My boyfriend surprised me with a night at Sorbais, France and he couldn't have picked a better hometel (not quite a hotel, stayed at the home of an amazing couple=hometel). Normally I'm the one picking the accommodations as I have the patience to look into places to make sure they are clean, are in a good location and are reasonably priced; however, it was him that planned this stay. First off, the location is a bit difficult to find (middle of nowhere, small village in northern France just 1.5 hours away from Brussels). Our gps had trouble finding the exact location, luckily we followed signs leading us to Sorbais and came right across Le Bocage Chambres d'Hotes. The home is quite large, spacious and very clean (how do they keep it so clean having the number of guests they do???). I feel as though it is the home of a long lost aunt and uncle--maybe not the most modern nor updated home but it feels as though you belong. The downstairs is full of pictures and mementos of their own travels--they have been all over the world! It is amazing to see where they have been and hear about their travels as well. Our room was a double bed with a bathroom of our own, the bed was very comfortable, I slept like a baby (maybe all the alcohol had something to do with it too? But I'll get to that later...) Marie-Hélène and Paul (the owners) are gracious hosts, much better than staying in an impersonal hotel!! We were welcomed with a drink of apple cider (or natural apple juice) and went back up to our room while waiting for dinner to be finished. When we came back about 45 minutes later we started dinner off with an aperitif with chips and a rose wine that they made themselves with orange. Next, we had a merlot wine with a flamkuche made with a cheese from the region (it tastes similar to racelette cheese). Then came the chicken that was so well done it would fall off the bone (for the meat eaters) and they made a vegetarian meal for me (salmon with a creme sauce) with rice and a courgette pancake. For dessert, we were served speculoos creme brulee with homemade limencello (my personal favorite, Marie-Hélène said my eyes sparkled when it was brought out, that doesn't surprise me in the least!) Let me tell you, this is the best home cooked meal I've had in a long time! We had a wonderful conversation the entire evening (in French, good for me to practice!) and got to know our hosts and other guests. After a food and drink coma, we went to bed and slept very well. Breakfast was served in the morning as well with fresh bread and homemade jams as well as yogurt and juices. All of this was reasonably priced, in my opinion, and should have been the price of dinner alone!! Thank you Marie-Hélène and Paul, we had a wonderful time and will make sure to tell everyone we know about your haven in Sorbais! P.S. there are plenty of activities to do in the area, nature walks, kayaking, etc. making Sorbais a wonderful location to relax and breathe in some fresh air. read more

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