Rather castle in the vineyards, Provençal bastide, arty rooftop or trip to Marrakech? At a few hours from the capital (or totally without leaving it), here are the most stylish addresses to escape the traffic jams of the ring road and treat yourself to a few days in slow life mode during the long weekends of May 2025.
Wine tourism getaway at Château Léognan
3h30 by train, and hop, we land in a pretty vineyard in the South of Bordeaux to enjoy a weekend in the great outdoors during the long weekends of May. On a 28-hectare estate, Château Léognan is located on the wine route, at 20 minutes from the Girondine capital. Planted in a setting of vineyards and forests, it mixes wine tourism, gastronomy and slow life. Three options for a dream night: a room at the castle, a wooden lodge or a treehouse. As a bonus: a great gastro with a panoramic terrace view and a spa (upon reservation) to chill OKLM.
You will love:
- Sleeping like a princess in the room located in the turret or in a lodge hidden in the vegetation. Rapunzel or Pocahontas vibes, your choice.
- Sipping an exclusive grand cru: the production is ultra-confidential, with only 6 hectares.
- Enjoying the countryside life: cycling in the vineyards, tennis with girlfriends, walks in the fresh air... The perfect combo for a weekend where we slow down, but not the drinking.
La Bastide de Marie: chic, rosé and farniente in Provence
Do you swear only by the South? Head to Ménerbes, one of the most beautiful villages of Luberon, where this charming boutique hotel that smells of Provence is hidden. A romantic alley leads to a bastide covered with lavender blue shutters. The brief? An 18th-century farm restored with taste by the high priestess of chic hospitality, Jocelyne Sibuet. La Bastide de Marie, it's kind of the Fermes de Marie of Megève transposed to Provence: a chic and relaxed atmosphere, and a family spirit. The rooms, full of character, mix Provençal style and contemporary touches, with four-poster beds and vineyard views. Two stone pools to cool off, a Pure Altitude spa and rosé aperitifs at sunset: that’s the plan for the day.
You will love:
- The 100% Provence atmosphere: 57 hectares of vineyards and gardens lulled by the song of cicadas.
- Sleeping in a dream bastide, between authenticity and elegance.
- Playing the wine experts by tasting the cuvées of Domaine de Marie, the house vineyard.
Les Deux Tours: the best-kept secret of Marrakech
Marrakech in May? Very good idea. Less than three hours of flight, the change of scenery is guaranteed, and without jetlag. It’s warm enough to enjoy the pools and terraces, but without the summer furnace. We found the perfect oasis for a rejuvenating stay: this boutique hotel hidden in the Palmeraie offering villas with sculpted ceilings, lush gardens and a hushed atmosphere. A decor mixing Arab-Andalusian style and 1920s influences, housing 41 rooms and suites, including four with private pool, nestled in a green setting where majestic peacocks, turtles and Yoshi, the resident cat, roam freely. Further away, a farm, a vegetable garden and an aromatic garden add a bucolic touch. That changes from the Marais!
You will love:
- A shot of sun before summer: between 25 and 30°C during the day, a cloudless sky and mild evenings.
- A spa and hammam to relax after a day in the sun.
- Three heated pools because one is not enough.
SO/Paris: the five-star city-break without leaving the city
Why go far when Paris hides the perfect gem to enjoy the long weekends of May without the hassle of crowded trains and airports? Between the Marais and Île Saint-Louis, SO/Paris checks all the boxes for a stylish getaway without ruining its carbon footprint: pool, Codage spa, breathtaking view and 162 rooms and suites offering panoramas of the Seine. The decor? Vibrant colors, designer furniture and luxurious materials. In short, everything to feel upgraded in one’s own city. At night, we head to Bonnie, the rooftop restaurant, where we savor a cocktail with a 360° panorama of the capital.
You will love:
- Mythical views: Panthéon, Sacré-Cœur, Eiffel Tower… Paris in postcard version.
- The arty vibe: Sleek design, art pieces… every detail is stunning.
- Bonnie, the rooftop by Paris Society to end the night in style.
A weekend at Château de Rochecotte like a true aristocrat
Heading to Touraine for a spring break between luxury and French dolce vita, ideal for visiting the châteaux of the Loire. Here, we forget Paris to dive into a romantic setting. A baroque château, perfectly manicured gardens, lush nature… Welcome to the former residence of the Duchess of Dino, queen of networking before her time, confidante of Talleyrand and host of ultra-select dinners where Balzac, Hugo and the brightest minds of the 19th century crossed paths. Today? The elegance remains intact, the grandeur reimagined. We step into rooms of absolute refinement, with precious tapestries and period furniture. We stroll through fragrant alleys before hopping on a bike for a ride through the vineyards. In the evening, the gourmet restaurant delights with a menu inspired by fresh products from the estate’s vegetable garden.
You will love:
- The aristocratic atmosphere that floats through every lounge.
- Sleeping like a queen in a room of timeless elegance.
- Chilling in the heated pool surrounded by greenery.
