As a frequent equestrian/solo traveler, I tend to choose my vacation destinations very carefully…read more My stay at Château d'YGrande was exceptional in every way! Here are the highlights: - The entire property is gorgeous! The interiors are charming and elegant. The gardens are lush and the surrounding scenery is bucolic. I'm not typically one for pool lounging, but there was one hot afternoon that made this amenity very refreshing. Altogether, there is everything you would hope to find in a French countryside fairytale. - The meals are top notch. Breakfast is served in a buffet style (pastries, sliced meats, cheeses, eggs, fruit, etc.). Lunch was served in 2 courses; and dinner was served with 3 courses. Each of the daily menus featured fresh, flavorful and delicious ingredients that were largely sourced from the property. I was served an array of hearty proteins which was the perfect fuel for my equestrian activities. Many of the dishes were presented so beautifully that I hesitated to take my fork to them. I of course prevailed with a clean plate! The wonderful food, staff and dining atmosphere is on par with any upscale restaurant. - The entire hospitality staff was so kind and welcoming. Everyone from the front desk to the dining rooms was attentive and dedicated to making their guest's experiences memorable. I was so touched when the chef presented me with a gorgeous (and delicious) chocolate mousse cake to celebrate my birthday. :) - The equestrian experience seems to be catered to riders at all levels. The facilities seem to be slightly geared towards jumping; but as a dressage rider I found both the horses and the instructors to be very well educated and versatile. The first thing I look for when I go to any new barn, is whether the horses are being well cared for. Everything looked in order on that front. The horses are well fed, healthy, and have access to plenty of turn out. I rode 4 different horses; and each was pleasant to ride and very respectful on the ground; which is another key indicator of good training and good care. I did a combination of hacking and in-school lessons. The hacks were both relaxing and exhilarating (I.e. quiet strolls, thrilling gallops, and everything in between). On the last day, the temperature was quite high, so we were given the opportunity to swim with their Conamara ponies. The entire experience as a whole was similar to other excellent equestrian vacations I've taken. Thank you Château d'YGrande for showering me with so many wonderful experiences during my stay! I look forward to returning in the future! :)

From the owner: Les Saveurs de la Quiétude Le Château d'Ygrande, lieu historique à la beauté évidente, abrite en…read moreses murs d'époque son restaurant gastronomique. La Salle à Manger au décor bourgeois style directoire : chandeliers, nappages blancs immaculés, tapisseries et dorures, donne le ton et l'ambiance d'un lieu singulier. Entre étangs et nature luxuriante, les hôtes goûtent une cuisine traditionnelle autour des produits frais du potager et restent béats devant le spectacle offert par la terrasse : un écrin de verdure au charme exquis. A tester : férus de cuisine et de gastronomie, la maison propose des cours de cuisine.

Wonderful experience in the French countryside. Charming indoor farmhouse or garden veranda dining…read more The food was innovative, incredibly fresh with a lovely presentation. Fairly set fixed price offering and friendly, attentive service.

From the owner: Passion de la cuisine française Tenu par Patrick et Martine Bourhy, le Restaurant des Cours vous…read moreaccueille dans une ambiance familiale et chaleureuse. Au menu, une cuisine simple et raffinée mettant en avant les produits du terroir et l'amour du chef pour le Bourbonnais. Boeuf charolais, volaille de l'Allier sont entre autres à déguster dans la salle conviviale ou sur la terrasse ombragée idéale dès l'arrivée des beaux jours.

Wow, what a find. On our way from Loire valley to Provence, we stopped at Le Carrousel for lunch…read more At 28 euro for a 4 course chef's choice lunch, this Michelin star gem truly impressed (like, we left a 20% tip for lunch because we didn't get any wine or coffee). Dessert was absolutely divine - best dessert after "hunting Michelin stars" in Paris and in the valley for 10 days. The best part was the effort put forth by chef's wife who helped us navigate the dishes in English - there is an English menu but chef's specials change often - which added to the charm.