Any exploration of France’s Bordeaux wine region starts in the Port of the Moon. Sitting on the curved banks of the Garonne River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been carving a name for itself as a “Second City” contender to Paris (a speedy two-hour train ride away), with a slew of cultural attractions complementing outings to chateaux and adventurous pursuits in Arcachon Bay. Since its foundation as Burdigala, Bordeaux has gone on to pass from Roman to French and English rule, with its prosperous port and wine production financing many of the city’s protected landmarks and neoclassical residences. One such mansion, built in the 19th-century for a notable family, now offers lodging in the form of Le Palais Gallien Hôtel and Spa, with rooms from just under $200 per night.
Explore French Wine Country From This Five-Star Spa Hotel in Bordeaux’s Historic Center
Named after the nearby Roman amphitheater, this five-star hotel briefly held a post as a doctor’s practice before being reimagined as a luxury retreat in the heart of French Wine Country. The vibe at Le Palais Gallien is intimate, elegant, and refined, with its small size and laid-back hospitality creating the sense of staying at a private suburban residence.
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Modern rooms and period suites at Le Palais Gallien
Photo: Le Palais Gallien Hôtel and Spa
Le Palais Gallien’s 28 individually-styled rooms and suites are distributed among the original manor and a clutch of smaller buildings added as the property’s purpose evolved. I was assigned a deluxe terrace room in the youngest section of the hotel, with a large balcony overlooking the interior garden. This was charming during my winter trip to Bordeaux as I was able to fall asleep to the pitter-patter of rain topping up the pool’s water levels. I also enjoyed tucking into my morning croissants and chocolatines on the patio; the bed and breakfast rate includes the option for room service.
My room was contemporary and functional, with all the necessities: a walk-in shower, a Nespresso coffee maker, and blackout blinds. A pleasant roof deck, open during the summer months, is located above the terrace rooms and grants a lovely view of the surroundings. Over in the main building, period features add personality to the Chambre Prestige rooms while a freestanding tub or a hot tub cranks up the luxury. Couples or small families seeking extra space can book a duplex or terrace suite, each with a bedroom separate from the living room.
Wellness facilities at Le Palais Gallien Hotel
Photo: Le Palais Gallien Hôtel and Spa
Guests without a private in-room spa have privileged access to the Nuxe Spa at Le Palais Gallien, with one hour of access costing a reduced rate of 30 EUR (about $35) for hotel residents. The suite has a heated swimming pool with whirlpools that mimic the experience of swimming in the sea (it turned my leisurely laps into more of a cardio workout) as well as a hot tub, sauna, and hammam. Treatments range from express massages to longer, specialist treatments for face and body. The outdoor pool claims much of the interior courtyard space, and provides a refreshing space to unwind and cool off after a humid summer day in southwest France.
The property has a small fitness suite in the basement beneath the spa. Personal training sessions are available to guests, with the option to take these to the rooftop deck during the summer.
Fine dining in downtown Bordeaux
Photo: Le Palais Gallien Hôtel and Spa
Travelers are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining in Bordeaux, but La Table de Montaigne at Le Palais Gallien does deserve at least one lunch or dinner during your stay. À la carte and five-chapter tastings are served in the oldest part of the building, in a cozy drawing room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the pool and gardens or in the private banquet room. Plates are beautifully prepared using local, seasonal greens and high-quality meat topped off with tangy housemade jellies or served au jus. Beets were a staple of the winter menu during my stay and heavier dishes like Normandy steak were carefully balanced with tart, citrus-based desserts.
The hotel’s bar is a welcoming spot to decompress before heading out further afield for the evening; this nook shares the restaurant’s view and carries a variety of wines from all French regions, classic cocktails, and cognacs.
Convenient location in Downtown Bordeaux
Photo: Le Palais Gallien Hôtel and Spa
Le Palais Gallien Hôtel and Spa sits just on the edge of downtown Bordeaux: a walkable distance from the riverside and the Chartrons district. It’s set back from the busiest parts of the city center, which makes for a peaceful night’s sleep while being close enough to avoid feeling disconnected. Apart from the amphitheater, the Bordeaux Public Garden and Bordeaux Museum of Science and Nature are the closest major landmarks and the iconic Place de la Bourse is only a 20-minute stroll. It takes a little under an hour to follow the Garonne up to the Bacalan neighborhood, the riverside setting for the Cité du Vin and Musée Mer Marine — museums dedicated to wine and maritime history.
Licensed taxis and Ubers are readily available in Bordeaux, although it’s worth considering that the city’s infrastructure isn’t the friendliest for cars. Frequent congestion means that walking, hopping on the tram, or renting a bike is a more efficient means of getting around. Trains from Bordeaux Saint-Jean connect to Arcachon Bay, a hotspot for oysters and watersports, in as little as 40 minutes. A number of châteaux are reachable via public transport while tours are plentiful for the more remote estates. 