Château du Sureau, the Frenchy postcard of Yosemite Park, in California

A hotel figurehead of French living style, one of the Relais & Châteaux flagship members is located on the edge of the Yosemite National Park, green lung of the Golden State. There, its tell-tale crest is prominently displayed in the hotel of Renée Nicole Kubin, a self-made woman who perpetutaes the family dream by the launch of a five-star venue cultivating the codes of excellence, in California.

The very Frenchy postcard of the Château du Sureau

On the hillside of the small town of Oakhurst, one discovers this fairy tale château. In a lush garden, the gigantic checkerboard is right next to the pool and 9 furnished bedrooms, inspired by her travels to France, all have a private balcony. Under the skylight, Chef Johnatan Perkins's restaurant priviliges the gastronomic aspect of a revisited French style cuisine.

In the Paul Bocuse room and the cooking school, Renée Nicole Kubin offers the must to those who only like what is best. © AL

Seasonal products and refined culinary creations are on the menu of the restaurant, The Elderberry House. © AL

Hiking in a grandiose nature

And after an excursion to the waterfalls and granite cliffs of Yosemite, rendezvous at the Spa for a voluptuous moment of R&R. And when it comes to relaxation, its ultimate treatments for the body and face will erase a day of fatigue under the expert hands of beauticians. An enchanting espacade for an elegant, gourmet and green retreat at the heart of America.

For each guest, a majordomo unpacks luggage, irons clothing and regulates the bath temperature. © AL

At the heart of the garden, the outside pool is an oasis of tranquility. © AL

Departing for Yosemite National Park

With Wow Air, leaving from Roissy CDG1, the company that flies out from the cold offers 2 daily flights to San Francisco, via Reykiavik, and its Premium class allowing passengers to enjoy priority registration and speedy boarding, 2 pieces of luggage, a XL seat and a meal onboard. wowair.fr

Just like this Airbus A300, the entire fleet of the Icelandic company is brand new. © DR

Traveling with Equinoxiales

The specialist of personalized travel, recognized for the quality of its advice to travelers heading for the USA, organises customized stays and intineraries around California, including Sacramento, for successful holidays that will meet your highest expectations. Tel : 01 77 48 81 00 and www.equinoxiales.fr

Specialized in exclusive travel, the tour operator knows all the secrets of the American destination. © DR

Moving around with Alamo

Number 1 car rental specialist with service points all over the United States territory, the  « Blue & Yellow » company features a wide range of vehicles, as well as brand new all terrain 4X4 to look at life from above on the Californian « Highways ». www.alamo.fr

Present in 50 American states, the logo of Alamo reassures all those renting cars. © DR

Visiting with Visit California

Represented by the mN'O office in France, Visit California is the official touristic organism of California. Its Internet site, multilingual, interactive and continually updated, will enable you to discover all the must-go spots of this dream destination. A precious tool of information for a successful journey around the Golden State. www.visitcalifornia.com/fr

Before leaving, discovering the Visit California site is a must to stock up on good tips… © DR

The Oakhurst address book 

• Fresno Flats : At the Southern extremity of Gold Country, this museum built around two houses dating back to 1870, recalls life in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, during the 19th century. fresnoflatsmuseum.org
• Good Ol Things : Antiques, vintage objects, cinema props, this huge serendipity venue is a must-visit emporium. www.southgatestation.net
• 41 Trading Post : At number 41 of the Highway, this large boutique is ideal to find cowboy boots, engraved belts, hats and fringed jackets. No Internet.

Waterfalls, lakes, forests, the Yosemite National Park is a preserved natural space naturel, to be discovered with a brigade of Rangers. © AL

In Oakhurst, Western reminders recall the picturesque side of this town built during the Gold Rush. © AL

On the facade of this vintage boutique, the characters of fantastic films play the game. © AL