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Indulge in the ultimate luxury getaway at Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches, located in the heart of the Châteauneuf du Pape. Our review covers everything from the rich history of the castle to the exceptional dining experience and picturesque surroundings of this sublime accommodation.
Nestled in the heart of the southern Rhône Valley, Châteauneuf du Pape boasts a reputation as one of the premier wine regions in the world.
With over 300 vineyards producing the world-renowned Châteauneuf du Pape wine, it’s no surprise that this charming French village attracts wine enthusiasts from across the globe.
Three weeks into our time in the city, the vines and full-bodied reds of the Châteauneuf du Pape called to us, luring us to step outside the golden town walls of Avignon.
A special occasion, we felt, called for a special hotel and the one we landed upon was Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches.
Set upon a on a hill amidst endless vineyards and overlooking the village of Châteauneuf du Pape itself, Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches is an exceptional choice for those seeking a luxurious and historical accommodation option in the heart of the region.
With its elegant rooms, exquisite dining options and proximity to wineries galore, Château Fines Roches is the perfect destination for a wine-centric getaway.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Hostellerie de Château des Fines Roches and all that it has to offer. From its rich history to its modern amenities, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this luxurious hotel.
So sit back, pour yourself a glass of Châteauneuf du Pape (yep, I went there), and let’s explore this excellent hotel.
HOSTELLERIE DU CHÂTEAU DES FINES ROCHES AT A GLANCE
Star Rating: ****
Number of rooms: 11
Standout features: swimming pool, spa, superb restaurant, onsite wine-tasting
History of Hostellerie Château Fines Roches
With a fair slice of history and plenty of old-world grandeur woven between its ochre-coloured brickwork, you’d be forgiven in thinking that the castle was older that it actually is.
Originally designed by Henri-Auguste Constantin in the late 19th century, it sports a neo-medieval façade of meridional influence that was inspired by the Avignon ramparts and the castle atop the village.
A large winery expanded around the castle, and Constantin replanted a vineyard to make Fines Roches a model for all those who followed the French wine-growing tradition.
In 1936, Louis Mousset purchased the castle, along with its 45 hectares of vineyards, and turned it into a true family estate. After his passing, the property was divided among his three children: Jacques, Guy, and Catherine.
Fast forward to 2006, and the castle has been transformed into a luxurious hotel and gastronomic restaurant managed by Laurent and Martine Zennaro. The couple has thoughtfully restored the castle’s original rooms, including the old library that now serves as the breakfast room, and added a stunning swimming pool.
The renovated tower houses the smallest room, with exclusive access to the rooftop.
More recently, Denis Duchêne, the new president, along with his associates Sébastien Gutierrez and Hugo Lorridan, have undertaken major renovations, including interior decoration in the lounges, conference and wedding rooms, which were finished in 2021.
A spa with a sauna and balneo has been added, while the exterior has been given a fresh and elegant redesign.
Location and Wine Tasting
Where is Château des Fines Roche located?
Nestled between the historical city of Avignon and the impressive Roman city of Orange, the charming Hostellerie des Fines Roches is located in the heart of the world-renowned wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Commanding a rather idyllic location atop a hill, the hotel is also within walking distance of the charming village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Additionally, guests can easily explore other nearby attractions such as the majestic Mont Ventoux, the picturesque Isle Sur La Sorgue, the stunning hilltop town of Gordes, the former papal residence of Avignon and the ancient town of Orange.
A little about Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Nestled in the heart of the southern Rhône Valley, in southeastern France, lies the charming and picturesque village of Châteauneuf du Pape.
This world-renowned wine region is famous for producing the eponymous Châteauneuf du Pape wine, which is a blend of up to 13 different grape varieties, including the rich and bold Grenache, the spicy Syrah, and the earthy Mourvèdre.
For wine lovers seeking the ultimate French winemaking experience, a visit to Châteauneuf du Pape is an absolute must.
