Auberge Bretonne

We were welcomed at this classic auberge by the owner, Audrey. Our room was on the 2nd (top) floor, accessed by a very steep stair or a quick and quiet, modern lift. The room was large with windows overlooking the garden. The huge bed was one of the most comfortable we have ever slept on, with pillows to match. The room was furnished with a built in wardrobe, an armoire, desk, coffee table and two comfy chairs. Needless to say dinner was outstanding - innovative food, good portions, well priced wine list and all served with the kind of professionalism that has been lost in so many quality restaurants. The large bathroom had a separate toilet and bidet off, and a massive bath with shower. We would have like a small shower screen. Be aware, the bath was very deep and took some getting out of. Breakfast was ordered in advance and was of the very best quality - the bread in particular was outstanding, worthy of a Hollywood handshake!

We stayed overnight at the Auberge which is well located for La Roche Bernard which is a very pretty French town. A decent bar popular with locals is located next to hotel so we made good use of that. The Auberge is very traditional and I had booked a large room that was indeed spacious if somewhat dated. The bed was huge and comfortable, the bathroom adequate with an over bath shower and being at the back of the hotel, beautifully quiet. It could have done with some coffee making facilities and provision of more drinking water as one small bottle was inadequate. I would prefer them to put the price up and include these little extras. The wifi was very poor, in fact we gave up trying to use it. The best asset of the Hotel is the excellent restaurant. We ordered the 38 Euros menu and it was superb. The Amuse Bouche consisted of a small hake morsel with lemon, a large clam with some delicious accompaniment and a small cup of Foie Gras creme brûlée - wonderful. For an entree, we both opted for the Tuna with mint, melon and Timut peppers, it was superb. I followed this with Lamb roast with spices, haricots verts and cherry tomatoes, caviar aubergine and an unctuous lamb jus. My wife opted for the market fish which was John Dory with peach, blackberry coulis and basil sauce. We both agreed that our main courses were superb. The accompanying bread was delicious and we couldn't get to the cheese we were so satisfied. For an upgraded room, the cost was only £117 so we felt it was extremely good value despite the shortcomings but the food was right up there with the best we sampled on our trip through France.

We really enjoyed this hotel in a very characteristic town at the start of Brittany. The welcome was great and the room was excellent. But the highlight is the restaurant with wonderful food and a superb wine list and sommelier, Davide. Two minor downsides; a noisy bar next door on some nights of the week and the menu is short. But neither of these impact the 5* rating.