The enchanting Villas Foch, which debuted slightly over a year ago, is a sophisticated 19th-century edifice crafted from stone nestled in the opulent Golden Triangle of Bordeaux. This prestigious locale is situated within a leisurely ten-minute stroll of the bustling downtown area of the city.
This exquisite establishment boasts 20 accommodations, including eight luxurious suites, a refined wine bar, and a central atrium that overlooks a serene inner courtyard adorned with lush trees. It is positioned just a stone’s throw away from the captivating Place des Quinconces, where the magnificent Monument aux Girondins stands prominently at 54 meters tall. This monument is adorned with ornate bronze horses, troops, and a statue symbolizing the spirit of freedom.
Named in honor of Ferdinand Foch, the distinguished Supreme Allied Commander during the First World War, this sophisticated sanctuary is overseen by the amiable Médéric Demelle, who also showcases his talent as a fine actor. The property comprises two historic villas seamlessly merged together. Within the premises, visitors are greeted by a harmonious blend of gleaming marble on the ground floor, traditional exposed stone walls, decorative moldings, and modern furnishings, which include a floor-to-ceiling bookcase housing literary works by esteemed authors such as Ernest Hemingway, Molière, and Balzac. A grand staircase and an elegant chandelier contribute to the regal ambiance of this esteemed 5-star hotel.
Demelle describes Villas Foch as “an Anglo-Saxon concept that falls between a boutique hotel and a luxurious guesthouse, marking it as Bordeaux’s premier boutique accommodation.”
Upon arrival at the hotel from Bordeaux’s central train station, a tranquil ambiance filled with the fragrant aroma of fresh lilies, plush leather sofas, and refreshing glasses of water provided a warm welcome. The addition of Peruvian lilies adorning the breakfast tables enhanced the overall delightful atmosphere.
Relaxing in the expansive reception area felt like immersing oneself in a mosaic of classical, ancient, and contemporary design elements. The architectural brilliance behind this edifice can be attributed to the renowned Bordeaux architect Joseph-Adolphe Thiac, who also created the city’s cathedral and the Palais des Justice.
Our accommodation, suite 307, one of the twenty charming rooms within this boutique residence, or hôtel particulier as termed in France, faced a picturesque set of ochre-colored rooftops. The suite featured a cozy living room adorned with a plush gray sofa, a sizable wall-mounted TV, a writing desk, and elegant seating options. The attached bathroom boasted a separate toilet, a luxurious built-in bath, and a rejuvenating shower. Guests are pampered with luxurious Hermes toiletries. The spacious bedroom, adorned with high ceilings, housed a sumptuous Queen-size bed, a second wall-mounted TV, bedside tables, and atmospheric reading lamps. A large window with wooden shutters allowed abundant natural light to fill the room, extending this luminous ambiance to the living space.
Médéric’s attentiveness to guest comfort is evident through the provision of three distinct pillow options—fluffy, memory foam, and feather—along with a choice between silk and linen pillowcases.
A welcoming assortment of Bordeaux’s quintessential delicacy, the ‘canelé,’ greeted us on a small table in our room.
The lower level of Villas Foch features a gym nestled beneath a vaulted stone arch, accompanied by a sauna and an inviting swimming pool.
The aptly named bar, Le Ferdinand, offers a tranquil setting with delightful street views for guests to savor their drinks in alfresco style. The bar menu showcases a diverse array of 26 unique cocktails, some bearing titles in homage to the bartender’s acquaintances, such as Le Emma, Le Marc, Le Patrick, and Le Margot.
One evening, I indulged in a 1932 French libation titled ‘Vieux Carré’ (Old Square), a concoction crafted by Walter Bergeron, a bartender at New Orleans’ Carousel Bar in Hotel Monteleone. This delightful concoction features Cognac, rye whiskey, red Martini, Benedictine, and a blend of angostura and Peychaud bitters. Meanwhile, my companion selected Le Elisabeth, a creation by resident mixologist Melvine Meunier during his tenure in London to honor the Jubilee of the late British Queen Elizabeth. This exquisite creation comprises gin, black cherry jam, white tea, Timur berries cordial, lime juice, and frothy egg-white.
The breakfast selection at Villas Foch appears modest at first glance due to its efficient use of space, but it impresses with its diverse offerings. Guests can delight in eight varieties of jams, including a fusion of rhubarb with tonka beans, as well as eleven assorted bowls brimming with dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. The spread also includes an assortment of fresh fruits, ranging from bananas and strawberries to blackberries, apricots, melons, blueberries, and passion fruit. Additionally, the menu features traditional delights such as scrambled eggs, salmon, cheeses, cooked tomatoes, spinach, assorted bread including banana-infused chocolate bread, and, of course, the quintessential croissant.
Charming accommodations, exquisite decor, and proximity to Bordeaux’s prime attractions establish Villas Foch as a top-tier destination deserving of esteemed consideration.
Image Source: Just Luxe
