1. European Luxury Near Yosemite
Château du Sureau provides a European escape at the gateway to a beloved national park.
2. A Unique Retreat
For travelers to Yosemite National Park in search of the perfect combination of comfort and adventure, an under-the-radar château combines the ambiance of European luxury with quick access to the spectacular views of one of California’s most beloved landscapes. Château du Sureau, a Relais & Châteaux country house resort reminiscent of the Provençal region of France, provides the ultimate backdrop for a breathtakingly beautiful getaway just outside the nation’s third national park.
3. Accommodations and Amenities
The nine-acre country house resort in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains includes 10 guest rooms at the Château du Sureau, as well as the private Villa du Sureau, the property’s most exclusive accommodation—a 2,000-square-foot Parisian-style manor retreat. Each room is inspired by a different fragrant herb or flower native to the south of France.
From the intimate seating area and luxurious tub in the Rosemary Room to the exposed wood beams and arched windows in the Thyme Room, no two rooms are alike. Many feature wood-burning fireplaces, canopy beds, and private balconies with sweeping views.
Hidden behind a gated entrance is the Villa du Sureau, ideal for those seeking additional privacy. This villa features a sitting salon and library, two bedrooms with marble baths, and a dining and wet bar area, serving as both a retreat and a base for nearby adventures. Guests have access to the Spa du Sureau, offering treatments designed to ease tension, rejuvenate skin, and soothe sore muscles.
4. Culinary Delights
A culinary highlight of a stay here is the European-inspired Elderberry House Restaurant. The three- and four-course tasting menus feature local, seasonal, and organic ingredients sourced from nearby Central Valley farms, complemented by an extensive wine list with over 500 labels representing wines from around the world, emphasizing California and France. In warm summer months, the Garden Terrace Patio serves as the perfect spot for a long, leisurely dinner.
5. Adventure Awaits
Beyond the estate’s gates lies an adventure travelers’ paradise, from Yosemite to scenic hiking, biking, and fishing excursions. Simply drive 16 miles to the national park’s south entrance, or request the staff at Château du Sureau to connect you with local outfitters who offer day tours, full-moon tours, hiking tours, and custom private excursions tailored to guests’ abilities and interests.
Château du Sureau is $495-$895 per night, and Villa du Sureau is $2,095-$2,685 per night. Certain holidays have minimum stay requirements.
