Marc Faivre must be the envy of many. His unpretentious hotel is at the heart of a village that borders the tranquil Lac St Point, France’s third largest natural lake. All around him is the gloriously unspoilt Jura region, a paradise for country lovers. And his talent for creating genuinely good things from the local terroir has earned a Michelin star for his restaurant where the smiling Catherine will guide your choice of wine. For such a high standard of authentic cuisine, prices are remarkably reasonable.
The village itself has just 400 permanent residents but swells to accommodate up to 3,000 during the peak summer weeks. Yet, with about 1,000 acres of forest on the doorstep, you can always find a corner to yourself. Remember that the altitude is 900m so Malbuisson also has a thriving winter season.
The Bon Accueil’s accommodations are comfortable, bright and impeccably turned out with lots of pine in the modern Alpine style. The choice is between standard rooms and junior suites, all of which have excellent contemporary bathrooms. The minor road through the village quietens down at night and anyway all rooms are effectively sound-proofed. At the back of the hotel, there’s a sunny terrace and a lawned garden which leads to Monsieur Faivre’s all important veg patch.
Would that there were more places like the delightful Bon Accueil.