Le Relais Des Chartreuses began as a simple country farmhouse on the foothills of the Pyrenees. It was first built in the 17th century, featuring traditional stone architecture that has been integrated into the hotel.

Design and Architecture

For its guestrooms, the hotel has individually styled suites with colors and decor unique from each other. Some of these suites retain their original fixtures, such as the timber ceilings and stonework walls, but most have been redone in contemporary finishes. Guests are encouraged to spend time on their lovely terraces, where they can unwind with a cozy beverage while admiring the wonderful rural vistas.

Breakfast

For a price of 14 EUR (16 USD), guests can start their day with a scrumptious continental breakfast at the hotel, served every morning from 8:30 am until 10 am. Bite into freshly baked pastries and wake yourself up with a refreshing sip of coffee before heading out for the day's excursions. 

Dinner

The on-site restaurant of Le Relais Des Chartreuses opens for catering every Tuesday evening until Sunday evening, serving delightful Occitan cuisine made with fresh produce and seafood sourced from local industries. Diners will have the option to choose their starters, main course, and dessert. As an example, guests may start with a plate of pata negra, or Iberian ham, alongside duck foie gras, before moving on to roasted duck or monkfish as their main. For dessert, they have the option of a sinful chocolate fondant or a refreshing saffron ice cream.

The hotel also has a wine list with recommendations for which vintages pair best with your meal. These include well-known labels such as Clos Mané and Mas Cremat, both from Languedoc-Roussillon. They also offer alcoholic drinks like armagnac, champagne, and whisky.

Reservations are required and must be made at least 24 hours before arrival.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Since Le Relais Des Chartreuses sits on the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountain Range, guests will find plenty of cultural attractions and nature spots to visit. Much of the area is part of the National Nature Reserve of La Massane, covering 336 hectares (830 acres), including a 120-hectare (296-acre) area of one of France's last remaining old-growth beech forests. Hikers are welcome to explore the reserve, though visitors looking for biking trails will have to look elsewhere. Also found up on the Pyrenees is Bellegarde Fort, a 17th-century bastion built the protect the border with Spain. It was captured by the Spanish during the War of the Pyrenees, though later recaptured by the French a year later.

For animal lovers, they can drop by the Turtle Valley, a local zoo in Sorède featuring over 500 turtles and tortoises. Other critters living at the zoo include bearded dragons, armadillos, and meerkats.

The many neighboring communes around Le Relais Des Chartreuses are all worth checking out as well. Argelès-sur-mer is a seaside town known for its sandy beaches and delicious seafood. Collioure is another commune along the Mediterranean, though its famous landmarks include the Château Royal de Collioure. The castle was built in 1207 by the Knights Templar, then later integrated and upgraded into a residential castle for the Kings of Majorca.

Other Celebrations

For travelers looking to celebrate a birthday or anniversary while on holiday at Le Relais Des Chartreuses, you can try getting in touch with their management and try availing some personalized services. The have an outdoor dining area that can be set up with a private table, as well as a garden patio under the boughs of the trees. If they agree, you may also want to inquire if they can refer local musical performers for evening entertainment.