of the castle and got to stay on the top floor, in the old attic. The design of our room was an interesting mix of French and British, with that pattern mixing that they do so well on the other side of the channel. The color scheme was strong but not too busy or powerful.
The Léognan estate produce their own wine and you are invited to a complimentary tasting which we of course took part in. Great to sample their products and if you want to, you can of course buy some to bring back home. Another thing that must not be missed is the breakfast. The freshly baked bread and the butter alone was a dream for a gluten-loving Swede like me.
Welcome to Chateau Léognan! The reception is located in this building, a short stroll (or golf car ride) from the castle.
I need a bike like this one!
Approaching the beautiful, sandy colored castle.
Heading up to our room on the rop floor.
I love old staircases that have been worn and torn over the years to get this lovely patina.
Our room was in the old attic, with slanted ceilings.
The pattern mix between the headboard, the wall paper and bed spread almost gave our room a classic British look, rather than a typical French one.
Our bright bathroom
M out inspecting the grounds
The restaurant is housed in this building, close to the reception.
There is a chapel right next to the chateau.
Our cute and friendly neighbors.
The gym is located in a round cabin.
The wine bar
I love to take photos during the golden hour. Especially when traveling in the south of Europe. The light is particularly soft and golden here.
Sun is slowly setting over Chateau Léognan.
Morning has broken and finally time for breakfast.
Bonjour morning buns!
Bread and really great butter. What else do you need?!
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…are a lover of French chateaus (who isn’t?!) and dream about staying in one. If you are also a wine lover (who isn’t!?), what could be better than staying in a French chateau that also has their own wine production?!
My favorite thing about this place…
…is the design mix where there is a infusion of what looks and feels like a British design aesthetic that blends so well with the atypical French features. These kind of fusions are a risk but when they work, the result can be amazing. Like it is here.
What not to miss when staying here…
…is to join the complementary wine tasting. A good way to learn about the local wine production and also taste what they produce on site. Oh, and don’t skip breakfast. Your tastebuds will thank you for it.
If you like this hotel you might also like:
Wildhive Callow Hall / Ashbourne, UK
Wanås Slott / Knisslinge, Sweden
Parc Broekhuizen / Leersum, Netherlands
Castle Leslie / Glaslough, Ireland
