The Château de Vault-de-Lugny, accessible from Paris by train or car in under three hours, offers an oasis of tranquility far from the city’s hustle and bustle. Nestled within an expansive wooded park and vegetable garden, this historic château is an ideal retreat for relaxation. Guests can enjoy the enchanting indoor swimming pool, housed in a charming stone cellar, and a luxurious Jacuzzi, enhancing the château’s appeal as a perfect destination for rejuvenation.
The Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Valucien, is helmed by the talented Mauritian chef Franco Bowanee. Chef Bowanee crafts elegant, flavorful dishes with exotic accents, providing a culinary experience that delights the senses. His creations seamlessly blend local ingredients with international influences, offering a unique gastronomic journey.
Whether seeking a gourmet adventure or a serene escape, Château de Vault-de-Lugny promises an unforgettable experience. Guests can immerse themselves in the rich history and natural beauty of Burgundy while enjoying the luxury and comfort of this extraordinary château.
The history of the Château de Vault-de-Lugny dates back to a chance discovery in the 1960s when Elisabeth Bourzeix’s father spotted a small ad in a newspaper and purchased the property. At the time, Elisabeth was working in Paris in the family business, which supplied seafood to luxury hotels. Inspired by her childhood travels and a love for fine establishments, she envisioned transforming the château into a hotel with a gourmet restaurant. Twenty years later, she realized this dream, taking over the historic monument and later partnering with her husband Pascal. Together, they define themselves as artisans of the hotel industry, offering a personalized and unique experience with a limited number of rooms.
Situated at the gates of the Morvan park in the south of Yonne, the château’s imposing fortifications and 14th-century water-filled moats lead to a stunning residence on a 70-hectare estate. With foundations dating back to 1120, the site is rich in history. The oldest known owner was Jocelin d’Arcy, a lord close to the Duke of Burgundy. The château changed hands several times, enduring royal upheavals, including a 15th-century demolition ordered by Louis XI. Only part of the surrounding walls and the keep, now a historic monument, survived. The Jaucourt family rebuilt the estate, maintaining ownership until the late 18th century, after which it passed through various prominent families until its purchase by the current owners in 1967. The château was transformed into a luxury hotel in 1986.
Today, the château exudes tranquility, offering a retreat where guests can wander among century-old trees and listen to the gentle flow of a trout river. Open from April to November, the hotel features 16 rooms and a gourmet restaurant with 30 seats, attracting guests from France and abroad. The intimate setting of this authentic establishment makes visitors feel at home.
The château’s cuisine, driven by the changing seasons, focuses on short supply chains. Over 80% of the fruits, vegetables, and spices come from the château’s pesticide-free garden, which boasts more than 140 varieties. Each product is harvested daily based on the chefs’ needs, highlighting regional products and local producers. These include organic vegetables from Vault-de-Lugny, organic honey from Morvan, organic trout from Crisenon, and mushrooms from the surrounding forests.
The château offers a contemporary and evolving menu, often themed around ingredients such as morels, truffles, lobster, and game, and includes a selection of gluten-free dishes.