Nantes, FranceLes Sorinieres
L'Abbaye de Villeneuve
Restored Cistercian monastery
Les Sorinieres Nantes, France
Renovated
2022
Price
$$$
Rated for
Heritage Design LuxeOutside the door
Restored Cistercian monastery
Built for silent contemplation, the thirteenth-century abbey now balances austere monastic architecture with garden dining and river walks.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A thirteenth-century Cistercian abbey founded by Duchess Constance, holding centuries of Breton history.
Notable
Chandeliers hang from ancient stone archways above an original central sandstone staircase.
Listed
Private estate parkland along the Ognon river frames dining at Michelin-starred Le 1201.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On private parkland along the Ognon river, fifteen minutes south of downtown Nantes.
The rooms
Guest rooms are finished in calm earth tones, with windows looking out over the gardens or the courtyard pool.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A circular heated pool sits in the paved courtyard, bordered by loungers facing the abbey's stone facade.
Restaurant
Brasserie Constance
Green velvet banquettes line this iron-and-glass conservatory, where guests order traditional bistro dishes looking out toward the pool.
Bar
L'Étoile
Blue velvet stools face the bar, where a library ladder reaches floor-to-ceiling shelves holding over 1,000 wines.
How it began
Breton nobility were entombed here for generations, leaving medieval gravestones and carved relics preserved across the estate.
Nantes
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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.