The village is surrounded by rolling vineyards and boasts over 300 wine producers, each offering their unique style and flavour. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards, witness the wine-making process, and indulge in some of the most exquisite wines in the world.
But Châteauneuf du Pape isn’t just about wine.
The village is steeped in rich history and culture, with its medieval castle, the Château des Papes, standing tall and proud. This awe-inspiring fortress was built in the 14th century by the popes who once resided in nearby Avignon.
Visitors can wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town, explore the castle and marvel at the breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and countryside from the village.
RELATED READING | All you need to know before visiting chateauneuf-du-pape
The perfect base for wine tasting in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region:
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is famous for producing some of the world’s most exceptional wines, including the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine. The hotel is ideally situated to provide access to the area’s exceptional vineyards and wineries.
Upon arrival, the hotel’s knowledgeable staff can offer guidance and recommendations on the best vineyards and cellars to visit for a tasting. Guests can also explore the Brotte Wine Museum in the village, where they can learn about the region’s Côtes du Rhône and Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines.
For guests interested in exploring the vineyards, Domaine Mousset, the wine estate of Fines Roches, is just a short stroll from the hotel. Here, visitors can savour the estate’s high-quality Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, both red and white, in an enchanting setting amidst the sprawling vineyards.
Moreover, guests can explore other nearby vineyards for tastings, including Château Fortia (where we went ourselves) and Château la Nerthe, which are also within walking distance.
For those who prefer to venture further afield, there are many more vineyards within cycling or driving distance, and the hotel can arrange bike rentals upon request.
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Accommodations at Fine Roches
With just 11 elegant guest bedrooms, each room has been decorated in its own unique way. One major boon, is that as soon you step inside your room, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking view of the vineyards that surround the castle, creating a picturesque setting for your stay.
The rooms boast a Provençal-inspired design, perfectly blending traditional charm with modern amenities.
There is one classic room (the château’s least expensive rooms), two suites (the château’s most expensive rooms), with the rest of the rooms comprising various standards of double bedrooms, including ‘charm doubles,’ ‘deluxe double,’ and ‘double room privilege’ (where we stayed).
Take in stunning views from rooms facing south on the Alpilles mountains and Avignon Palais des Papes or enjoy the beauty of the swimming pool, the Lubéron, or the majestic Mont Ventoux.
Some rooms feature private terraces, while others provide access to a panoramic terrace through a spiral staircase, allowing guests to soak in the scenic views of the region.
Our own room, Room 1, was located down a corridor on the ground floor, with two giant windows that opened out onto the swimming pool and the vineyards and hills beyond it. It had a great, medieval fireplace and a massive bathroom with double sink.
If you want to kick it on up another notch and have a truly exceptional experience, bump up to a junior suite, which offer an exquisite blend of luxury and comfort. One of the suites even boasts a bathroom in a turret, providing a unique and unforgettable experience.
All rooms come with modern amenities, ensuring that your stay is comfortable and convenient.
When doing my own research before booking, I had noticed that some older reviews had reference tired bedrooms in need of refurbishment – note that these reviews were made in advance of the hotel’s redecoration project of 2021. Upon arriving at the hotel, it was immediately evident that the hotel has been completely revamped from top to bottom.
Dining at Château des Fine Roches
Indulging in the hotel’s culinary offerings is an absolute must for any gourmand. Guests can savour the flavours of Provence through the restaurant’s gourmet cuisine, served in an elegant, contemporary atmosphere, either indoors or on the terrace with a stunning view of the valley and vines.
The restaurant boasts an exceptional wine cellar, featuring over 800 references, including more than 50 Châteauneuf-du-Pape estates, making it one of the most extensive in the region. An experienced sommelier is on hand to assist in selecting the perfect wine to complement your meal.
The menu is an ode to the region, with fresh, homemade products sourced from local producers and presented in modern, inventive dishes.
