FRANCE - EUGÉNIE-LES-BAINS - LES PRÉS D'EUGÉNIE

LES PRÈS D'EUGÉNIE Three Michelin Stars

On this occasion we took a trip over the Spanish border from San Sebastián (some 175 km) into France to the wonderful Les Prés d'Eugénie. Michel Guérard opened Les Prés d'Eugénie in the tiny commune of Eugénie-les-Bains in 1974, and the restaurant gained a third Michelin star in 1977, only three years later.

He has retained 40 years of 3-star status and now has the longest such continuous run, since the recent death of Bocuse, who gained his 3rd Michelin star in 1965.

Eugénie-les-Bains is a resort that I would imagine is delightful to visit in summer. We went during a rainy December evening, and it could still be appreciated, with the misty rain adding a certain mystique.

There are a few shops and bars/restaurants in the little village.

Église Sainte-Eugénie d'Eugénie-les-Bains

Michel Guérard cookery school

Les Prés-d'Eugenie is a stunning, enjoyable place. It is a pleasant stroll into the main house, where the restaurant is situated. The property has a large spa attached to the main house and has further accommodation in a converted convent.

On arrival, we were led to a very opulent area before being seated in the main restaurant.

There is a vast amount of ornaments and artefacts on show from many years of collecting.

Once sat in front of a roaring fire, we chose our menu.

There were three tasting menus at €130, €195, and €250, as well as a full à la carte French-only wine list, which was very Bordeaux-heavy. We chose the €250 menu Palais Enchanté.

We had Champagne and a few excellent nibbles to start.

After which, we were taken to the main dining room; no pictures were taken of this room.

After an excellent amuse-bouche, we started with two types of caviar and potato dishes.

Next, was one of Michel Guérard's signature dishes, the Morel Pillow. A creamy soup of morel mushrooms and asparagus tips on a ravioli base, with the extra luxury of black truffles.

Lobster, baked in the oven with onion and peach sauce, a hollowed-out dish with an onion hollowed out, containing an onion and cheese sauce; both were fabulous.

The beef is cooked in the fireplace, then in the kitchen and then presented at the table before it is allowed to rest back in the kitchen. With a panko-breadcrumb crust, it is served with shallot confit and a red wine sauce.

And a wonderfully light and delicate trio of soufflé potatoes.

Dessert: another of Michel Guérard's signature dishes, a soft cake of bechamel and melted rhubarb. Our waiter warned us that this was not the prettiest dessert ever, and so it turned out, but the flavour of the rhubarb, especially, was quite stunning.

For drinks, we had 8 glasses of Champagne Michel Guérard (€176)

1 Puligny-Montrachet d.Martelet e Cherisey 2011 (€170)

1 Chateau Petit Village 1997, (€185)

Unfortunately, some of the wines were not really to our tastes.

2 Café d'Exception Népal, Kilimanjaro (€24).

2 Eau Minérale (€20)

The bill for 4, including service before tip, was €1,575.

Service was very friendly and professional. Michel Guérard is now 84, so if you want to experience this wonderful place, it may be best to go sooner rather than later.

We stayed at Hotel Charmingamps, a charming place on the outskirts of Eugénie-les-Bains.

The hotel & Spa Les Prés-d'Eugeni has fantastic rooms, should you want to stay there.

The next morning, we had a look at the second restaurant, La Ferme Aux Grives, which, unfortunately, we didn't have time to try as we were leaving before lunch. Once an old barn, it is now a stunning, beautiful place set in very pretty gardens, which we believe offers excellent value for money for three courses.

The restaurant was brought to our attention and recommended by Andy Hayler, who has a fantastic restaurant blog that can be found here: www.andyhayler.com

LES PRÉS D'EUGÉNIE

Eugénie-les-Bains 40320 France

+33 558 05 06 07

www.michelguerard.com

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