France: 3 new prestigious locations for MGallery

With a target of 150 locations by 2015 and a network of 45 hotels around the world, the MGallery collection is continuing its development in France in the heart of the Bordeaux wine-producing region or even right in the centre of a medieval city. The Hôtel de la Cité, a privileged encounter with history in the heart of the medieval fortress of Carcassonne Located at La Place Auguste Pierre Pont in the heart of the medieval citadel of Carcassonne, the Hôtel de la Cité became part of the MGallery collection on September 15, 2011. Constructed in 1906 with 6 bedrooms, it was the only hotel inside the ramparts of this exceptional place that has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.  Built on the site of the former Episcopal palace, the hotel now has 61 bedrooms, including 21 suites, with a magnificent view of the lower town where the Bastide Saint Louis, the rampart wall and the Château Comtal can be found. Surrounded by Saint Nazaire and Saint Celse Basilica, this hotel is also a top spot for local gastronomy in the Aude departément. “La Barbacane”, the starred restaurant, welcomes its guests in a dining room adorned with the crests of the most important families in the Languedoc and offers a menu created by a top starred chef. The gardens contain varied species of hundred year-old trees and the pool area is surrounded by greenery at the foot of the west facade of the imposing Saint Nazaire Basilica which combines Roman and Gothic art. The Hôtel Burdigala, contemporary refinement in the heart of Bordeaux, the capital of wine The Hôtel Burdigala opened for business in May 1988, close to the vineyards which established the reputation of Bordeaux, the capital of the Aquitaine region. Its porch, made of white stone from Frontenac, is inspired by the architecture of the 18th century thanks to its designer from “Bâtiments de France” (the French Heritage Authority) who wished to use this cut stone to restore a traditional appearance in contrast with the modernity of the Mériadeck district. Satiny curtains, padded headboards and soft cushions and pillows give the 71 bedrooms and 12 suites a cosy feel. Thanks to its gourmet restaurant, an intimate bar and several meeting rooms, the Burdigala represents complete comfort in a warm and family-friendly atmosphere for its guests. The Hôtel Parc Beaumont, the other Pyrenean balcony The hotel, built in 2004, is located on the edge of the Parc Beaumont, not far from Pau’s city centre and the Henri IV château. It has 80 bedrooms and suites designed by the Camborde-Lamaison architectural firm, which drew its inspiration from the old glass roof in the Winter Palace. With its concave shape, the hotel blends in perfectly with the park’s paths. The Chef, José Aniceto, gives pride of place to local and seasonal produce. The “Jeu de Paume” restaurant therefore features salmon from Casteit, duck from Biraben and Ossau Iraty sheep’s milk cheese, offering its customers genuine flavours in a unique environment. In addition, top Bordeaux wines, fruity Jurançons or Loire wines appear together on the wine list. With their large bay windows overlooking the park, the meeting rooms are light and comfortable and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. The hotel also has a spa with a heated pool, a sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi and beauty salon. An essence of green tea wafts through the spa, the bedrooms and the corridors.