Hotel in Pessac-Léognan, Gironde, Nouvelle Aquitaine, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Les Sources de Caudalie
An extraordinary wine spa resort amid the Grand Cru Classé Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards in Pessac-Léognan, south of Bordeaux. The hotel invented Vinotherapy—treatments using wine extracts—and the Spa has become world-famous. Four restaurants, including Le Grand'Vigne with two Michelin stars, complete this unique destination.
Les Sources de Caudalie is an extraordinary wine-themed luxury resort nestled within the Grand Cru Classé vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte in Pessac-Léognan, approximately 20 kilometres south of central Bordeaux in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The estate sits within the appellation that produces some of the finest red and white wines in France, and the resort's distinctive identity is inseparable from the vine-covered landscape surrounding it.
The hotel was founded by the Cathiard family — proprietors of Château Smith Haut Lafitte — and is credited with inventing Vinotherapy: a range of wellness treatments using polyphenols, tannins, and extracts derived from grape seeds and vine shoots, which form the basis of the internationally recognised Caudalie cosmetics line. The Vinothérapie Spa is the resort's centrepiece, offering heated pools, hammam, sauna, and over 40 signature treatments drawing on the biochemistry of wine production. The spa is ranked among the finest in Europe and has earned numerous international accolades.
Accommodation is arranged across four distinct building types set within the vineyard estate, ranging from village-style gîte rooms to romantic suites in the Auberge and Loge buildings, all decorated with warm, natural materials evoking Bordeaux's viticultural heritage. The resort holds the designation of being the only Palace-rated hotel in Bordeaux and the first eco-labelled Palace hotel in France.
Dining is exceptional: Le Grand'Vigne, the resort's flagship restaurant, holds two Michelin stars and showcases the finest seasonal produce of Nouvelle-Aquitaine alongside a wine list curated from the estate and from the region's greatest appellations. Le Grand'Vigne is complemented by La Table du Lavoir bistro and two bar settings for more casual dining.
Guests can tour the active winemaking cellars of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, participate in blending workshops, or stroll the estate's vineyard paths before returning to the spa for a Barrel Bath treatment. The resort functions as a complete destination in its own right.
Amenities
- vinotherapy-spa
- pool
- michelin-restaurant
- wifi
- bar
- vineyard
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
Chemin de Smith Haut Lafitte, 33650 Martillac
44.7253, -0.5789 — View on map
Highlights
- World-famous Vinothérapie Spa, the inventor of wine-based beauty treatments using grape seed polyphenols
- Two-Michelin-starred Le Grand'Vigne restaurant celebrating the seasonal produce of Nouvelle-Aquitaine
- Set within the Grand Cru Classé Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyard, holding Palace status
- First eco-labelled Palace hotel in France, certified for environmental sustainability
- Active château winemaking cellars and signature Barrel Bath treatments connect guests to wine production
Tips
- Book the Barrel Bath Vinotherapy treatment at the spa — it is the property's signature experience and a genuine novelty unavailable anywhere else in the world.
- The resort is approximately 20 minutes from Bordeaux city by car; the hotel provides transfers, making it practical as a base for urban and vineyard exploration.
- Weekday lunch at La Table du Lavoir is a more affordable way to experience the quality of the resort's kitchen without the full commitment of dinner at Le Grand'Vigne.
- Cellar visits to Château Smith Haut Lafitte include tastings of the estate's own red and white wines — reserve at check-in as tour slots are limited.
FAQ
What is Vinotherapy and where was it invented?
Vinotherapy is a wellness discipline using the antioxidant-rich byproducts of wine production — grape seeds, vine shoots, and red wine polyphenols — in spa treatments. It was invented at Les Sources de Caudalie in 1999 by the Cathiard family in collaboration with scientists from the University of Pharmacy of Bordeaux.
Is Les Sources de Caudalie open year-round?
The resort operates year-round. Autumn is particularly atmospheric as the estate enters harvest season, while spring offers blooming vines and pleasant temperatures ideal for exploring the Pessac-Léognan appellation.
Can visitors tour Château Smith Haut Lafitte without staying at the hotel?
Cellar visits to the château are available to non-guests on a scheduled basis. However, full use of the spa and resort dining requires a hotel reservation or spa day booking.
How far is the resort from central Bordeaux?
The resort is in Martillac, approximately 20 kilometres south of central Bordeaux, a journey of around 25 minutes by car or private transfer. The hotel concierge can arrange transfers to and from the city.
Accessibility
The resort is spread across a vineyard estate with outdoor pathways between buildings. Some areas involve cobblestones and uneven terrain typical of a working vineyard. The spa and main restaurant buildings have step-free access, and adapted rooms are available. Guests with mobility requirements are encouraged to contact the resort in advance to discuss room placement and pathway accessibility.
When to visit
Autumn (September–October) is the most memorable time with the harvest underway in the surrounding vineyards. Spring (April–May) offers mild weather, blooming vines, and quieter spa availability.