Bordeaux tourism infrastructure set for major expansion
Oenotourism in Bordeaux is set to expand significantly in the coming years, with a rash of new projects and developments in the pipeline.
According to Jean-Jacques Dubourdieu of Denis Dubourdieu Domaines, a 50 room, luxury resort hotel is under construction at D’Arche, in Sauternes. The investor is the Six Senses hotel group.
The hotel – launch date TBA – will join a growing number of boutiques and hotels in the region – historically the appellation has offered tourists very few options.
“Today in Sauternes, visitors will find a fantastic restaurant at Chateau Guiraud, a Michelin-starred restaurant and hotel at Lafaurie Peyraguey, with many more projects to be unveiled soon,” says Dubourdieu.
“All this energy will, of course, attract more people and encourage a very positive vibe around the appellation which is only 30 minutes away from Bordeaux by car.”
Meanwhile, the de Boüard family of Chateau Angelus inaugurated a new luxury B&B residence in May – La Maison de La Fleur de Boüard.
According to Emmanuelle de Boüard, wife of Hubert de Boüard, the property overlooks 25 hectares of vineyards - 3 bedrooms, 2 living rooms, a billiard lounge, 2 dining rooms, a garden and a big swimming pool are available to guests.
Development costs were not disclosed.
The family also purchased a historic restaurant in Bordeaux, Gabriel, in January 2019. Currently operating as a brasserie, the eventual plan is to run a fine-dining restaurant alongside it, with aspirations for Michelin stars. This will join the family's hotel and restaurant in St-Emilion, Logis de la Cadene, which boasts one Michelin star.
“The paradigm is definitely changing,” said Hubert de Boüard, speaking at Vinexpo last week.
“Bordeaux is realising that we need to welcome, not just accept tourists. That's the driving philosophy at our estates. We want to be known as the leading drivers of high-class, authentic tourism in the region.”
In addition, the owners of Smith Haut Lafitte purchased Château Hôtel du Breuil in March 2018, in the Loire Valley. Currently under extensive renovation, the hotel should reopen in June 2020.
In 2016 Bordeaux opened the Cité du Vin, an innovative wine museum and education centre which attracts more than half a million visitors per year.
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