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Bistrot-Saint-Jean-Montluçon
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A legendary site in Montluçon, the castle – which has recently been awarded Relais & Châteaux status – has had several incarnations before revealing to us today its immeasurable charm and serenity.
Medieval foundations and architecture, a chapel steeped in history, and outbuildings dedicated to fine dining and relaxation.
All this overlooks the park, which the people of Montluçon are making their own day by day.
A 3-hectare park, including 2,000 m² of lawn, a pond fringed by 400 trees, which spans a stream winding beneath wide avenues shaded by tall oaks, lime trees and a gigantic sequoia.
From the castle’s rooms, there is a view of the park, and you can spot black swans and ducks on the pond; at night and in the early morning, you can hear the birds calling to one another, for they know that since 1998 the park has been a bird sanctuary.
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Designed by an architect from Lyon, the 19 rooms and suites are spread across the three floors of the castle’s contemporary and historic wings.
In the contemporary wing, you’ll find the six suites – four of which are junior suites – as well as the classic and superior rooms.
The two luxury suites, meanwhile, are situated in the Renaissance wing of the château.
All feature chic contemporary décor, thick carpeting, paintings of vintage flowers, and sculpted horse busts on the bookcases (a nod to the racecourse next to the château).
On the second floor, balconies run along the rooms, whilst on the third floor, the attic-style rooms showcase the desired design aesthetic.
All offer direct views of the stunning grounds, and the bathrooms are stocked with Fragonard toiletries. Every nook and cranny, and every detail, is a testament to perfect, elegant and refined service.
The gourmet restaurant, seating just 22 diners, has been delicately housed within the former 12th-century deconsecrated Templar chapel.
Without altering the centuries-old walls – indeed, simply sandblasting them to highlight the stonework – Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku have skilfully played with the lighting, the atmosphere, the feel of the walls and the monastic serenity of the place.
The holy water font at the entrance and the soaring ceiling are hallmarks of a Romanesque architecture brimming with charm. A barrel vault and light, semi-circular arches enhance the acoustics.
To read the river, to immerse oneself in it, to become one with it in order to unravel its mysteries and discover its inhabitants…
Restaurant La Chapelle Saint Jean Montluçon
Bistrot Saint Jean Terasse Montluçon
Bar Château Saint Jean Montluçon
Restaurant La Chapelle Saint Jean Montluçon
Bistrot Saint Jean Terasse Montluçon
Bar Château Saint Jean Montluçon
