Editor Pick
La Lucarne aux Chouette
- April 6, 2002
- Rated 5 of 5 by
zabelle from Portland, Connecticut
Leslie Caron and her son Christopher have done a marvelous job of restoring these four old warehouses into an auberge and restaurant of the first quality. Everything is very charming and you are treated like a treasured friend who has come to make a visit.
The auberge offers 4 rooms, all very different and each charming in their own way.
We originally booked the Duplex and the Blue Room but after consideration settled on the Suite and the Blue Room. There were 2 very good reasons for this, one was that the duplex is up a very narrow very steep stairway (the narrowest, steepest you can imagine) and it looked near impossible to get our large suitcases up there but the main reason was that the Suite is right across the hall from the Blue Room which made our nightly domino get togethers much easier.
The rooms are done in a mixture of fine fabrics and colors with an eclectic mix of furniture and decorations. The Blue room was small but not overly so. It was simply furnished with a double bed, a chair, a table with a cloth cover which hid the TV, a mirror and night stands with small lamps. A painting done by Miss Caron was on the wall facing our bed. This room looks out onto the small street that runs along side the hotel. Its amazing how much noise can come from such a small street early in the morning.
The suite, on the other hand looks out onto the river and there is no traffic on that side of the house. I must add however that the traffic noise did not disturb our sleep. It was just suprising. I think its because most of the cars are standard shift that you hear them changing gears as they begin to gain speed.
Our bathroom was large and bright. It had a long deep tub that was wonderful for soaking. There was an amenities basket but no hairdryer.
Dominique Inagaki was our hostess and she made everything run smoothly. She greeted us at the desk, showed us our rooms, seated us for dinner and served us our breakfast. All in a tireless style. She is quite amazing.
Breakfast was not included in the rate but as with many small hotels it is expected that you will eat it here. It was a French Continental with juice, coffee, tea or hot chocolate, croissants and rolls. There was plenty of jam and fresh butter. It was served in what is the bar in warmer weather. There was a pretty ceramic stove to keep out the chill and we were charmed by the pictures of Leslie Caron that cover the walls.
Our only disappointment was that Miss Caron was not in residence when we visited. Maybe next time!! We certainly would like to return.
From journal Burgundy-Wine , Women and Mustard? Part II