Relais & Chateaux Sets Off Fireworks With Special July Offers

NEW YORK, June 21 /PRNewswire/ -- In 1954, a revolutionary travel concept began in France when a group of eight country inns joined forces to encourage travelers driving between Paris and Nice to stop and experience the charm and personal attention that these smaller hotels provided.  The idea caught on and the itinerary, named the "Route du Bonheur" or "Road to Happiness," became the genesis of Relais & Chateaux, which has grown to a collection of 480 of the world's finest intimate hotels and gourmet restaurants.       

In honor of its French roots and expansion to America, select North American Relais & Chateaux hotels are celebrating Independence Day, Bastille Day and Canada Day during July with special packages and gourmet offerings.  A round up of these packages is listed below.  For additional information, reservations and restrictions about these and other Relais & Chateaux offers, please contact 1-800-735-2478.

Auberge du Soleil (Rutherford, California)

Long touted as one of Napa's best French inspired culinary destinations, Auberge du Soleil is offering the French-American Culinary Escape, from July 4–14.  Guests will be enticed with the cuisine of Chef Robert Curry and the pairings of Opus One – the joint venture of Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild.   The package, from $1,237 per couple, includes one night stay in a Main House Hilltop View room; in-room wine amenity; breakfast for two; four–course dinner with paired wines featuring Opus One, Bollinger champagne greeting (taxes and gratuities included).

L'Auberge Carmel (Carmel, California)

The celebration starts with your private French/American gourmet picnic to enjoy at Carmel Beach, or perhaps Big Sur, and continues with a fabulous dinner for two at award-winning Aubergine Restaurant.  The Create the Fireworks Package includes one night's deluxe accommodations for two; a $250 dinner credit at Aubergine restaurant; a gourmet picnic basket for two complete with a blanket and split of wine; two 60-minute in-room massages or golf for two at Quail Lodge; special holiday treats at turndown and a L'Auberge breakfast for two.  Package starts at $1,159 per night and is available from July 1-29, Sunday through Thursday.

Windham Hill Inn (West Townshend, Vermont)

A festive barbeque will be held on the 4th of July; and from July 4–14, guests can enjoy free admission to Hildene, home of the Lincoln family. A French gourmet picnic basket, filled with French brie, baguette, grapes, pastries and a bottle of Chateaux Valcombe Rose wine can be prepared for the visit. Room rates start at $215 per room per night, including breakfast; picnic basket is $55.

For Bastille Day, a French Culinary Package is available July 13-14 or July 14-15. It includes two nights lodging; a French tasting menu with wine pairing on the 14th; a garden tour with Chef Gill and a French-inspired present upon departure.  Rates begin at $691 per package.

White Barn Inn (Kennebunk Beach, Maine)

Festivities begin on July 4th with a barbeque on the beach prior to the fireworks. From July 4-14, French-inspired pastries will be served with afternoon tea. On July 14th, diners can enjoy a selection of reserve French wines paired to accompany a four-course dinner as a tribute to Bastille Day and French winemakers. A French-inspired after dinner drink will follow. Total cost of dinner plus reserve pairing is $193 per person (excluding tax and gratuity).

Hotel Fauchere (Milford, Pennsylvania)

The town of Milford has an interesting connection to France and guests can learn about it with the Discover Milford's French History package from July 4-14.  The package includes two nights stay; two glasses of wine and typical French pastries upon arrival; continental breakfast each morning; a three-course French themed dinner for two; and a trail walk to learn about the French influence in Milford.  Superior room: weekday: $550.00; weekend $700.00; deluxe room: weekday: $650.00; weekend $800.00; premium room: weekday: $700.00; weekend $850.00.  A three-course prix fixe Storm the Bastille Dinner will also be offered to celebrate Bastille Day on July 14.

Hotel St. Germain (Dallas, Texas)

On Saturday, July 10, the hotel will present the third installment of their "Historical Poison Dining Series."  The Bastille Day Wine Tasting Buffet will reflect on the role that poison has played in politics and power throughout history.  Specialty dishes, wine and champagne will be featured that celebrate the flavors of the Mediterranean in honor of France's independence.  Cost is $75 per person.   

Blantyre (Lenox, Massachusetts)

From July 4-14, guests of Blantyre will enjoy a complimentary gourmet lunch on the terrace of "The Mount," the historic home of Edith Wharton, just a stone's throw from Blantyre.

Wickaninnish Inn (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)

The Heritage Celebration package, offered from July 1-14, includes a special Relais & Chateaux welcome of a deluxe plate inspired by the colors of the Canadian, United States and French flags and two complimentary passes to the magnificent Tofino Botanical Gardens.  Rates start at $380 per night for new reservations only, based on availability.

Wedgewood Hotel & Spa (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)

From July 1-14, guests of Wedgewood will receive complimentary express-entry admission tickets to see the Vancouver Art Gallery's exhibit, "The Modern Woman: Drawings by Degas, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec and other Masterpieces from the Musee d'Orsay in Paris."  Room rates start at $198 and are subject to availability.  Gallery tickets will be available by request upon arrival.

Kingsbrae Arms (St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada)

For Bastille Day, celebrate the gastronomique culture of France and the French Canadians of Quebec.  Chef Scott Johnson will feature unique twists on French classics, some handed down from his Quebecoise grandmother.  In addition, non-pasteurized cheeses, made in the French style in New Brunswick at the La Bergerie aux 4 Vents, will be featured in a special July 14 dinner tasting for hotel guests.  There is no additional charge for the Bastille Day dinner for guests of the hotel. 

Established in France in 1954, the mission of Relais & Chateaux is to spread its unique "art de vivre" across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.  The Association is a family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over the world who share a passion for and a personal commitment to ensuring their guests are privy to moments of exceptional harmony, an unforgettable celebration of the senses.  For more information on these and all Relais members, visit www.relaischateaux.com.

SOURCE Relais & Chateaux