Domaine de Verchant is a 16th-century wine château turned contemporary 5-star retreat set amid vineyards just outside Montpellier. This estate’s rebirth fused old and new in sustainable ways: the 42-acre grounds still flourish with grapevines (16 hectares cultivated organically and sustainably), while the hotel and spa boast state-of-the-art green technology. During a five-year restoration, the owners preserved the original manor’s stone façade and historic parkland, but added modern low-profile buildings with solar-responsive design (large windows facing north or shaded, green roofs that insulate and blend into the landscape). The entire property is outfitted with a geothermal energy system for heating and cooling, tapping the earth’s constant temperatures – Verchant was an early adopter of this, achieving significant cuts in fossil fuel use. In addition, a bank of solar panels near the winery powers much of the estate’s operations, from lighting to pool filtration. The on-site vineyard is a point of pride: Verchant produces its own organic wine, and guests can tour the cellars to learn about its eco-friendly viticulture – like how they eliminated chemical pesticides in favor of natural predators, practice water-efficient drip irrigation, and even use horse-drawn plows in some parcels to reduce soil compaction. The hotel’s two restaurants champion local sourcing and seasonal cuisine: expect vegetables from nearby market gardens, seafood from the Mediterranean caught that morning, and olive oil pressed from estate or regional olives. Any imported delicacies (like coffee or cocoa) are fair trade. Verchant’s expansive Spa is a contemporary oasis that similarly aligns with nature – its signature treatments use grape extracts from the vineyard and Provençal botanicals. The spa building is largely glass and steel, yet designed to minimize energy: it’s oriented to maximize natural light, with smart glass that tints to reduce cooling needs, and the indoor pool is solar-heated. Water from the spa (which uses only natural salts and oils, no harsh chemicals) is recycled to irrigate ornamental gardens filled with native lavender and rosemary. Throughout, you’ll notice little touches of sustainability: guest bicycles (electric ones too) are provided to explore Montpellier without driving; EV charging stations sit in the parking lot under a pergola of wisteria; the bathroom amenities are in elegant refillable bottles and the spa boutique sells locally made cosmetics with minimal packaging. By staying at Domaine de Verchant, you are also supporting the preservation of a piece of Languedoc heritage – the hotel funds ongoing maintenance of its listed historic trees and chapel, and hosts community events like organic wine tastings and yoga in the vineyard to spread the gospel of good living in balance with nature. The ambiance is sophisticated yet unpretentious: yes, there’s polished concrete and contemporary art in the lobby, but also cicadas singing in the ancient oak trees and the friendly staff offering you a glass of estate rosé on arrival. For a city-edge resort, the feeling of escape is complete – gazing out from the infinity pool, you see only neat rows of vines and olive trees. Domaine de Verchant shows that a “new French country” style of luxury – one that treasures the land and leverages modern eco-solutions – can create an exceptional experience.