Château du Sureau

Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada


Never in a billion years would you expect to find a place like this in Oakhurst. This luxe Relais & Chateaux property has discreet service and lavish European style throughout, plus a world-class spa. Inside, the Austrian owner honors the Provençale aesthetics of France with period furnishings, balconies, shuttered windows and enormous frescos, plus chandeliers and four-poster beds.

It even has a grand piano. Along with an exceptional level of service, guests can experience haute cuisine in its restaurant, Erna's Elderberry House. Your bill is likely to arrive via handwritten note.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada attractions

1. Mariposa Grove

12.62 MILES

With their massive stature and multi-millennium maturity, the chunky high-rise sequoias of Mariposa Grove will make you feel rather insignificant. The…

2. Pioneer Yosemite History Center

14.57 MILES

Off Wawona Rd, about 6 miles north of Mariposa Grove, you can take in the manicured grounds of the elegant Big Trees Lodge and cross a covered bridge to…

3. Wawona Swinging Bridge

14.9 MILES

Metal cables anchored to boulders on both ends of this 40 ft span over the South Fork of the Merced River keep the wobbling relatively light. Nice spot…

4. Chilnualna Falls

15.47 MILES

Chilnualna Creek tumbles around 2200ft over the north shoulder of forested Wawona Dome in an almost continuous series of cascades. The largest and most…

5. California State Mining & Mineral Museum

18.43 MILES

Rock hounds should drive to the Mariposa County Fairgrounds, 2 miles south of town on Hwy 49, to see the 13lb ‘Fricot Nugget’ (the largest crystallized…

6. Mariposa Museum & History Center

20.42 MILES

Mariposa's past comes alive, well, as much as possible considering the fairly fusty objects displayed in this museum. Menus, logbooks, train tickets,…

7. McGurk Meadow

24.44 MILES

Lush wildflower-strewn meadow with a historic log cabin. Makes for a nice, leisurely stroll.

8. Dewey Point Lookout

26 MILES

There are panoramic views of Yosemite Valley from this 7385ft ridge lookout.