La Côte Saint-Jacques
Elegant French family house with a Relais & Châteaux polish. Contemporary décor softened by residential touches — bow windows, riverside terraces, luxurious materials, and decades of accumulated character. Warm, discreet service without the formality of a grand palace hotel.
The restaurant is closed all day Monday and for lunch on Tuesday — plan your arrival accordingly
Why It Matters
One of France's great multi-generational restaurant-hotel dynasties. The 2 Michelin-star restaurant has been a culinary landmark for decades. The 800 sqm spa won the Relais & Châteaux Best Spa Award. The wine cellar holds 800 references. The library has over 500 cookery books. And Paris is only 70 minutes away by train.
What began as a boarding house founded by Marie Lorain in 1945 has become one of France's most decorated small hotels. Perched on the banks of the Yonne river in Joigny, 90 minutes from Paris, La Côte Saint-Jacques & Spa is a 5-star Relais & Châteaux property with a 2 Michelin-star restaurant. Three generations of the Lorain family have shaped the place, and it shows — the atmosphere is residential, warm, and personal rather than stiff or corporate. In 2023, Jean-Michel Lorain handed the kitchen to his nephew Alexandre Bondoux, who is now putting his own stamp on the menu while respecting the house classics.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Deluxe
Bigger than the Superior, with a proper living area, sofa, and desk. Fits up to 4 guests with an extra bed. Still river-facing, with a terrace or balcony. Good choice for families or anyone who wants to spread out.
King or 2 single beds · 45 sqm
Exceptional Deluxe
For two guests only. The headline feature is a private outdoor spa on the terrace — so you have your own jacuzzi with a river view. No option to add extra guests. Book early if this is why you're coming.
King or 2 single beds · 45 sqmExceptional Suite
The top tier. A 60 sqm suite with a large river-facing terrace and a private spa area. For two guests only. If you're celebrating something and money isn't the constraint, this is the one.
King or 2 single beds · 60 sqmJunior Suite
The sweet spot for a romantic stay. Generous space with either a large terrace or a bow window overlooking the Yonne. Up to 4 guests with an extra bed. The Karine Lorain interior touches are most apparent here.
King or 2 single beds · 55 sqm
Maison de Famille
A separate annex building, not part of the main hotel and without a star rating. More affordable access point to the property. Good for guests who prioritize the restaurant over the hotel trimmings. Separate booking system.
Suite
The largest room in the standard range at 80 sqm. Has large bow windows but no external terrace. Can sleep up to 5 people with extra beds. A solid family suite or for those who value interior space over outdoor access.
King or 2 single beds · 80 sqmSuperior
The entry-level room, but still proper 5-star stuff. River views, bright and spacious, with a private terrace or balcony. Comfortable for two — don't expect extra space for luggage and wardrobe acrobatics if you pack heavy.
King or 2 single beds · 35 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Small-group wine tasting evenings hosted by the winemaker themselves — cellar masters, owners, or vignerons — together with head sommelier Thomas Noble. The tasting leads into a dinner prepared by chefs Jean-Michel Lorain and Alexandre Bondoux, with dishes matched to the estate's wines. One of the most special experiences the hotel offers.
The hotel has its own boat for leisurely rides on the Yonne river directly from the property.
A dedicated children's game room stocked with toys, stuffed animals, rocking horses, and game consoles. Designed so parents can dine or spa without guilt. Babysitting service also available.
Hands-on cooking lessons with the La Côte Saint-Jacques brigade. You learn the principles of today's Burgundian haute cuisine in a convivial kitchen setting. Available as a standalone experience or as part of a hotel package.
Partner-operated classic car touring in a 2-seater Morgan cabriolet. Can be paired with an all-inclusive stay including wine tastings, cultural visits, and country lunches with a guide. Contact Bourgogne Aventure directly at contact@bourgogne-aventure.com or +33 6 37 59 06 69.
800 sqm spa with indoor heated pool (6x12m), hammam with starry sky, sauna, large bubble bath, treatment cabins, and private VIP/tropical lounges.
Personal guided tours of the hotel's cellars with the sommelier team, who can introduce you to Burgundy and Chablis wines on home turf, with 800 references to choose from.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
On-site meeting and seminar facilities for private events and business gatherings.
Winter lounge with a fireplace and a collection of over 500 cookery books.
A chef's private dining room with views directly into the kitchen, bookable for exclusive experiences.
A bar stocked with an exceptional collection of old Armagnacs alongside the wine program.
A French formal garden with flowers, topiaries, and a contemporary green wall. The riverside terrace overlooks the Yonne.
Pets welcome at no extra charge.
A 6m x 12m indoor heated pool open year-round, with a garden view overlooking the Yonne river.
On-site shop selling homemade foie gras, jams, and other house-produced goods.
Two paid EV charging stations: one Tesla-compatible and one for all electric vehicles.
Free private car park on-site.
Complimentary shuttle service from Joigny SNCF train station to the hotel.
The hotel's own wine cellar storing all 800 wine references, plus a collection of old Armagnacs. Sommelier-guided visits available.
BUILD YOUR LA CÔTE SAINT-JACQUES PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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