Chateau de Citeaux La Cueillette

Manicured lawns and a sweeping gravel drive make for grand first impressions here, where stone castle facades remain intact, and vineyard settings are beautiful. The estate's history dates back to 1098, when Cistercian monks reaped the vineyards' "cueillette" harvests. Today, surrounding wineries are a short walk away. Belle Epoque interiors include high ceilings, red-carpeted staircases, and gilded decor, although punctuating modern art in the lobby pops against classic carvings. The bar's tufted leathers are debonair, and the era-gone-by feel continues in the restaurant. Free-to-rent bikes and nearby wineries offer vineyard exploring and sampling, but the swanky spa and romantic vibe mean this isn't really a place for kids. An elevator serves most rooms, though note that top-floor ones are reached by stairs. Overall, this is a great pick for couples seeking a historic property with modern interiors.

Tranquil vineyards here provide the removed feel guests are generally seeking, although the chateau is well-placed on Meurseault's borders. This small village, its church square, a handful of restaurants, and a supermarket are a five-minute walk. Over 10 wineries dot the rue de Mazeray around the block, and it's nine minutes on foot for wine tastings at Chateau de Meursault's medieval cellars. Biking trails amid vines are plentiful here, and the hotel's free bike rentals are great for this. Historic Beaune is a 17-minute drive; Its churches, museums, and dining are fantastic, and its train station is handy for arrivals from major French cities. The nearest Dole-Jura Airport is 47 minutes by car.

The 2012-renovated rooms lose the Old World feel, although large windows or limestone balustrades retain the original structure. Spanning 258 to 323 square feet (24 to 30 square meters), plus larger Suites, they're spacious, bright, minimalist, and attractive. They feature mostly whites in walls and beds with modern sconce lighting, which are accented by muted grays in bed skirts, light-wood floors, and decorative fabrics in reds or khakis. Bare walls in some rooms are bland, while others have abstract or Buddha-themed artwork, and oil paintings above original fireplaces up the ante in Suites. Suites have living rooms. Deluxe Rooms offer terraces with loungers and vineyard views, but all rooms have pretty garden, field, or village vistas. 

Phones, wood or perspex desks, cable flat-screen TVs, minibars, espresso machines, and kettles come standard. Also provided are hairdryers, toiletries, slippers, and robes in compact modern bathrooms with rainfall showers. In-room safes, AC, Wi-Fi, and crib fittings are free. Note, the top-floor rooms require stairs.

Features at the Chateau de Citeaux La Cueillette aren't the most extensive, although the vineyard location near wineries is a big pro. La Cueillette Restaurant is a fancy affair, and refined French cuisine here is paired with excellent wines. It's also the venue for buffet breakfasts, which are at a fee. Boiled eggs and "crepe" pancakes are the only cooked option, but they accompany a decent continental spread, tea, coffee, and juice. Some past guests, however, have complained it's too pricey for the offerings. White-clothed tables here are elegant under frescoed ceilings with gilt trim, and a suspended chandelier overlooks grand walls and windows. Note that the restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays. A terrace with vineyard views and pink-cushioned wicker chairs is open in summer, which is generally when Le Potager bistro is open for lunch. The bar's handsome wallpapers and tan leather couches are apt for its wine collection, and having drinks on the terrace during is popular.

Housed in a modern annex by the main building, the spa is sleek from backlighting and exposed stone, and blue mood lighting is sensual at its indoor pool, which has jet features and a counter-current swim system. Poolside loungers continue in relaxation zones, and a whirlpool, sauna, and Turkish hammam accompany signature fruit therapies in treatment rooms. There are also a small gym and a meeting room. Pets are welcome for a fee. Bike rentals, on-site parking, and Wi-Fi throughout are free.