Alfred's Circle

Built in the 17th century by Fouquet, the Superintendent of King Louis XIV, Vaux-le-Vicomte castle can be considered the most beautiful private castle in France ! In 1875, Alfred Sommier purchased the estate and brilliantly restored the castle and its gardens. The torch has now been passed to Jean-Charles, Alexandre, and Ascanio de Vogüé, cousins of Richard de Warren, owner of the Alfred Sommier Hotel.

ACCESS :

By car : 1 hour and 15 minutes from the hotel.

By train : Take the R line from Paris Gare de Lyon to Melun station (direct train with the R line – 25 minutes), then take a dedicated shuttle or a taxi.

ACTIVITIES :

Candlelit Evenings : Every Saturday night from April to October, the castle is illuminated by thousands of candles for a magical experience. A refined romantic dinner, water games in the ponds, a champagne bar, and fireworks complete this delightful evening out of time.

OPENING HOURS :

From March 16 to November 3, 2024, the estate will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Le Lude Castle, located at the crossroads of Anjou, Maine, and Touraine, is one of the last grand castles of the Loire Valley. Owned by the Nicolaÿ family, cousins of Richard de Warren, the castle is renowned for its imposing towers, moats, and defensive spur. Transformed during the Renaissance by Italian artists, it beautifully blends Italian and French Renaissance elegance from the 17th century. Its gardens, designated a "Remarkable Garden," add a touch of exceptional charm.

ACCESS :

By car : 2h30 drive from the hotel.

By train : From Paris Montparnasse Station to Château-du-Loir Station (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes). From Château-du-Loir, the castle du Lude is around 20 km away (20 minutes by car).

ACTIVITIES :

Escape Game : The former outbuildings are transformed into intriguing scenarios. Face captivating puzzles and challenges in a historical setting.

Castle Tour : Enjoy guided tours that reveal the fascinating history and stunning interiors of the castle.

“VIP" Tour : Private access to historic rooms, attics, and the cellar, accompanied by the owner for small groups of 2 to 10 people, followed by a drink.

Garden Festival : Join a special celebration in the gardens on the first weekend of June.

OPENING HOURS :

For schedule details, please visit : https://www.lelude.com/horaires-et-tarifs/

The Tocqueville Castle was the property of the historian Alexis de Tocqueville, author of the famous work "Democracy in America." Its current owner and descendant is a long-time relative and friend of Richard de Warren. A jewel shaped from the 16th to the 19th centuries, it is located in Normandy in the Cotentin region. Explore its imposing towers, enchanting gardens, and richly decorated interiors for a complete immersion into France's glorious past.

ACCESS :

By car : 4 hours from the hotel.

By train : From Paris Gare Saint-Lazare to either Cherbourg station or Valognes station (approximately 3 hours of travel). The Tocqueville Castle is about 25 km from both Cherbourg and Valognes.

SITES AND ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA :

D-Day Beaches : Visit Omaha Beach and Utah Beach, iconic sites of World War II.

Mont-Saint-Michel : An iconic site in Normandy, featuring its perched abbey.

American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer : An impressive and poignant site honoring the soldiers of the D-Day landings.

Oysters from Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue : A must-try culinary specialty of the region.

ACCOMMODATION :

It is possible to rent the south wing of the castle, which consists of 4 floors, each 100 square meters, and includes five double rooms with their own private bathrooms.

In Reims, Rare Champagne, partner of the Hôtel Alfred Sommier, with whom we have collaborated on an exhibition of the work RISE by artist Arnaud Lapierre, invites you to enjoy an exclusive Champagne experience.

Rare Champagne invites you to the Résidence Eisenhower, a former private mansion that was home to General Dwight Eisenhower at the end of the Second World War. Located in the heart of the city of Reims, the Residence offers a refined setting combining history and French refinement. Just a few steps from the cathedral, the setting for the coronations of the kings of France, it is the ideal starting point for a visit to the Rare Champagne House.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT RESIDENCE EISENHOWER

Make a reservation request via the website: https://www.residence-eisenhower.com/

ACTIVITIES

Guided tour of the cellars and tasting:

Discover the cellars and the secrets behind the making of Rare Champagne. This tour will be followed by a tasting of 2 exceptional cuvées from the House.

Price: €250 for a group of 2 to 6 people

The Bregançon Cru Classé Castle is a prestigious organic wine estate. Perched on a promontory overlooking the Mediterranean in Bormes-les-Mimosas, the castle offers breathtaking views of the sea and is surrounded by lush vineyards and gardens. Discover the rich history of this iconic location while savoring its exceptional organic wines through guided tours of the vineyard and wine cellars. Both Alfred Sommier Hotel and Brégançon Cru Classé castle share a legacy of family history.

ACCESS :

By train : From Paris Gare de Lyon to Toulon Station (approximately 4 hours). From Toulon, the castle is a 1-hour drive.

By plane : From Paris-Orly or Charles de Gaulle Airport to Toulon-Hyères Airport (about 1 hour and 30 minutes flight). From Toulon-Hyères Airport, the castle is a 45-minute drive.

ACTIVITIES :

Guided Tours : Walk through the vineyards, learn about production regulations, and visit the wine cellar to discover the winemaking process, from harvest to bottling, and the barrel cellar.

Wine Tasting : Learn about grape varieties, the terroir, and the winemaking and aging methods.

