The ultimate romantic getaway in Burgundy, France? I have the address for you! Just outside the sleepy and quiet village of Montbellet you’ll find La Marande, the ultimate hidden gem for fantastic food, true hospitality and French flair! We stayed here recently on our way to the French Alps and we thoroughly enjoyed our time here. Today I’ll tell you all about it, here on the blog!

Sleep

First of all what’s most important on a stop over on your way towards the South? A good bed…. Well, we slept like roses in this bed. Maybe it was the amount of wine (and cognac…), but the beds itself were comfortable too.
La Marande is situated in an old typical French country house. The owners are a friendly, polite and hard working French couple, who live on the premises themselves too, with their children. We were welcomed by the daughter, and she showed us our room. The son was sitting behind the desk doing his homework (cute!) and in the evening the husband was Chef of the kitchen while his wife was an excellent host and sommelier. Together with some kitchen and service staff they run their own place. And I know – from experience – that this is hard work. There is a lush garden too. When we were there, beginning of March, it was freezing cold and windy so no sunbathing in the garden, but during spring and summer months I think its’s lovely here!
Pretty traditional steps….
And it’s all in the details…

The rooms were simple, but comfortable. There was a couch, a comfy bed, luxurious bathrooms (great shower!), a television and free Wi-Fi.
Entrance with trees to La Marande…. Like winter fairytale… La Marande is an excellent place for a stay-over in Burgundy of France. Not far from places as Mâcon and Salon-sur-Saône, and perfect on the way for skiing, or during summertime on your way to the French Rivièra.

Eat

At La Marande your dinner is sorted. And then I am not speaking about an overcooked steak or a boring sandwich…. This place is foodie heaven and they have a Michelin star since 2014.

The interior is traditional and classic, not fancy or hip and happening. But when you are in the country side of France, you are in the country side of France! And then is should be this way. It was cosy and warm.

This wine…. Henri Boillot Meurseult 1er cru “Les Genevrières” 2013 – I know I am a snob and I know it’s a classic choice, but this wine is absolutely favourite. It’s elegant, exciting, mineralic ánd fat at the same time. The style of wine making like Boillot does is one I have always appreciated. And I still do….
Ok, not my taste, the interior. But a cosy (and clean, which is not always the case in France…) restaurant it is.
Amuse bouche! Savoury ‘cracker’ of Comté cheese, and the ‘pizza’ is with a local young fresh cheese, celeriac and black truffle.
Food, wine + good company = a happy me!
Fond with mousse of foie gras and a poached shrimp.
Crab with avocado and herbs. A bit salty, but tasteful.
Escargot (snail) with garlic, chives and filo pastry. When you are in Burgundy you have to eat escargots!
Meursault…
My starter: pork trotter with snails, poached egg and a sauce with pinot noir and shallot confit.
Starter of partner in crime: pan fried foie gras with beef tartar, oyster and jus de carotte acidulée (sweet and sour carrot sauce)
Real French farm butter….
Bread “bien cuit” (with crust)
My main course: Filet the féra (white fish), with wakame (seaweed), crayfish, vegetables and a Thaî sauce.
Main course of partner in crime: Entrecôte of pork with seasonal vegetables, a homemade tomato puree and crispy pork skin.

Serious business….
The best part of dinner in France…. Cheese trolley! Totally heaven.
Ohhhhh!
Dessert: Chocolate, almond biscuit and sorbet with amaretto…. Very, very nice. I usually don’t eat desserts but this one was great.
Espresso with friandises….Yummy
Some serious wine tasting. Correction: Trying to look serious with wine tasting.

Morning glory

Waking up with a slight hangover in the country side of France with warm croissants and marmelade isn’t that bad….
Bye La Marande, bye comfortable bed!
Early morning sun rise.
Bye Montbellet, we loved our stay!

The Facts

La Marande in Montbellet (Burgundy, France) is a family owned and managed small hotel with a Michelin starred restaurant. It’s a lovely, romantic hidden gem in the middle of France, not far from Mâcon-Village. Click here for more information or to book your room or table.

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Note: I have not been asked, paid or invited to write about La Marande. It was my own idea. All image are mine, made with a Canon EOS M3 camera.