The fast-paced world of AI, Social Media and digital dairies has become the normal way of life for most of us, making true relaxation and contentment a rare sought after feeling that seldom features in modern life. For those looking for a break from the modern-day-madness, Château des Vigiers, hôtel golf spa en Dordogne offers guests a chance to step back in time, to a micro-universe where the pace of life is at one’s own discretion and peace and tranquility flourish.

With the original building and grounds of the Château dating back to 1597, this is a destination that is built on is genuine history and authenticity, creating an experience that couldn’t be recreated in the modern world.

How Chateâu des Vigiers came to be

The Château was acquired in 1989 by Swedish couple, Lars and Elisabeth Petersson, with a mission to establish a destination where elegance and sport meet; to create an idyllic setting for those wanting to relax and enjoy life at their own pace, whether that be golfing (on challenging yet enjoyable golf courses), playing tennis on high-spec surfaces, visiting vineyards and wine tasting in the Saint Émilion region, indulging in the luxury spa, or simply feasting on locally produced exquisite cuisine. Château des Vigiers was to be a destination that offers it all.

The project started in 1992 with the opening of the first golf course, designed by revered architect Donald Steel. Using the natural terrain he was able to create a challenging golf course that winds it’s way through the undulating landscape and nearby woodland. The following year, the 4-star hotel and restaurant ‘Les Fresques‘ were added, creating a destination accessible for international travellers from both Bordeaux and Bergerac airport, and for those driving from mainland Europe.

Over the following years, additional rooms have been added (as have a number of leisure facilities), plus a further 9 holes added to the golf course, creating a 27 hole complex.

The opening of the Brasserie in 1997 offered golfers and guests an exceptional 19th hole option, for pre and post round sustenance, together with the ability to cater for larger group dining experiences, ideal for golf societies or corporate entertainment.  To this day, in keeping with the je ne sais quoi of the wider establishment, the Brasserie boasts an exceptional seasonal menu with signature dishes so delightful they challenge the Château’s Michelin star restaurant.

Michelin star fare at Les Freques

Les Fresques first achieved the prestigious Michelin Star award in 2014 under the guidance and expertise of head chef Didier Casaguana and has maintained it ever since.

The intimate and elegant dining experience offers a-la-carte, or 3, 5 and 7 set-menu options, each with unique dishes that waken and excite the taste buds. Among the stand out dishes are the “L’Huître – Le Caviar”, an oyster and caviar combination that is other worldly in it’s taste and texture, and the “Le Bœuf de race Charolaise et la Betterave”, a mouth watering beef repast cooked to perfection and served with seasonal vegetables.

We are confident in stating that anyone staying in the Chateâu itself, who has an eye for decor and enjoys the finer things in life, will not be dissatisfied.

This charming hotel oozes French aristocratic charm and character, with a number of communal rooms decorated with soft furnishings in a classic chic style, making it unique and memorable.

What are the golf courses at Chateâu des Vigiers like?

Golf is a very important part of the experience here and is a core focus in terms of the investment and upkeep of the venue. The course was originally opened as a members course and attracts over 350 members, many of them ‘country members’ coming from all over the world. Quality is high on the agenda with the courses being maintained to a high standard, with special attention being given to tee boxes, greens and bunkers.

There are 3 loops of 9 holes on site, plus a practice area including a fully equipped driving range and short-game area. There is  even a 6 hole academy course for anyone beginning the game or for those looking to sharpen their approach game.

The original 18 holes comprised of Les Vignes and Le Lac, with the Vallée being added later to create a more extensive 27 hole complex.

• Le Lac (the lake) – A gentle start eases you into a pleasant loop of 9 holes with much variety. The routing gradually takes you into a charming woodland and winds it’s way around the estate, weaving it’s way around the Chateâu, eventually leading to crescendo on the 9th, which demands a strong right to left drive around the corner of the dog-leg, leaving an approach shot to a perfectly positioned green, right outside the ‘Les Freques’ terrace.
• Les Vignes (the vines) – The Vignes is the more open of the 3 loops, yet by no means the easiest. This 9 ebbs and flows through the vineyards, making the most of the natural undulating landscape to provide subtle yet challenging elevation changes throughout the course. With a similar finish to Le Lac, the final hole demands accuracy off the tee to leave an exhilarating approach in front of the clubhouse and Chateâu.
• La Vallée (the valley) – This loop was added in 2008 when Donald Steel returned to create a 27 hole complex. It is described as more technical by the golf director, Matthew Storm. The reason being is that it demands more strategy from the tee shot and approach. The second hole explains the naming of the course, as you are faced with an intimidating tee shot into a valley, demanding precision and courage to give yourself a chance of par or birdie. the course winds it’s way around the periphery of the estate, providing a feeling of expanse and peacefulness as it demonstrates the vastness of the open countryside.

Matthew Storm has worked at the club for 20 years and describes the golf experience as a complete offer for residents and members.

We have three loops of 9 that combine differently to create a varied and enjoyable experience, each 9 with it’s own character and style.

Those looking to hire clubs on site will be pleased to know the club invests in new hire sets every year and has multiple options on offer, all available through the well stocked pro shop, conveniently situation next to the first tee for all loops of 9.

In summary, the experience of visiting Chateâu Des Vigiers is one that we highly recommend for couples or small groups of golfers looking for more than just a golf trip. The gastronomy, the ambience and the exemplary customer service make this a heavenly experience that will remain fondly in the memory banks for those who have the opportunity to visit.

Stay and play in the Chateâu closes for the winter months, as the hotel engages and extensive upkeep and maintenance program between November – March. However, the Relais des Vigiers offers modern comfort and remains open during winter months, as does the golf course and some excellent deals can be had.

For more information and availability for 2026 and beyond visit the official website here