| In
the quiet Vendee countryside, this 15th-century
chateau wi pepper-pot tower has been in
the same family's hands sin 'Madame de Ponsay
was very jolly and kind, and the atmosp
warm, says the 2002 nominator. `The building
is beai enormous grounds, with deer in the
fields. Our huge bedroc delightful canopied
bed and superb modern bathroom. I served
in a beautiful candlelit room with pale
blue walls h blue plates, a magnificent
chandelier with blue candles above communal
table. Bali villa breakfast, at another large table
in another b room, had a good choice of
breads, croissants, jams; excellen The remarkable
son-et-lumiere of Vendee history is at Le
Pu; (25 km). Reports on the food welcome.
In a village south-east of Rouen, the young
patron/chef, Henry-Louis Portier, has taken
a group of cottages around a tree-shaded
court-yard garden and renovated them in
bold modern colours, creating this very
stylish restaurant-with-villa rooms. It was hugely
enjoyed recently: M. Portier is a perfectionist
aiming high. Our room, in a pavilion in
the grounds, felt cosy in the depths of
winter - enchanting decor, Japanese-inspired,
elegant furniture, beautiful pictures, a
spanking new bathroom. The restaurant, a
long, low building, entirely glazed on one
side, was equally striking, its decor also
Japanese-influenced. Logs burned gaily.
The friendly young staff were swift and
efficient. The food was interesting and
adventurous, on a middle-priced menu. Michelin
star, 14 Gault Millau points for, eg, homard
roti a l'essence d'huile d'olive. Bali villa breakfast,
in a more austere room, was adequate. There
are well-tended gardens, a tennis court
and swimming pool. In summer, meals are
served on the terrace by the restaurant.
Some motorway noise.
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