The view of the Garonne river from my bedroom window was spectacular, no question. But even that charming montage was surpassed by the full-size Harley-Davidson motorcycle standing next to my bed.

As well as that, and despite spotting a personal Jacuzzi in another room, there was much to admire in my airy guestroom: arty lounge furniture, a super-comfy bed with high-thread-count linen, your own pod-fed coffee machine, windows that went from floor to ceiling, many with sliding doors onto a terrace or deck, electric blinds, soft robes and slippers, a super shower and high-end toiletries.

Famed French architect Jean Nouvel's design brings a sense of speciality to Hotel Le Saint James, perched atop the tiny hamlet of Bouilac, known locally as the "balcony of Bordeaux" for its stunning views. It is an homage to the 18th-century tobacco barns that were once everywhere in these parts; the hotel's 18 guestrooms are contained in four interconnecting rusticstyle pavilions, with a 1 Michelin-star restaurant at the centre.

The entrance is framed by a small garden area offering up random pieces of art, and there is that wow factor as you spot the huge expanse of countryside playing out behind the terrace at the end of the corridor.

With chef Nicolas Magie you embark on a journey of Aquitane influenced dishes from his home region, but using fresh locally sourced ingredients.

There is also something rather delicious in tasting wines created just a stone's throw away; this is Bordeaux after all.

There is a cookery school here, too, presenting an opportunity to learn some fascinating secrets behind the food magic and indulge in preparing a frenzy of flavours before wolfing it all down for lunch.

Hotel Le Saint James has all the bells and whistles of a luxury boutique hotel, and the team offer relaxed, informal and discerning hospitality. This is a Bordeaux hidden gem.

RATES: doubles from €195.
www.saintjames-bouliac.com