LUNCH AT ‘LA COLLINE DU COLOMBIER’, IGUERANDE by Brian Franklin

At last, Purefrancenow officially visits 'La Colline du Colombier' the famous 'Maison Troisgros's amazing new restaurant.

The occasion (and a very good excuse for the visit!) was a friend's 50th birthday.

It was celebration rather than commiseration, and we thought it a great surprise and opportunity to have lunch at this exciting new 'eatery' (or 'auberge', I should say).

Purefrancenow has recently written about this new restaurant on our 'Blog' 'News' and 'Reviews section which you can visit at Purefrancenow Review 1 

Anyway, I continue with our journey of discovery at La Colline, which was a superb experience. the whole environment and situation of this restaurant-auberge is a delight.

A beautiful countryside setting with incredible views, all set within an original ancient farm enclave. The exterior gardens are still, in effect, a 'work in progress', but the sensitive development of the traditional farm buildings and the incredible architectural, interior design of the huge main barn which houses the restaurant and its kitchen) is absolutely remarkable.

When you visit this restaurant you are involved in a total experience which impinges on all the senses, not just those of taste and smell –  vision, touch, sense of space!

Calm, efficient, convivial service by young girls in country linen habbards is rewarded with the normal excellence expected of the 'Troisgros' influence on its cuisine.

The whole presentation and imagery of decor and food is one of smart, high quality simplicity with a marvellous mix of the traditional and contemporary.

Our meal was a joy – simple, quality country food cooked superbly, and presented with a contemporary 'touch'.

The sun was shining, so we had coffee on the terrace, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our stay. In fact, we stayed as long as possible to maximise our time there!

I almost had to drag my wife away from it all!

The birthday treat , too, was a great success, and our friends, Dale and Clare, left with fond memories, and some interesting photographs! 

No words can fully describe this magical place, which is why I have included a montage of images to reflect the style, fun, and originality of this new extension of the Troisgros empire, here in quiet backwater near the little village of Iguerande in the Brionnais, just across the border of the Roannais.

The overall country site of La Colline du Colombier is quite extensive. Gite-style accommodation is also provided at the original farmhouse and pigeonnier.

More dramatic, however, are 'Les Cadoles'. three individual, contemporary, highly designed, architectural structures of wood, steel, and glass with extraordinary, curved zinc roofs, built on steel stilts, overlooking the surrounding countryside. These are special guest apartments for visitors who want to stay in the region for at least 3 nights.

These structures have been carefully positioned not to intrude upon the ancient style of the farm buildings, but to creatively contrast with their traditional, natural location.

I quote from the Troisgros website on these 'Cadoles':  "Three little contemporary houses, built of wood, canvas and wool, on stilts, like little nests blending into nature. One seems suspended in the air, the second is terraced and nestles between two ancient oak trees, and the third is in a garden under the shelter of an old apple tree. Each has a bedroom with one large bed, a bathroom, a small kitchen and large living space opening onto a wide balcony which overlooks the unspoilt countryside. There is also a wood-burning stove for when the day's turn cool"

Intriguing, beguiling, and inviting! We all wanted to book-in right away! I am thinking that we will be visiting La Colline du Colombier sometime very soon. Purefrancenow will certainly be recommending our friends, holiday visitors, and business contacts to take a look, and enjoy the hospitality of this amazing place!

www.troisgros.fr       la-colline-du-colombier@troisgros.com