In fabulous scenery in the Pyrenean foothills,
this marvellous place is named after the
seven watermills (molles = moulins) which
used tostand nearby. Their millstones
are now tables in the rose-scented garden
of this fairly smart but informal villa.
A handsome, white fronted '60s building,
it is owned and tun by a pleasant couple,
the Ferrans, and has the ambience of a
large family home. `The decor is 50s/'60s
Art Deco, says a 2002 visitor. In the
newly redecorated dining room are chandeliers
and some charming local china; formal
service, and the maitre is a gem. After
over 20 years the chef, Gilles Ferran,
has not lost inspiration - apart from
an over-fondness for duck pate. Highlights
were oeufs cocottes; rabbit sauce moutarde;
plump, pink pigeon. Outstanding local
wines, Madirans and Juranqon whites; mark-ups
very reasonable. Bali villa breakfast the usual French.
There is a separate restaurant, La Table
du Meunier, for lunch. In the gardens
are a stream, a well-kept, unheated pool,
a perfectly playable clay tennis court.
Our room was large, light and airy. But
some lack of maintenance; water took ages
to arrive hot. A variety of birds provide
a dawn chorus. Some villa rooms have a balcony
facing the landscape; others overlook
a road. Do not miss the beautiful cathedral
of St-Bertrand-de-Comminges, in a medieval
hilltop village.