Vegetarian options are also available. The menu and wine list change frequently based on the seasonal ingredients and local produce, ensuring a diverse culinary experience for each guest.
Guests can choose from a three-course menu or indulge in the Chef’s “Inspiration Menu” of four courses, with the option to add a cheese course. The bar menu and snacks available throughout the day are a perfect complement to the sweeping views of the vineyards from the terrace.
We enjoyed a three-course meal and bottle of the hotel’s own Châteauneuf-du-Pape at the restaurant, where we both had veal shank and oyster mushroom tortellini with ricotta foam and pot-au-feu broth to start.
For mains, I enjoyed land and sea scallops Rossini style with herb coulis and meat jus, while Andy happily tucked into a fillet of beef larded with bacon, with compressed potato with black garlic from Piolenc and Béarnaise sauce.
To finish off the evening, we tried both of the desserts – candied strawberries and rhubarb, with herb sorbet and lime cottage cheese mousse, and candied pears, honey and vanilla, Madeleine biscuit and almond milk sorbet, crafted into a beautiful looking hive.
It was a truly enjoyable evening and I would go as far in saying that the entire experience was flawless. I’ve become quite a nit-picker when it comes to restaurants and I really couldn’t find anything that I didn’t like about this one.
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The spa and pool
While I didn’t have the time to sample it, at the heart of this charming château lies an spa that offers an lovely space for rejuvenation and relaxation. The Vinésime lab has expertly crafted a unique range of cosmetic products by incorporating the essence of the earth; grape, and the essence of viticulture.
These specially designed treatments provide a unique sensory experience that incorporates the colours and fragrances of the surrounding vineyards.
In addition to these unique treatments, the spa boasts a balneotherapy and sauna that offers a revitalising atmosphere to improve your sleep and boost relaxation, which provides the perfect opportunity to unwind and de-stress.
The hotel’s pool offers a serene and tranquil space to soak up the sun and enjoy the expansive views of the surrounding landscape, as well as avail of the services offered at the bar à la carte menu.
On a hot day, a refreshing dip in the pool will is perfect for refreshing yourself after a busy day of wine tasting or exploring the local area. The pool is also accessible to local guests who have booked the SPA formula.
Experiences available at Château des Fine Roches
At Château des Fines Roches, the luxury experience doesn’t end with the exceptional accommodations and dining. The hotel also offers an array of unique and exciting activities to make your stay even more unforgettable.
Whether you want to soar above the vineyards in a hot air balloon or take in the breathtaking scenery from a helicopter ride, the hotel’s team can arrange it for you.
For those looking for a more relaxed experience, yoga classes by the pool or a peaceful picnic amidst the stunning surroundings are also available. And for those who want to explore the countryside, the hotel offers bikes for rent or horse riding options to discover the region.
Whatever your preference, the team at Château des Fines Roches is dedicated to making your stay a memorable one, and were consistently helpful during our stay.
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Conclusion
When it came to checking out, we really didn’t want to leave. Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches is a true gem in the heart of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region. With a rich history, stunning location and exceptional amenities, this hotel offers a truly special experience that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
The luxurious rooms and suites are designed to provide the ultimate comfort, with beautiful views of the vineyards and the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The dining options are outstanding, with a French gourmet cuisine that highlights regional Provençal ingredients. The extensive wine cellar and the expert sommelier ensure that every meal is accompanied by the perfect bottle of wine.
The spa and pool facilities provide a cocooning space that is perfect for relaxation, with treatments featuring grape infused products, balneotherapy and a sauna. The hotel also offers a variety of unique experiences, from hot air balloon and helicopter rides to yoga classes and horse riding.
The verdict: the perfect venue in which to ensconce yourself within the sophisticated delights of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region. A truly luxurious escape, it’s perfect for a special night (or few) away and is a great choice to append to a city break in nearby cities like Avignon, Nîmes, Orange, Arles or Aix-en-Provence.
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