Le Jardin de l'Ill

We were warmly welcomed by the hosts and stayed in a spacious, clean comfort double room. The bathroom was lovely, with a big rain shower and a separate toilet. The house and garden have so many thoughtful little details, and the setting beside the Ill River is very quiet, between Strasbourg and Colmar. There are four double rooms here, in this romantic, family-run place. Dinner was delicious and shared around a large table with the hosts and other guests. It’s best to book ahead. Breakfast was generous too, with homemade yogurt and jam. We were genuinely thrilled, and haven’t found anything comparable in our travels. The hostess speaks German.

The long, lovely meals at Lili and Patrice's table d'hôtes are hard to forget. Their hospitality makes you feel like you've come to a friend's home, and the connections you make stay with you. It’s such an authentic Alsatian experience. After being welcomed like that, leaving is the last thing you want to do.

Lili and Patrice know Alsace inside out, so take their advice if you want to find things other visitors might miss. We’ve stayed in lots of bed and breakfasts, but nowhere else have we been welcomed with this much warmth, generosity, and professionalism as the days went by. The room was spacious, well kept, and decorated in a traditional Alsatian style, with a 160cm x 200cm bed. Breakfast was especially hearty and full of flavor: warm breads and pastries, salmon, charcuterie, cakes, and Lili's homemade yogurts. There was milk, coffee or tea, plus apple juice from apples picked in the garden, just right before a hike or a day of sightseeing. At their Jardin de l'Ill, beside the Ill River, we spent a wonderful week in a beautiful setting. The table d'hôtes was a treat. Lili is brilliant at cooking regional dishes and shares her secrets, while Patrice serves Alsatian wines he has carefully chosen to go with the food. Plenty of restaurants and hotels could learn from the service this generous couple offers. I don't usually recommend places, but you won't be disappointed with Lili and Patrice. A huge thank you for giving bed and breakfast such style, and for all the lovely discoveries and encounters we’ll carry in our hearts for a long time. Jean-Claude and Christine from Carcans-Maubuisson (Gironde).

We’d happily come back. Colmar/Strasbourg and the Vosges Mountains are easy to reach, and Lili and Patrice are wonderful hosts, always happy to share ideas for trips and restaurants. Our room was very large and lovely, and breakfast was both delicious and plentiful. Thanks so much for a great stay!