THE FACTS ABOUT HOTEL HAUTERIVE SAINT-JAMES

France Bordeaux

What was once a gourmet restaurant in the hamlet of Bouliac has been developed into the extraordinary, 18-room Hôtel Hauterive Saint-James, which offers sweeping views of vineyards and the city of Bordeaux. Architect Jean Nouvel came up with the ferociously modern design, which includes a steel grid-clad exterior, a dark, industrial-style outdoor pool and white, hi-tech interiors. THE DESTINATION Bordeaux's restaurants, ranging from modest village brasseries to Michelin-starred establishments, will keep gourmets happy and the Atlantic coast is less than an hour away. THE FLIGHT Fly from East Midlands to Bordeaux with bmibaby (0870 264 2229; www.bmibaby.com) from £51 return in September. Hotel Hauterive Saint-James is 10km from the airport. Hotel Hauterive Saint James, 3 place Camille Hostein, Bouliac, Bordeaux (00 33 5 57 97 06 00; fax: 56 20 92 58; www.saintjames-bouliac.com). Doubles from €180, not including breakfast.