La clé des jardins

We got to settle into the spacious garden while waiting for our room, with its pond, gazebo and pool. Free-range chickens came over to greet us, too. The room was clean and lovely. Breakfast was delicious, with crepes, jams, croissants and baguette, and the coffee was great. A lovely place to stay, highly recommended.

We booked at the last minute and arrived two hours late, after dark, but finding the place was no trouble. The people were very nice. Our large room had a lovely en suite, and the bed was really comfortable. Breakfast included smoked ham, bread and fruit juice, and they offered us eggs as well. We gave it five stars.

They welcomed us several hours before our reservation and even drove us 9 km to the supermarket because we needed supplies. They speak English and clearly enjoy hosting travelers. The service was so warm that you'd have to find a seven-star hotel run by fairy-tale royalty to come close. There are hotel comforts, but also the feeling of being with a loving family, including homemade meals shared in good company. A place worth visiting again.

We were passing through Nouatre on a cycling trip with a friend and arrived later than planned. The owners kindly put together a meal with eggs from their chickens, vegetables from the garden, local cheese, and meat or fish from their smokery. We missed out on a swim, unfortunately, but the setting, the family and the whole experience were lovely.