Even with mild daytime weather in August, the arrival in Campos do Jordão was met with cold. However, upon entering the cabin of Chateau La Villette, one was immediately greeted by a deep sense of comfort, creating a desire to stay at the location.
The inn is situated behind a modest wooden gate, in Vila Everest, on an elevated point of a hill that offers a panoramic view of the contours of the Serra da Mantiqueira. Just five minutes away, Capivari concentrates the main attractions, including restaurants, shops, and the park named after the neighborhood.
History and Recognition
Chateau La Villette was originally conceived as a country cabin by the couple Luiz and Ana Maria Rozette. In 1999, they transformed the place into a luxury inn. At that time, Campos do Jordão was experiencing a second phase of tourism expansion, initiated with the inauguration of the cable car in 1970, followed by the development of Vila Capivari and the return of the Grande Hotel Campos do Jordão, which had been donated to Senac in 1982 and reopened in 1987 after nearly twenty years closed.
Since the year 2000, La Villette has been part of the Association of Charming Routes Hotels and Inns, featuring in the Emerald category, the highest level of the entity, composed of only 11 establishments. In 2014, in the Quatro Rodas Guide edition, La Villette was ranked among the top five in Campos do Jordão. The inn's policy of being intended only for guests over 14 years of age remains unchanged, although pets are allowed in two of the suites.
Structure and Amenities
The check-in process at La Villette takes place in a room that avoids the typical coldness of large hotels. The accommodation features 15 suites, distributed between the main building and the Chalé Winter, the latter built in 2025 to celebrate the establishment's restaurant's 20th anniversary. When walking onto the lawn, the guest can enjoy the mountain landscape during the day, while at night, the space is illuminated by the city and the stars, accompanied by ambient music.
Near the Chalé Winter, there is an outdoor hydromassage area, limited to one couple at a time, and a glassed sauna overlooking the hills. Inside, the decoration recalls the style of a Norman European chateau, characterized by long sofas, voluminous curtains, indirect lighting, and abundant use of wood contrasting with white walls. In an area themed like a hunter's cabin, a wall displays a collection of taxidermy trophies from hunts.
A mezzanine houses the library and game room. The low ceiling contributes to an extremely cozy atmosphere. Guests can select the soundtrack through an available sound system, while tables equipped with chessboards and green felt invite games.
The guest room evokes the aesthetic of Architectural Digest magazine, described as very comfortable, cozy, and charming. The wallpaper, sheets, and curtains feature a checkered pattern, which contrasts with the floor-to-ceiling wood. The environment is kept warm by a heater, and the bathroom has a vintage design, including a bidet and heated towels.
Accommodation categories include the Birds suite, one of four in the Luxury category, measuring 25m², with a queen-size bed and 600-thread-count linen; two of these units have a balcony. Above, the Premium group offers two 45m² suites with a super king bed and balcony. The Special category elevates the level with six rooms of 60 to 80m², equipped with a jacuzzi and super king bed. The most exclusive category comprises three Master suites, with areas between 90 and 130m², also with a super king bed and jacuzzi.
There is also the option to rent the entire Chalé Winter, which accommodates up to six people in its three suites, one of which is a master suite, and includes a jacuzzi, full kitchen, and barbecue. This place is often sought for events, such as a wedding that took place during the author's visit.
Gastronomy and Experiences
La Villette does not rush. During winter, the indoor comfort encourages guests to stay in the accommodations. To accompany this, the breakfast service is extended until 1 PM. Furthermore, afternoon tea is served at 4:30 PM, which includes cakes, and on weekends, sparkling wine.
The Le Foyer restaurant, located inside the cabin, has served guests and visitors since 2005. Its menu features dishes inspired by Franco-Swiss cuisine, harmonized with the local flavors of the mountains. Menu examples include black truffle risotto (made with Carnaroli rice and shiitake, shimeji, paris mushrooms, and black truffles) and fillet au poivre vert (fillet medallion with green peppercorn sauce, accompanied by gratin potatoes). It is also possible to savor snacks on the lawn armchairs.
The establishment is part of the Boa Lembrança Restaurants Association, a group founded in 1994 and restricted to places of excellence, currently having 98 members in 12 Brazilian states. As a member, Le Foyer serves the Plate of Good Hope, which this year is lamb ravioli. Those who opt for this dish receive a decorated plate, whose illustration in 2026 will be of a sheep dressed as a chef.
The restaurant area maintains the chateau style, but with greater ornamentation. An anteroom offers two Chesterfield sofas for pre-dinner conversations. Upon entering the main hall, large windows integrate the mountainous landscape into the environment, while the low lighting and a wooden chandelier create an intimate atmosphere. The walls display a series of illustrated plates of the Good Hope from previous years. On Fridays and Saturdays, a pianist performs on site, consolidating Chateau La Villette as an inviting destination for extended stays and frequent returns.
To reach Chateau La Villette, located in Vila Everest, in Campos do Jordão, the trip departing from São Paulo (190km away) must follow Marginal Tietê, then Rodovia Ayrton Senna (SP-070), which becomes Carvalho Pinto. One must continue to Taubaté and take Rodovia Floriano Rodrigues Pinheiro (SP-123) towards Campos do Jordão. Upon arriving in the city, it is necessary to follow the roads leading to the Capivari region and access Rua Joaquim Pinto Seabra, arriving at number 100.