Six unique hotels in France and Italy

Six hotels selected by Beaux Arts offer exceptional artistic and heritage experiences, combining the art of living with artistic creation. These include a hotel populated by sculptures by Bernar Venet at the foot of the royal castle of Amboise, a domain cultivating olives and contemporary art with the gallery Ceysson & Bénétière, an Alsace house adorned with works by René Lalique, a neoclassical building formerly the site of the Cartier foundation, and others in France and Italy.

Relais d'Amboise near royal sites

The Relais d'Amboise, located near the Clos-Lucé, has opened after a renovation of its Renaissance-era buildings. It features 63 elegantly furnished rooms, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant managed by starred chef Nicolas Aubry.

Unique spaces and artistic collaborations

The hotel includes troglodytic spaces known as "César's cellars," which now house suites, a tasting cellar, a game room, a spa, and an exhibition space. The site, purchased by Frédéric Jousset, regularly invites artists, including Bernar Venet, whose sculptures are on display from September 24, 2026, to the end of September 2027.

Access to nearby historical sites

The area is accessible with admission tickets to various sites, including the Royal Castle of Amboise, the Royal Domain of Château-Gaillard, and the Château du Clos-Lucé – Leonardo da Vinci Park.

Domaine de Panéry's blend of art and agriculture

The Domaine de Panéry, located near Uzès in the Gard, combines olive oil and wine production with contemporary art. The estate, renovated by Olivier Ginon and his wife Jacqueline, features a sculpture park with works by Lionel Sabatté, Robert Combas, Gloria Friedmann, Frank Stella, and Claude Viallat.

Cultural experiences and events

The estate also offers guided visits with tastings and outdoor movie sessions and concerts.

Dolce Versailles - Domaine du Montcel's history

The Dolce Versailles - Domaine du Montcel in Jouy-en-Josas houses the former Cartier foundation. The site includes works such as César's "Hommage à Eiffel" and Arman's "Long Term Parking."

Neoclassical transformation

The neoclassical building, once a school and later a headquarters during the Occupation, now serves as a four-star hotel with a spa. The domain also includes a museum of the Jouy fabric.

Les Sources de Cheverny and nearby castles

Les Sources de Cheverny, located in the Val de Loire, opened in 2018 around the Château du Breuil. The hotel includes a spa with wall paintings by Claire Basler and offers access to nearby castles such as Chambord, Chenonceau, and Cheverny, which inspired Hergé's Moulinsart.

Italian Palazzo di Varignana's art and history

In Italy, the Palazzo di Varignana near Bologna features a three-hectare park with installations and bronze sculptures by Italian artists. The hotel also includes a Wunderkammer, a cabinet of curiosities inspired by Archduke Ferdinand II's collection, featuring a millennium mosaic, Roman city remnants, and objects from Asia, Africa, and North America.

Villa René Lalique's craftsmanship

In Alsace, the Villa René Lalique in Wingen-sur-Moder showcases the craftsmanship of René Lalique, with six suites named after iconic creations. The hotel features a restaurant managed by Austrian chef Paul Stradner and a sommelier with a collection of about 60,000 bottles. The Lalique museum in Wingen-sur-Moder preserves the sparkling heritage of the house.