New Luxury Hotel Is Opening in a Castle in Sancerre - AFAR

"Opening July 1, 2025, this is the village’s first luxury hotel, housed in a renovated 12th‑century château and initially offering eight rooms with nightly rates of $275–$385. Owners David Chicard and Audrey Dumont worked with Brussels designer Jérôme Lescrenier to preserve the castle’s asymmetrical layout and neo‑Gothic exterior while creating airy, contemporary interiors with midcentury furnishings and a nature‑inspired palette. Onsite amenities include a wine library in the château’s 12th‑century cellar, a wellness center with treatment and fitness spaces, and a 16‑seat pop‑up restaurant led by 21‑year‑old Top Chef contestant Arnaud Munster (reservations open June 11). The property places a strong emphasis on art and nature—hosting outdoor exhibitions in partnership with the Vasarely Foundation and showcasing works by Emma Terweduwe and Roan van Oort curated by Stanislas de Poucques—and has planned 2026–2027 expansions including more rooms, a permanent restaurant called L’Atelier des Cèdres, a permaculture garden, a landscaped pool and additional forest accommodations." - Opheli Garcia Lawler