Where is Les Pres d’Eugenie?
Les Pres d’Eugenie is set in the pretty spa town of Eugenie-les-Bains in southwest France. It’s an hour-and-a-half drive from Biarritz and just over two hours from Toulouse. You will need your own car if you want to venture outside the village.
What is Les Pres d’Eugenie?
It’s a luxury hotel and spa with a three-Michelin-starred restaurant. But it’s much more than that: it’s been labour of love for chef Michel Guerard and his late wife Christine for several decades.
Older readers will know Michel Guerard as the man who invented cuisine minceur. The idea behind it is that one doesn’t have to have a lot of calorie-ridden food for it to be delicious. He believes in food that is light but full flavoured. Still in his kitchen in his eighties, he also came to our table to see if we enjoyed our meal, as he did with everyone who was dining that night.
Marrying Christine in the mid-1970s, over the next forty years, they transformed Les Pres d’Eugenie into the gorgeous hideaway it is today, in the pretty spa village of Eugenie-les-Bains. As well as the three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the main house, an accolade Guerard has held for over forty years, there is an informal, rustic restaurant in the grounds, a café, small gift shop, teaching kitchen and terrific spa. Set in manicured grounds with fountains and lawns, it really is a delightful place.
It’s only on rare occasions I’ve been able to enjoy three-star Michelin dining and this was one of them.
What is it like?
As our car pulled up, someone came to greet us at the portico and proceeded to whisk away our luggage. We were given one of the better rooms – a suite that runs along the whole of the front of the property, with little balconies off three of the rooms.
Is the food special?
Dinner was a grand affair, with an aperitif served in the attractive lounge beforehand. Guerard’s sense of fun is evident on the table, however, with fresh rosy apples and a couple of bronze ducks: one is meant to enjoy one’s meal and not take it all too seriously. We had the tasting menu and with wine included, it was not a ridiculous price for such superb quality. Vegetarian options were produced with no problem. You do have to stay here if you want to eat in the restaurant.
An indulgent breakfast in bed
Breakfast brought on a tray was flawless. The best, freshly baked flaky croissants, excellent jam and butter, divine coffee and just squeezed orange juice, plus one of the nicest yogurts Paul has tasted.
The spa
In the afternoon I had a water spa treatment to look forward to. Unlike many spas that are a bit clinical, the spa here has a cosy, country feel – a roaring real log fire in reception, lots of linen robes and a woven basket to store your clothes, ample magazines and a help yourself area with hot tisanes. The downside is, you are in France, so expect ultra chic, stick-thin women who look stunning in just a spa gown.
My water treatment
I’m not a big fan of water treatments – I’ve had several of the slightly sadistic variety where large women hose you down and everything gets very wet and is the opposite of relaxing. But it would appear, this activity is taken on your own – I had five different treatments in complete privacy. An assistant takes you to the room and will return when you are finished.
A memorable mud bath
I started off with the mud bath. I think this is one of the nicest sensations I can remember. It’s like walking into a warm bath of melted milk chocolate. I couldn’t swim as the liquid made me float, but it was extremely relaxing and with the candles on either side I felt I was in my own little haven.
When I was finished, I took a shower and my assistant arrived to take me to the next room. There was a walk around a pool with water jets that worked on my leg muscles, a steam room, a warm bath filled with herbs set in front of a blazing fire and another facility that worked on my stomach muscles.
After my treatments, I felt relaxed and content and was quite surprised how much I had enjoyed it.
The mud bath was the stand out winner though.
The gardens and village
The grounds of the hotel offer many corners to explore and there are bikes to borrow. The village itself adjoins the property and there is enough to do to fill a few hours.
Conclusion:
This is an unusual, well-cared for place, perfect for a very special occasion. Try to go in the warmer weather when the flowers are out.
Disclosure: We were given a press rate for our room. The spa treatment was complimentary. We paid for our drinks and evening meal. As always, my comments are the true impressions of my experiences.
All images copyright of Olivia Greenway and may not be used except by written permission prior.
Updated and fact-checked Janaury 2021.