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VISIT : INTERCONTINENTAL BORDEAUX - THE GRAND HOTEL, A SYMPHONY IN FRONT OF THE GRAND THEATRE (France)
For the last stop on our trip to Bordeaux, Le Journal des Palaces headed to the heart of the city to discover the InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hôtel. |
Category: Europe - France - Industry economy
- Tourism
Article written by Romane Le Royer on friday 04 july 2025
 The Intercontinental Bordeaux - The Grand Hotel, mirror of the Grand Theatre, symbol of the city
Photo credit © InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel
In Bordeaux, some façades tell more than just a story: they reveal a way of life. Just opposite the Grand-Théâtre designed by Victor Louis, the InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hôtel composes a mirror image, designed from the outset to echo the building dedicated to opera. Victor Louis himself is said to have suggested to Bordeaux's dignitaries that a twin building be constructed to balance the perspective of his creation, giving rise, a decade later, to a mansion dedicated to elegance.
More than two centuries have passed, but the balance remains. The Grand Hôtel, as it stands today, is the result of a subtle blend of heritage and contemporary luxury. The ‘Hôtel de Bordeaux’ opened its doors in 1904 but closed in 1990, marking a long hiatus of 17 years before reopening in 2007 after seven years of major renovations orchestrated by Jacques Garcia. The French interior designer left his mark with a theatrical, baroque and opulent style that echoes the opera house opposite. The complex comprises seven former private mansions that have been joined together over time to form a labyrinth of spaces, each with its own unique atmosphere. The IHG group took over management of the property in 2015 under the InterContinental brand, making it the British group's fifth hotel in France.
Gastronomy: a scene in several acts
It all begins at the pinnacle of gastronomy: on the first floor, in the hushed salons of the Pressoir d'Argent Gordon Ramsay, haute cuisine takes on the air of contemporary opera. In the kitchen, chef Alexandre Koa, winner of the 2021 Philippe Etchebest Trophy and the 2022 Grand Prix Toque d'Or, offers two menus: ‘Origine’ in five courses and ‘Héritage’ in seven, the latter drawing on his Cameroonian roots and the terroir of south-western France. On the menu, Gascon pork and Sarladaise potatoes are served alongside langoustine with harissa or chicken with bobimbi. The highlight of the meal is the Breton lobster, pressed in front of the diner in a rare Christofle silver press, in a nod to the tradition of French haute cuisine.
On the ground floor, the Le Bordeaux brasserie offers a more accessible version of this high standard. Open 365 days a year, it offers a generous, contemporary, local menu featuring regional cuisine and producers from the Gironde. On Sundays, its brunch has become an unmissable event, with large tables and a homely atmosphere.
Since July 2024, Le Boudoir de Léa has completed the offering, with pastry chef Gaëtan Fiard at the helm, or rather at the rolling pin, as he is with all the hotel's sweet delicacies. Tea room designed as a contemporary and feminine setting, it showcases signature pastries in oblong shapes: Viennese pastries, fine pastries, sandwiches and cookies, to enjoy on site or take away. The chef, 2014 world champion of the sweet arts, has also created an exceptional sweet brunch and a small grocery store.
Finally, three spaces extend the experience depending on the time of day and your mood: L'Orangerie, bathed in light, is ideal for relaxing during the day with, for example, a Tea Time by Guerlain; the Victor Bar, more subdued, invites you to share your secrets; and the Rooftop, which offers a splendid view over the rooftops of Bordeaux and a wide variety of cocktails and snacks, summer and winter alike, as the hotel is adorned with a temporary champagne bubble at the end of the summer, in collaboration with the Barons de Rothschild champagne house.
Rooms and suites: a tribute to style
130 rooms, including 44 suites, divided into ten categories, ranging from 20 m2 for classic rooms to 110 m2 for the largest: here, the hotel becomes an invitation to an inner journey. Each room is different, reflecting the complexity of the historic building, with its volumes, nooks and crannies, and unique perspectives. Some overlook the Grand Theatre, others the rooftops of the city. Guests in the Royal Suite can enjoy a 90 m2 terrace with garden furniture and a jacuzzi, ideal for enjoying sunny days.
