VISIT: MONDRIAN BORDEAUX LES CARMES, A REFLECTED VISION OF THE CITY (France)
Le Journal des Palaces continues its exploration of France's wine capital, stopping just a few minutes from the Garonne River. For the second stage of its series, it visited the Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes. |
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VISIT: MONDRIAN BORDEAUX LES CARMES, A REFLECTED VISION OF THE CITY (France)
Le Journal des Palaces continues its exploration of France's wine capital, stopping just a few minutes from the Garonne River. For the second stage of its series, it visited the Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes. |
Category: Europe - France - Industry economy
- Tourism
Article written by Romane Le Royer on 2025-06-23
 The historic façade of Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes conceals a five-star hotel designed by Philippe Starck.
Photo credit © Gaëlle Le Boulicaut / Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes
Born from the transformation of the former wine cellar of the Calvet family, a 19th-century wine-producing house, the building underwent more than four years of renovation work carried out by the Pichet real estate group, which also owns Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion. Restored to its original state, the stone façade retains its heritage character while concealing a completely redesigned interior. Inside, nothing has been preserved. The Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes is a signature project, designed as a complete work, like other hotels in the Mondrian collection, a Lifestyle by Ennismore brand owned by the Accor group.
At the helm, Philippe Starck, Architectural Designer and Artistic Director of Bordeaux Mondrian Les Carmes, has created one of his most perfect hotel projects. Bordeaux stone, raw concrete, black marble, wood and brass combine to create a sensory experience where every detail counts. Philippe Starck wanted to blur the lines: the lobby does not resemble a traditional lobby, but rather the lair of an expert wine merchant, with fine wines lining the walls. From the moment they step inside, guests are enveloped in a warm and cosy atmosphere, punctuated by visual perspectives, plays of light and textured materials, all in subtle yet striking terracotta and burgundy tones. Because luxury is often found in the details, a boat-shaped bottle display subtly evokes the metal case of the Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion wine cellar.
A hotel designed as a series of experiences
The Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes has 97 rooms and suites, divided into five categories and ranging up to 51 m2. Each category has rooms with terraces, some of which are connecting. The interior design continues the aesthetic of the entrance: thick carpeting, sculpted concrete walls, soft lighting, contrasting textures and custom-designed furniture. But above all, mirrors are everywhere. Nestled in alcoves, in the bedrooms and lounges, the mirror, like Bordeaux's famous mirror of water, is the hotel's emblem. The rooms, ranging from 25 m² to 51 m², appear twice as large thanks to the successful optical effect.
The Les Carmes suite, with its mirror opposite the bed, plays on the cinematic effect, while other suites, such as the Mondrian, offer living room-terrace configurations designed for events or extended stays.
Natural light has been maximised in all areas. The interior lighting varies according to the time of day, enhancing the feeling of intimacy. References to the building's past are discreet but present: wine cellars nod to the wine trade, minibars are stocked with bottles from Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion, and books are scattered here and there for guests to browse.
Signature cuisine combining Japanese and international flavours
The Morimoto Bordeaux restaurant, the first European restaurant by chef Masaharu Morimoto, gives the ground floor a strong identity. Having worked in the renowned Nobu restaurants, the Japanese chef offers a fusion cuisine combining Japanese and South-West French flavours. Glazed duck bao, sashimi, dishes served on heated stones, French-Japanese desserts... The menu is as accessible as it is daring. As for drinks, the cellar contains more than 10,000 bottles, with an emphasis on local appellations.
Service is provided in the main dining room, the open-kitchen sushi bar, a 200 m² terrace and a 10-seat sommelier table, with a capacity of 150 covers throughout the year, which can be increased to nearly 230 with the terrace. The atmosphere is also festive, with ‘Morimoto Sunday - It's Not a Brunch’ events on the first Sunday of every month, where guests can enjoy the chef's fusion cuisine to the sound of a DJ set. Every month, lovers of fine wines are invited to enjoy a special experience at our Wine Dinners, created by our Head Sommelier Charlotte Tissoire, combining refined dishes and exceptional wines in the intimate atmosphere of the Table du Sommelier.
A discreet but comprehensive wellness area The Mondrian Spa extends the sensory experience in a 290 m² setting, combining a heated indoor pool, infrared sauna, hammam and four treatment rooms. The hotel has partnered with expert brands such as Codage Paris and Kos. For in-room experiences, The Alchemist completes this exceptional selection. Unique to the hotel, and to cater to families, the Mondrian has partnered with Nougatine Paris to offer treatments for children aged three and up. Massages, chocolate-hazelnut masks, vanilla-strawberry massages... Taking care of yourself is an art that is learned from an early age at this Bordeaux property.
The spa is also open to non-residents, with Spa Day packages including lunch at Morimoto, or membership options. A 24/7 fitness area completes the offering and is also open to local residents. The hotel is proudly integrated into the urban fabric.
An address open to the city and the world
In terms of clientele, the hotel attracts locals (for the spa, brunch or dinner on the terrace) as well as French travellers on a getaway or foreign tourists passing through on a tour of the South-West or a river cruise. The MICE offering is also expanding, with two modular meeting spaces, a large private terrace and personalised event support.
The Mondrian claims a hybrid positioning: high-end but inclusive, aesthetic but accessible, designed as much for everyday use as for rare experiences. The hotel is also committed to sustainability: it has been awarded the Green Key label, recovers energy, uses no single-use plastics and has optimised waste management. These commitments were recognised in 2024 by the Prix Versailles, which named the property one of the 16 most beautiful hotels opened worldwide.
With the Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes, the city is enriched by a unique address that offers a contemporary interpretation of luxury: neither ostentatious nor standardised, but contextual, sensory and deeply embodied. Philippe Starck has not only designed a hotel here, he has created a living space, a discreet recital that reflects the dynamic spirit of Bordeaux.
 The rooms offer a hushed, immersive atmosphere with textured contrasts and mirrored reflections.
Photo credit © Gaëlle Le Boulicaut / Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes
 Reflections and refined details extend the hotel’s distinctive aesthetic into the private spaces.
Photo credit © Gaëlle Le Boulicaut / Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes
 A seamless dialogue between a welcoming terrace and elegant interior, hallmark of the dining experience.
Photo credit © Gaëlle Le Boulicaut / Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes
 Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s sushi, a subtle fusion of Japanese tradition and Southwest terroir.
Photo credit © Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes
 A comprehensive wellness area featuring a heated pool, sauna, hammam, and treatment rooms.
Photo credit © Gaëlle Le Boulicaut / Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes
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