Le Relais

This place has a special place in my heart. The couple hosting us were so warm, and the rooms were clean, chic, and comfortable. They made the whole experience feel magical, and we left with wonderful memories. Thank you so much for everything. I wish we could have stayed with you much longer. I recommend it so much.

The food was the highlight. Book dinner if you can: we’ve had plenty of good meals on trips and for work, but this was one of the most memorable, and astonishingly good value at €30, with coffee listed as extra. We had wine for €19, which seemed good beside the shop price of around €12. It began with smoked salmon on passion fruit sauce with melon, then guinea fowl with a bright sauce and individually cooked courgette, aubergine, and carrot, plus purple potato mash. I suspect a lot of the ingredients and herbs came from their potager. Then a little bowl of crème without the brûlée, as I hope Monsieur will forgive my description. We thought we were done and were already happy, but dessert came too: apple tart with sorbet, ice cream, and meringue, all homemade and delicious. Petit fours followed, and though we usually skip coffee, we said yes this time. It came with homemade chocolates. Really, I’m not making it up. Breakfast was excellent too. There was muesli with dried fruit and delicious homemade yogurt, followed by Mme.'s tray of homemade pastries and bread: croissants, pains au chocolat, rolls, and more, with homemade preserves. Our hosts were warm, welcoming, and generous the whole time, a lovely finishing touch to a great couple of nights. The website is good, with accurate pictures, and the house is beautiful. It was immaculate, as if it had opened yesterday, though I don't know when it did. Our room was at the top of the house, well equipped, and very comfortable. The bed and bedding were great, with one square and one rectangular pillow each. There was a kettle, some green tea on arrival, a modern TV with French channels, HDMI and USB, and free wifi. Mme. was extraordinarily helpful and generous, so just ask if you need something. The large shower cubicle had both a rain shower and handset, with high quality fittings and tiling. Extra towels were in the wardrobe. It was warm during our visit, with daytime temperatures in the 30s C, so the top floor room was quite warm at the beginning of the night and will be warmer in summer. The house is next to a road, so there was traffic noise until it died down at night. Light sleepers who need the windows open might find that an issue. The windows are double-glazed and have good blinds. The house is joined to working stables, and through the restaurant's glass doorway you can see inside. Four very playful kittens were around all the time. They take Covid seriously: everywhere was clearly clean, they didn't come back into the room once we were there, and they wore masks properly indoors and out throughout our stay. Hand sanitiser was available.

We had the upstairs room, which was warm, really comfortable, well equipped, and spotless. Breakfast was homemade and delicious, and my girlfriend and I can't wait to return. There's also a little boutique by the kitchen where you can pick up their homemade jams and savory dishes. The property has been painstakingly restored to its former glory, and the window from the dining room into the equestrian centre is a great addition. There are lots of things to see and do nearby at any time of year, so you won't get bored. Thanks, and see you soon!

Two nights with Cathy & Francis turned out to be the best part of our holiday. The rooms were beautiful, clean, and comfortable, and the hospitality was second to none. The food was outstanding. Such an amazing stay, we'll definitely be back.