Who better than the Relais & Châteaux Owners, Maîtres de Maison and Chefs to be your guide in the discovery of their region? Their knowledge of their terroir with all its secret nooks and crannies, holds the keys to its treasure. They are, without a doubt, the most passionate of ambassadors. In fact, those very traits sparked the initiation of the first “Route du Bonheur”.

In the 1950s, Marcel and Nelly Tilloy, Maîtres de Maison of La Cardinale and founders of Relais & Châteaux, decided to join forces with seven other like-minded hoteliers who shared the same passion for fine dining. Their quest was to offer guests the opportunity to follow their favourite itinerary along the famous National Route 7 from Paris to the Côte d’Azur, stopping at each of their elegantly unique properties along the way. This “Route du Bonheur” offers travellers the opportunity to experience personal enrichment through the discovery of a region and its terroir, thanks to the knowledge of those who appreciate the region best.

In 2013, there are now 33 “Routes du Bonheur”, covering 14 different countries around the world.

These routes, with their unique hotels and matchless experiences, offer a snapshot of these most charming regions. Relais & Châteaux has drawn up customised road maps for each of the routes, country by country. Helpful information is provided such as where to stay and links to the relevant pages of the International Relais & Châteaux Guide for each of the properties along the way. These road maps may also serve to inspire a personalised itinerary from one Relais & Châteaux property to another. QR codes linking to www.relaischateaux.com provide convenient and quick access to additional information and such services as reservation bookings. Here are five of the most legendary routes…

The Southern Africa of Shan Varty, Owner of Londolozi Private Game Reserve (South Africa)

Your adventure starts at Camp Jabulani with elephant-back excursions into the wild with the imposing Drakensberg Mountains providing the backdrop – ‘unique and magical’. Then there is Londolozi Private Game Reserve where the Sabi Sand reserve, the largest reserve in Kruger National Park, is deemed the best place to track leopards. Next, experience Singita Boulders Lodge, ‘a place of miracles’ whichoffers, in the middle of the bush, a magnificently well-stocked wine cellar. Finally, travel to Singita Lebombo and partake in the mountain bike safaris which go into the heart of a spectacular Africa – ‘far from the beaten track’. Each property offers its own thrills, its own striking images, the stuff of lasting memories – ‘a life-changing experience’.

8 days/8 nights from € 9,030*

The Brittany of Olivier Roellinger, Owner of Les Maisons de Bricourt (France)

The Bay of Mont Saint-Michel seen from the restaurant at Les Maisons de Bricourt; Annick Prod’Homme’s flat wild Cancale oysters; ‘some heavenly sunsets’ from the terrace of Le Manoir de Lan-Kerellec; picture-perfect views of the Île de Batz from the windows of Hôtel Brittany; a sheltered break in Aber Wrac’h and Aber Benoît; ‘the finest collection in the world of paintings by Mathurin Méheut’ at the Hôtel de la Plage; the famous bottles of ‘sardines debout’ in the Boutique de Pont-Aven; the Château de Locguénolé, ‘one of Brittany's leading tourist attractions’. From Cancale to Carnac, ‘the Custom’s Officers Path’ goes literally round the whole of Brittany.

6 days/5 nights from € 1,165*

The French and Spanish Basque country of Serge Blanco, Owner of Le Château de Brindos (France)

This is a trip with four sites and four Properties. Anglet and Le Château de Brindos offer ‘lakesides for relaxation and peace of mind’. Next, the Pilgrims’ Way to Compostela and a gourmet break at Les Pyrénées, which has belonged to the family of Firmin Arrambide for four generations. Then discover Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Le Parc Victoria, a Victorian mansion with magnificent Art Deco furniture. Urdaibai Natural Park and Castillo de Arteaga, a neo-medieval luxury hotel whose 13^th century Gothic tower emerges through flocks of birds flying above. In between, a gourmet stroll through Les Halles market in Biarritz, a visit to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, a rugby match at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastián... all treasures of the Basque country along the route.

5 days/4 nights from € 874*

The Amalfi Coast of Nino Di Costanzo, Grand Chef at the Terme Manzi Hotel & Spa (Italy)

Begin by taking in the views of the Gulf of Naples from Bellevue Syrene 1820 in Sorrento, built on the site of a former Roman villa. Then visit the ‘unique, fragile and deeply moving’ site of Pompeii. Il San Pietro di Positano is next with its breath-taking views of the Mediterranean, followed by a stop at Don Alfonso 1890, ‘a leading restaurant offering a blend of innovation and tradition’. Then, it’s time for another iconic hotel: the Caesar Augustus on Capri, followed by some live music at the Taverna Anema e Core, ‘the hottest spot on the island!’ And lastly, there is the Terme Manzi Hotel, a 19^th-century luxury hotel on the island of Ischia and offers fishing expeditions. Enjoy a trip back through Italy's history and traditions, all with a magnificent back drop of the Mediterranean.

9 days/8 nights from € 1,886*

The California of Thomas Keller, Owner and Grand Chef at The French Laundry (United States)

‘This adventure offers more than just excellent wines, it offers total enchantment’. Ease into the day at Hotel Les Mars, an immaculate and exquisite property. Then take a walk in the shade of the immense sequoia trees at Muir Woods National Monument. Linger at the restaurant at Meadowood Napa Valley headed by Grand Chef Christopher Kostow. Enjoy ‘Mediterranean flavours’ at the Auberge du Soleil, among the olive groves with a sculpture garden and a wine list offering 1,500 labels. Then dine at the legendary The French Laundry. Take a detour to a very special attraction -the Silverado Trail and its 40 superb vineyards. Lunch at Gary Danko’s, owned by the Grand Chef ‘who delights San Francisco’, then enjoy a very happy ending at the Victorian houses in Alamo Square.

5 days/4 nights from € 1,095*

* Minimum indicative price per person, subject to availability, calculated on the basis of a double room occupied by two persons, including accommodation, breakfast and dinner (set menu, drinks excluded) in the properties suggested in the itinerary.

Reservation only by telephone: 0 825 825 180 from France.

From all other countries, please consult the list of central reservation offices

About Relais & Châteaux:

Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of more than 520 of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in 60 countries.

Established in France in 1954, the Association’s mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character. Furthermore, Relais & Châteaux is also a family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over the world who share a passion for and a personal commitment to ensuring their guests are privy to moments of exceptional harmony. To choose Relais & Châteaux is to experience an unforgettable celebration of the senses. From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches of the Fiji Islands, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Châteaux offers a chance to explore the Route du Bonheur and best way to discover a wide range of distinctive destinations.

The Relais & Châteaux signature reflects this ambition: “ALL AROUND THE WORLD, UNIQUE IN THE WORLD.“

Information and reservations: www.relaischateaux.com

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