Highly popular among locals, the Chartrons district, in Bordeaux, also has serious assets to attract tourists. Those seeking a refined and sophisticated experience can, for instance, step through the doors of the Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes hotel, a 5-star establishment that also houses an elegant restaurant and a stunning spa.
A historical building in the heart of Bordeaux
At the heart of the Chartrons district, the Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes stands out in the landscape with as much discretion as presence. Built in 1871, the original building was used as a wine warehouse for trade, reflecting Bordeaux’s intense commercial activity with the United Kingdom at that time. Designed by architect Charles Brun, the building adopts a remarkable neo-Gothic style, whose adorned facade has withstood the test of time.
Yet, history has not been kind to this building! In 1966, a fire ravaged the premises…as well as part of the fine wines stored in the 22 vaulted cellars. It then went through several lives before being bought by the Pichet family and reborn under the aegis of Philippe Starck and the architect Jean-François Le Gal.
The two men worked on transforming the building, thrusting it into modernity while preserving the historical essence of the place. It is here that the 5-star Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes hotel opened in 2023, conceived as a place of life and experiences. The harmony between the past and the future is palpable, each architectural detail echoing a rich history while subscribing to a contemporary and refined approach. As soon as one walks through the entrance door, the charm takes effect…
A decoration signed Philippe Starck
Philippe Starck, in renovating the interior of the Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes, managed to create a setting where every decorative element tells a story. The 97 rooms and suites, designed as havens of tranquility and luxury, make use of rich materials and enveloping textures. Fabrics such as boiled wool, leather, and wood give each room a lasting sense of comfort. The lighting, carefully chosen, completes the mood with soft shades that highlight the clean lines and organic shapes that predominate.
The spa also extends this protective atmosphere, like a cocoon. Designed as a wellness sanctuary, it houses a stunning 45m² swimming pool under a warm wooden ceiling, as well as an infrared sauna and a hammam. To perfect the experience (one senses that the word is important in the communication), the establishment offers a program of holistic treatments from the French brand Codage, selected for its high quality products. Ideal for disconnecting and escaping for a long time…
The first European restaurant of Japanese chef Masaharu Morimoto
Sleep well, relax… but also eat well, of course! A stay at the Mondrian Les Carmes hotel certainly invites you to escape, since the restaurant (with 180 seats) is the first European address of the Japanese chef Masaharu Morimoto.
Born in Hiroshima, this world-renowned chef brings to Bordeaux a culinary vision that marries Japanese aesthetics with French gastronomy. The Morimoto restaurant offers a menu that sparks a dialogue between the culinary traditions of the two cultures.
In a setting “that unfolds like a magnificent theatre dotted with Bordeaux’s red brick columns”, visitors can enjoy classic Japanese dishes such as sushi and sashimi, as well as original creations that incorporate local ingredients, such as oysters from the Arcachon basin. The Peking duck, another emblematic dish of chef Morimoto, will delight the taste buds of the most gourmet among you. And what about the selection of cocktails, great wines and fine sakes offered by the bar?
On beautiful days, a tree-lined terrace of 200m² can also accommodate 70 covers in an atmosphere that is both intimate and refined. And for those who would want to take the experience even further, Philippe Starck has imagined a space designed as a nod to the confidentiality necessary for trade affairs. Sheltered from view, thanks to Japanese panels, 8 guests can sit at a secret gourmet table and enjoy a food-wine/sake pairing concocted by Chef Morimoto.
The Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes achieves the feat of combining respect for heritage with a modern vision of luxury. Less an enthusiastic exclamation than an affirmation of style and history, this 5-star hotel is aimed at those who seek to deepen their experience of Bordeaux in a setting that respects the past while celebrating innovation and contemporary luxury. A stay here promises more than just a night in a hotel; it offers immersion in a story that spans centuries, tailored for those who aspire to understand and live the cultural and historical richness of this iconic city.
🛏️ Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes, 81 Cr du Médoc, 33300 Bordeaux
From 347€ per night in a double room
©️ Photos Mathilde Ranchon and Gaëlle Le Boulicaut