Once upon a time... Le Saint-James

In the 18th century, a longère was built, formerly known as Le Domaine des Marguerites. This 4-hectare private estate, like many others at the time and in the region, was dedicated to viticulture.

In the 1930s, the story of this place took a new turn. Hauterive, a fashionable bar, moved in and quickly became a popular meeting spot for the local elite. Discreet and intimate, it offered a haven for visitors from Bordeaux seeking a momentary escape—where time could stretch over a glass of Champagne. People came to laugh, to dance, and to lose themselves, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

To echo Hauterive and its conviviality and gatherings, a restaurant was built on the property in 1955.

In 1982, Bordeaux restaurateur Jean-Marie Amat added a new gastronomic chapter to the estate’s story. Upon acquiring the property, he chose to relocate his restaurant there, naming it Saint-James after the famous street in Bordeaux’s historic center.

Fueled by a deep passion for gastronomy and the art of hospitality, Jean-Marie Amat set out to reinvent the estate in 1989. In collaboration with renowned architect Jean Nouvel, he created Le Saint-James — the first contemporary hotel-restaurant of its kind. The new establishment soon became a landmark in the cultural heritage of the Aquitaine region.

In 1992, Le Saint-James joined the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association, which focuses on Art de vivre, gastronomy, commitment to local culture and heritage, excellence in service, sustainable development and ethics.

The walls still echo with the laughter and lively conversations of the past. Le Saint-James continues to write its story, inviting each guest to become part of a timeless gastronomic and cultural journey.

Following its renovation, Le Saint-James stands today as a unique gem — where cherished memories meet a bold, contemporary vision