PARIS — Relais & Châteaux recently celebrated its 70th anniversary on May 12. In 1954, the Relais de Campagne was born and eight properties located between Paris and Nice united under the slogan La Route du Bonheur (The Road to Hapiness).
Starting in 1960, Relais de Campagne expanded outside of France with its first European properties. In 1974, Relais de Campagne merged with Châteaux Hôtels to become Relais & Châteaux. That same year, the association created Relais Gourmands to highlight gastronomy within its properties.
In 1975, Relais & Châteaux welcomed its first properties in the U.S., Canada and Japan. By 1992, the company expanded its global footprint to 40 countries.
In 2014, the company presented its vision with 20 commitments at UNESCO, pledging to preserve the world’s cuisines, share its passion for beauty and taste and promote a more humane world.
Fast forward to 2024, the association, presided by Laurent Gardinier, gathers 580 unique properties throughout the world, owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs.
Relais & Châteaux also brings together a network of the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world with 376 Michelin Stars, including 40 Green Stars.
