This magnificent Carthusian monastery on the outskirts of Bordeaux is one of the finest 5* hotels of recent years, combining period architecture, stonework and symmetry, with modern comforts befitting a demanding clientele. Its table does well without going astray, neither overdoing it nor taking the easy way out, notably in a €68 menu perfectly in its segment, with crab in pointed cabbage remoulade, curry and coconut zephyr, pan-fried chanterelle mushrooms and pickles, fresh hazelnuts and jus sliced with old sherry vinegar, matured beef, burnt eggplant caviar, beef jus with anchovy garum, a dessert of roasted figs, creamy fennel and fig leaf ice cream.