Le Céciré

What makes Céciré stand out is the welcome. The waiters were smiling, helpful and always available, which felt very different from the cooler service we’ve found at other places in Luchon that seem to rest on their laurels. We came back several times and became regulars within just a few days. There’s a good range of wines by the glass. I especially liked the Petit Bourgeois, a dry, floral white with a little finesse. It’s also a pasta bar, and I really enjoyed the ravioli. There are some lovely things to discover on the menu.

The staff were lovely, and that’s where my two stars come from. The room needed work: the bathroom door swung open on its own, the bathtub was stained, and the bedding was poor. The pillows were very hard, and the fourth bed was an extra bed with especially bad bedding. There’s no parking either. This hotel deserves to be restored.

The staff were friendly, and the price was fair for what you get. Still, the hotel guide should list it as a two-star place. Breakfast could be improved, and there was only one parking space, even though the hotel didn’t seem busy.

The meals were a real highlight during my 11-day full-board stay at Hotel Concorde in Bagnères-de-Luchon. They were varied and carefully prepared, served plated, and I never had the same dish twice. The managers provided impeccable, very courteous service, on a level I’d compare with a 3-star hotel. I also really liked being able to eat on the terrace. The hotel is on the Allées d'Etigny, a very convenient spot. It has an old-fashioned charm, but is comfortable. I had a wonderful holiday in Bagnères-de-Luchon.