OPENING HOURS :

Monday to Saturday from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

The Ainay-le-Vieil Castle, dating back to the 13th century and once owned by Jacques Cœur, is a crucial medieval fortress from the Hundred Years' War. The lords of Bigny made it their residence starting in 1467. Arielle and Hervé Borne, representing the 26th generation of owners since 2018, are restoring this Historical Monument with the support of the Ministry of Culture. They are developing the tourism business with a restaurant, a boutique, guest rooms, and cottages. They are loyal guests of the Alfred Sommier Hotel and friends of Richard de Warren.

ACCESS :

By car : 3 hours and 30 minutes from the hotel.

By train : From Paris Montparnasse or Paris Austerlitz stations to Bourges station (approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes of travel). The castle is about 45 km from Bourges.

SITES AND ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA :

Sancerre Vineyard : Explore the Sancerre vineyard, renowned for its internationally acclaimed white and red wines.

Bourges : Visit the majestic Bourges Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the Jacques Cœur Palace and the Bourges marsh gardens.

Jacques Cœur Route : Discover various historical sites along the Jacques Cœur Route by visiting www.route-jacques-cœur.com.

ACCOMMODATION :

Five guest rooms within the chateau itself and four cottages in the outbuildings. Open year-round with free access to the park and gardens.

The Manor of Zoaques, located near Yainville just 1.5 hours from Paris, was the summer residence of Sacha Guitry. This 19th-century Anglo-Norman castle, surrounded by a grove of fir trees, is elegantly decorated. Its garden, designed by Claude Monet, is home to numerous rhododendrons and roses. In addition to Monet, the manor has welcomed iconic figures from the arts and literature, such as Cocteau and Colette, as well as King Olaf V of Norway. The 20-hectare estate, nestled in a bend of the Seine, offers a swimming pool, sauna, gym, and tennis court. The owners are loyal guests of the Alfred Sommier Hotel and friends of Richard de Warren.

ACCESS :

By car : 2 hours from the hotel.

By train : From Paris Gare Saint-Lazare to Rouen station (approximately 1.5 hours on a direct train). The manor is about 20 km from Rouen, or a 20-minute drive.

Helicopter : Landing at the manor is possible.

ACTIVITIES :

Guided tour: Discover the Manoir des Zoaques and its gardens designed by Claude Monet on an exclusive guided tour. Immerse yourself in the history of this exceptional place, former summer residence of Sacha Guitry, and learn more about the emblematic figures who have frequented it.

Lunch: Enjoy a lunch featuring local and seasonal produce.

Dinner by the owners: Enjoy a unique evening with the owners of the Manoir, loyal friends of the Hôtel Alfred Sommier, who will treat you to a dinner in a warm and elegant atmosphere.

A day in the countryside: Take advantage of the opportunity to immerse yourself in the 20 hectares of the estate, nestling in a loop of the Seine. The programme includes walks on the surrounding paths, relaxing by the pool or playing a game of tennis.

SITES AND ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA :

Jumièges Abbey : Located in the neighboring village (2 km away).

Honfleur, Deauville, Giverny, Étretat, Rouen, Abbey of St. Wandrille.

D-Day Beaches : The famous historical beaches of World War II.

Christofle Factory : 1 km away.

The manor's location is ideal, close to the Normandy Abbey Trail, with hiking paths accessible right outside the estate.

ACCOMMODATION :

The property is always rented in its entirety to a single family. You have the entire chateau at your disposal for up to 21 people, featuring eight bedrooms, a park with a swimming pool, and a tennis court.

The Royal and Military College of Thiron-Gardais in the Perche region, founded in 1630, is a remarkable historical monument, passionately restored by Stéphane Bern, a well-known presenter of historical programs on radio and television. Thanks to him, the College offers a fascinating journey through history, combining architectural heritage with an educational experience. His passion for history has led him to choose the Alfred Sommier Hotel for his stays in Paris, and he has become its ambassador.

ACCESS :

By car : 1 hour and 45 minutes from the hotel.

By train : From Paris Montparnasse to Chartres station (approximately 1 hour of travel). The Royal College is about 40 km from Chartres (45 minutes by car).

ACTIVITIES :

Lunch or Dinner with Stéphane Bern : Share an intimate meal with Stéphane Bern in his private residence, followed by an exclusive guided tour of the Royal Military College. On request, available all year round.

Cultural Events : Take part in cultural events organised throughout the year.

OPENING HOURS :

Open every day, Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM / Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Classified as a Historical Monument, the castle de Colombières, built near the D-Day Landing beaches, is one of the major medieval fortresses in Lower Normandy. Nicknamed the "Watchtower of the Marshes" for its strategic location, the castle is now open for visits and also offers suites and rooms, providing a unique experience near the D-Day Landing beaches and Mont-Saint-Michel. The owners are cousins of Richard de Warren.

ACCESS :

By car : 3 hours and 10 minutes from the hotel.

By train : From Paris Gare Saint-Lazare to Bayeux station (approximately 2 hours of travel). From Bayeux, the castle de Colombieres is about 20 km away.

SITES ET ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA :

D-Day Beaches : Visit the famous World War II beaches, such as Omaha Beach and Utah Beach, located just a few kilometers away.

Bayeux : Explore the Bayeux Tapestry, a medieval masterpiece depicting the conquest of England by William the Conqueror.

VISIT :

Count Etienne de Maupeou and his children warmly invite you to discover the enchanting and refined charm of their prestigious medieval residence.