Le Relais Saint Jacques

A superb Logis.

What a great find. The €30 set menu includes a starter, main course and dessert, and it’s excellent value. The portions are generous, the ingredients are high quality, and everything looks as good as it tastes.

I arrived from far away for a last-minute overnight stay before a nearby wedding. My parents had booked it, and in all the rush I hadn’t paid much attention to where I’d be staying. It turned out to be a lovely surprise, with a warm welcome and a charming setting. I had a small double room to myself. It was spotless, and I had no complaints. The decor was a little dated, usually not my style, but here it made me feel right at home. Lunch was fantastic, and I left full and smiling, thanks to the owners’ warm welcome. The only small issue was how noisy the wooden floors and doors were. It was hard to come back quietly during the wedding night, though the old wood is part of the place’s charm.

The children's menu is a smaller take on the regular menu, a nice way to introduce youngsters to fine dining, and it’s good value. The trip is well worth it. The restaurant is easy to reach between Châteaudun and Orléans, and we enjoyed our meal there. The setting is understated and the welcome courteous. Dishes are beautifully presented, the ingredients are good quality, and fish has a strong place on the menu. There’s something for everyone, and all the diners enjoyed it.