Les Timandines

Operated by a French couple, this fair establishment shows many signs of the heritage of its owners. Trendy without being posh, the interior has comfortable large chairs in the lobby. Throughout the hotel, colourful paintings brighten the rooms, and the marble stairs each have wrought-iron banisters (on one side) which are extremely beautiful. Most importantly, the staff are very friendly and easy to chat to, when they are not too busy working of course. In all honesty, this is a family hotel, with nothing too flash, but the price is therefore extremely reasonable. The rooms are not modern, but everything functions and is clean. Breakfast is continental with juicy cuts of meat, cheese and a selection of breads, all of a high standard, and of a vast quantity. At the heart of this operation lies its restaurant, and truly, Les Timandines is an experience. While our little heir was asleep safe and sound upstairs, we settled in the stylish restaurant. Extremely friendly staff made us feel welcome at every turn despite my husband stubbornly not wearing any shoes (which went politely ignored). We enjoyed a steak done to perfection with fries (husband) and a deer stew (chevreuil) so tender it nearly fell off the fork (me). Vegetables: delicious; spaetzle, a type of noodle, are probably more of an acquired taste. However, the icing on the cake here was, unsurprisingly, dessert. Our waiter recommended the chocolate soufflé, and I am grateful for the advice. The soufflé had a crust baked to perfection, and the filling was of a delicious almost creamy consistency. However, it was the side of a roasted pineapple ring, topped with true vanilla ice cream that gave me an endorphin rush. What a treat...