R

ight on the main square in the village of Lagrasse, this centuries-old stone building was once a popular bakery. While a French family sold baguettes from the storefront in 1944, they were also secretly housing a Jewish couple from German militia; the nearly year-long effort ended happily, and put the building on the map. Today, it’s home to Bouquerie Lagrasse, an elegant small hotel that pays homage to the property’s culinary history. Instead of a traditional restaurant, the hotel’s first floor features a state-of-the-art kitchen workshop where visiting chefs offer seasonal tasting menus and guests are invited to join in hands-on cooking classes devoted to regional cuisine.

Eating well is a priority here, and five of the hotel's six apartment-style accommodations have sleek modern kitchens equipped with appliances by Miele and Vipp. The aesthetic is Scandinavian-inspired: rooms are filled with natural light and feature pale wood flooring, minimalist decor, high beamed ceilings, leather chairs, and colorful framed artwork. All have luxurious king-sized beds and most have a private balcony or terrace, ideal for sipping café au lait or a glass of wine.

A generous breakfast is served for a leisurely three hours every morning, either in the courtyard when weather permits or in the airy kitchen and open dining area. Of note is Bouquerie Lagrasse’s collection of modern sculptures and paintings, especially impressive for a hotel so focused on food. There's a museum-like quality to the lounge spaces on the ground level, and the owner happily accompanies guests to the wine cellar to choose the perfect bottle to uncork while relaxing and soaking up the art-filled atmosphere.