Benodet, France
Les Garennes
Neoclassical wellness château
Neoclassical wellness château
The 1890 riverside manor runs as a wellness estate, with thermal baths and saunas scattered across wooded parkland.
What it’s good at
Notable
Restored nineteenth-century stables hold an indoor counter-current pool and an outdoor bubble sauna.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Les Garennes is the soul of French elegance in an immaculately preserved château.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Wooded parkland borders the Odet river, and the town of Bénodet is a short drive away.
The rooms
Bedrooms have parquet floors and exposed brick, with tall windows looking out over the park.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
A stone terrace holds the outdoor pool and hot tub, and the converted stables house an indoor counter-current pool.
The spa
Japanese head spa rituals take place beside a wood-burning fireplace, and therapists use skincare from CODAGE Paris.
Hammam and pilates studio
Pilates reformers sit beneath exposed attic beams, and a mosaic bench lines the tiled hammam.
At the table
Breakfast and weekend brunch are laid out in the salon, where French doors look onto the pool terrace.
How it began
The 1890 house was requisitioned in 1940 and later sheltered the family of French naval hero Honoré d'Estienne d'Orves.
Benodet
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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.