What was once a home for the Duke of Burgundy in 1120 is now Château de Vault-de-Lugny, a five-star luxury hotel in Burgundy, France. After enduring royal upheavals, destruction, and being razed by King Louis XI, the estate was reborn in 1967 when a local family purchased the grounds and transformed it into the opulent hotel it is today. Now, this French retreat, steeped in over 900 years of history, offers Michelin-starred dining and accommodations fit for the kings who once graced its halls.
Located just a stone’s throw from Paris in Burgundy, France, Château de Vault-de-Lugny is a historical hotel with deep roots dating back to the 14th century. Originally home to the Duke of Burgundy in 1120, this magnificent estate has seen centuries of change and royal upheaval. In 1967, the father of the current owner, Elisabeth Bourzeix, purchased and transformed the property after discovering it in a newspaper.
In creating the hotel, the Bourzeix family preserved many historical elements of the 70-hectare estate, including imposing fortification walls, 14th-century moats, and design elements that permeate the guest rooms. Château de Vault-de-Lugny features 16 spacious accommodations, including two suites. Each room is uniquely decorated, boasting period fireplaces, original parquet flooring, high ceilings, romantic canopies, and exposed natural wood. Modern touches complement the predominantly historic design, with opulent marble sinks and clawfoot bathtubs in the bathrooms. The highlight of these accommodations is The Royal Room, a suite steeped in old-world luxury once reserved for visiting French kings. The space features high ceilings and restored fleurs-de-lis using 17th-century techniques.
Château de Vault-de-Lugny’s opulence carries through to its culinary experiences with Michelin-starred restaurant Le Valucien. The French restaurant is helmed by Mauritius chef, Franco Bowanee and Michelin-starred pastry chef, Karina Laval. Here, the cuisine is based on seasonality, with over 80 percent of its produce and spices from the hotel’s pesticide-free garden. This garden houses over 140 varieties of herbs, vegetables, and fruit picked each morning. Meats and other ingredients are sourced locally, like organic honey from Morvan and organic trout from Crisenon. A fan-favorite dish includes the Pressed Lobster, which features potatoes, chanterelles, and spinach. This plate was named by regular guest and French author Michel Houellebecq.
Enveloping Château de Vault-de-Lugny is a vast wooden park that connects to Morvan Park in southern Yonne. Guests can enjoy leisurely walks in this rich area, where they might encounter grey herons, peacocks, geese, sheep, horses, and guinea fowls, depending on the season. Fishing enthusiasts can try their hand at catching pike or perch in the Le Cousin River and have the option to enjoy their catch during their meals. An indoor pool is also available, resting at a cozy 86 degrees in a vaulted cellar made of Burgundy stone. In addition to these recreational activities, the French hotel also offers seasonal events for travelers, including an upcoming truffle hunt with truffle dogs this September. For more information, visit lugny.fr.