Besancon, FranceLa Boucle
Hôtel Le Sauvage
Antique-filled convent
Antique-filled convent
Former antique dealers transformed this nineteenth-century convent into a quiet residence filled with salvaged woodwork and period furniture.
What it’s good at
Notable
A nineteenth-century Poor Clare convent retains its stone cloister and vaulted chapel.
Listed
Four former monastic cells merge into guestrooms furnished with eighteenth-century French boiseries.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
In the city of Besançon a 19th-century cloister has been transformed into Le Sauvage: a lovely boutique hotel, and one whose monastic character lends it a unique personality.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The massive ramparts of the citadel rise directly behind the garden, and Saint-Jean Cathedral sits just downhill.
The rooms
Each room unites four former monastic cells, finished with eighteenth-century wood paneling and marble-encased bathtubs.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The spa
A tiled whirlpool sits beneath stone arches, beside a vaulted steam room and a glass conservatory overlooking the garden.
Le Restaurant
Chef Hugo Mathieu serves seasonal French dishes and artisanal pâté en croûte in a dining room overlooking the garden.
How it began
The name honors a seventeenth-century inn where military engineer Vauban lodged while constructing the citadel above.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.