Here’s a delightful hotel that has an incredibly loyal following. And who could blame anyone for returning year after year to enjoy the hospitality that the good-humoured Papillon family have been offering for nigh-on four generations?
Jean-Michel and his wife have recently retired but the restaurant still has its coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand (for unbeatable value) and the cuisine remains outstandingly good. Much of the appeal derives from the use of local produce, viz home-reared poultry, vegetables and fruit from the garden.
The setting, in a quiet side street at the heart of the village, is beside a medieval bridge over the River Dourbie. Tranquillity is valued here (no TV in the rooms) but the ambience is far from hushed reverence. Madame Papillon's niece is now front of house and, with the help of her parents, runs this tight ship with assiduous professionalism; the warmth of her welcome and the genial buzz from her regular guests create a mood of, how shall we say, contented gratitude?
The comfortable accommodation is regularly renovated but inevitably there is a bit of pot luck involved in the allocation. You may get a room whose time is nigh and, if so, just be thankful that the hotel was not already full when you booked. And when you pay the bill, we suggest that you resolve to keep the unbelievably reasonable rates a secret - at least until you have secured a room for your next visit.