The setting of Hostellerie de Plaisance can not be much better, in the centre of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion. Unesco has classified the village as a world heritage site and we can only agree. The property is built on a terrace above an old monolithic church. The spectacular setting is a perfect match for Head Chef Philippe Etchebest’s cuisine, so why not start your evening on the terrace with amazing views of the village and the surrounding vineyards?

It was back in 2001 when the owners of the vineyard Château Pavie, Chantal and Gérard Perse, decided to invest in the Hostellerie de Plaisance and turned it into a luxury hotel and gourmet restaurant. The French decorator Alberto Pinto was involved in the extensive renovation which has resulted in a perfect balance between classic and contemporary.

Chef Philippe Etchebest comes from the Pays Basque. The Bordelais region in Southern France has been the Chef’s playground for most of his life. Today he is a well-known chef in France thanks to his television appearances in the French version of the Kitchen Nightmare, and his work at the praised Hostellerie de Plaisance. Etchebest has always been passionate in sports and most of all boxing and rugby. Luckily for all food lovers he chose to dedicate most of his time to the kitchen which has resulted in a talented and innovative chef.

The set menu changes every day depending on what ingredients are available and what season it is. Some examples of the contemporary French cuisine can be a lobster tartar with avocado, tomato, green apple jelly, nuts, and citrus fruits mousse, or Blonde d’Aquitaine of snacked filet with Chioggia beetroot cooked and raw, radishes, date/prune chutney, and wine sauce with herbs.

Hostellerie de Plaisance offers its guests a complete package of contemporary top cuisine, fine wines mostly from the Bordeaux region, and a beautiful setting especially in summer time.

Written by Andy