The décor, designed by Jacques Garcia, plays on contrasts: velvet curtains, Empire furniture and sumptuous fabrics. Recently, some of the rooms have been redecorated in lighter colours to meet demand for more light and a more modern feel. The bathrooms are dominated by marble, enhanced by Byredo products in large, sustainable formats, in line with the IHG Group's environmental commitments.
Guerlain wellness: a Greco-Roman interlude in the heart of the city
Nestled in the hushed depths of the hotel, the Guerlain Spa is a soothing mineral sanctuary. Upon entering, visitors step into another world: a universe where light marble meets soft arches and diffused lighting envelops the body like a warm veil. The atmosphere evokes ancient thermal baths, with their play of shadows, curves and almost sacred silence.
Seven treatment rooms, including two for couples, make up the space reserved for Guerlain rituals. The famous brand offers its signature treatments: anti-ageing facials, tailor-made protocols, energising or relaxing massages, with a sense of detail and hospitality that borders on art. The brand's iconic fragrances, the silky textures of the creams, the enveloping gestures of the staff: each treatment becomes a ceremony.
But the journey doesn't end there. The heart of the spa beats around an indoor pool lined with columns, evoking the baths of antiquity. This pool, dreamlike in its absolute calm, is surrounded by a hammam and sauna, forming a complete thermal circuit. A fresco of plants softens the overall effect, while the lapping of the water punctuates the silence.
On the upper floor, a private rooftop completes this rejuvenating experience. From May to October, an outdoor jacuzzi offers spectacular views over the rooftops of Bordeaux, in a cocoon-like atmosphere. In winter, a heated bubble is installed to maintain access to this exceptional viewpoint, where guests can enjoy a hot chocolate or a glass of champagne, depending on the time of day and their mood.
Finally, the InterContinental's approach to well-being would not be complete without a focus on movement. The fitness room welcomes guests into a bright space that opens onto an outdoor terrace. Here, energy is restored in a discreet but demanding luxury setting.
A house of experiences
More than just a hotel, the InterContinental Bordeaux is a place to live, a lively and diverse home of hospitality. Each space tells a story, evokes a mood and serves a purpose. From mixology workshops to private concerts, gourmet dinners and quirky showrooms, the programme is rich and diverse.
When it comes to events, the five-star hotel offers 13 function rooms for all types of receptions, covering more than 1,000 m2. The centrepiece is the Salon Sauternes, a listed room with Baccarat chandeliers, inspired by the state galleries of the 18th century. It is used for weddings, confidential meetings and impromptu creative happenings.
The final instalment in this Bordeaux series, the InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hôtel brings this trilogy to a close in style. A living mirror of the city, it reflects its history, panache and contemporary energy. A place to sleep, dream, savour and, ultimately, experience Bordeaux.
 Le Pressoir d'Argent - Gordon Ramsay's two Michelin stars shine brightly over the city, with cuisine featuring local and Cameroonian flavours.
Photo credit © Taylor Yandell/ InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel
 Chef Alexandre Koa plays with a medley of flavours in five and seven courses.
Photo credit © InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel
 Le Bordeaux brasserie, a must-visit sweet and savoury bistronomy restaurant in the city of Gironde
Photo credit © Eric Cuvillier / InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel
 The Orangery and its light-filled setting, perfect for enjoying a gourmet break that is simple yet always luxurious.
Photo credit © Eric Cuvillier / InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel
 The hotel's rooms and suites, designed by Jacques Garcia in an Empire style.
Photo credit © Eric Cuvillier / InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel
 The Suite Royale and its 90 square metre terrace overlooking the rooftops of Bordeaux
Photo credit © Yoris Photographie / InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel
 The Rooftop of the InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hôtel, accessible in summer and winter alike, in a heated bubble.
Photo credit © InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel
 The Guerlain Spa, with its swimming pool and antique-style columns
Photo credit © InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel
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