Unveiled just a little over a year ago, Villas Foch is a sophisticated 19th-century stone edifice situated in the prestigious Golden Triangle of Bordeaux, a posh neighborhood just a ten-minute stroll from the city center.
Comprising 20 rooms, which include eight lavish suites, a wine bar, and an atrium overlooking a serene inner courtyard with lush trees, the property is located a stone’s throw away from the majestic Place des Quinconces. The square boasts an elaborate 54-meter-tall Monument aux Girondins, featuring a fountain adorned with bronze horses and troops, topped by a statue symbolizing the spirit of liberty.
Named after Ferdinand Foch, who served as the Supreme Allied Commander during World War I, this luxurious establishment is overseen by the amiable Médéric Demelle, who also happens to be a talented actor. The property comprises two historic villas seamlessly connected. The interior boasts a blend of pristine marble flooring in the ground-floor reception area, juxtaposed with aged stone walls, cornices, contemporary decor, and a floor-to-ceiling bookcase filled with works by renowned authors like Hemingway, Molière, and Balzac.
Villas Foch is described by Demelle as a unique blend of an Anglo-Saxon guest house and a luxury hotel, making it the first boutique hotel of its kind in Bordeaux.
The reception area exuded a welcoming ambiance with the fragrance of fresh lilies, plush leather sofas, and refreshing glasses of water upon our arrival at the hotel from Bordeaux train station after a trip on the TGV from Paris.
Designed by the esteemed Bordeaux architect Joseph-Adolphe Thiac, who also crafted the city’s cathedral and Palais des Justice, the building effortlessly combines classic, ancient, and modern design elements.
Our suite, room 307, offered a charming view of ochre rooftops. It featured a spacious living room with a comfortable sofa, a large wall-mounted TV, a writing desk, and a cozy armchair. The bathroom was well-appointed with separate toilet facilities, a luxurious bath, and shower with Hermes toiletries. The airy bedroom boasted a Queen-size bed, a second wall-mounted TV, bedside tables, and reading lights, illuminated by ample natural light through large windows with wooden shutters.
Client comfort is paramount at Villas Foch, with a selection of three pillow types – fluffy, memory foam, and feather – along with silk and linen pillowcases. Guests were welcomed with delicious canelé pastries, a traditional Bordeaux treat, in their rooms.
For added relaxation and recreation, the basement houses a gym under a vaulted stone arch, alongside a sauna and a swimming pool.
The hotel’s bar, Le Ferdinand, offers a serene ambience with street views and outdoor seating. With a menu featuring 26 unique cocktails, some named after the bartender’s friends, guests can enjoy original concoctions such as the ‘Vieux Carré’ and ‘Le Elisabeth.’
The breakfast spread at Villas Foch may seem modest at first glance but features an array of options including jams, dried fruits, nuts, cheeses, and freshly baked goods like croissants and banana with chocolate bread.
Boasting comfortable accommodations, captivating decor, and proximity to Bordeaux’s key attractions, Villas Foch is a destination worth exploring.
Image Source: Just Luxe
