AUBERGE DU PARADIS
Fetching village auberge in the Burgundian wine hills
TELL YOUR FRIENDS you’re staying at Auberge du Paradis in the village of Saint-Amour and they’ll probably think you’ve been reading too much love poetry. But this aptly-named auberge is
a little gem well worth making tracks for.
The seven-roomed Auberge du Paradis is a stylish little address at the heart of Burgundian wine country where heart-shaped room keys and spicy room names (will your stay in Paprika be a hot one?) are matched with excellent cooking and home comforts.
Huge, immaculate and individually decorated rooms offer the max in comfort, with
wide beds, fat pillows, fine linens and luxurious bathrooms. Creams and whites with the odd splash of scarlet make for easy-on-the-eye surrounds, and the owners’ antique market finds are juxtaposed with sleek modern pieces.
Bathroom walls have been swept away, leaving clawfoot bathtubs and swish double basins standing unfettered near the beds.
Hit the Spot
In Saint-Amour, just south of the wine town of Mâcon.
Bedtime
Tandoori overlooks the walled garden and vines, with its own terrace.
Be Savvy
Get yourselves into some stellar cellars: tasting starts at the front door .
Be Smitten
A place for a Burgundy love-in.
Burgundian gastronomy
Most rooms overlook the village square, with one (Tandoori) having its own terrace and vineyard views at the back and another (Réglisse) being built into the eaves.
Breakfast at Auberge du Paradis is well worth getting up for: everything here from preserves to yoghurts (try the tangy lemon curd) is
deliciously home made. What’s more you can enjoy it outside on the shady terrace, with views of the pretty Burgundy countryside beyond.
If you enjoyed your breakfast, you’ll relish dinner at the inn even more.
Menus feature some of the pillars of Burgundian gastronomy (try the marinaded Charolais beef) as well as innovative newer creations laced with oriental spices. Dishes are naturally matched by some of the region’s stellar wines.
Saint Amour is a great place for getting to know local wines, and
the region heaves with wine growers and vine-covered slopes. If you’re out to do some serious tasting (and you’re spoilt for choice here), the owners will recommend the best cellars to start your quest – starting in the main street.
Auberge du Paradis was reviewed by
Room for Romance
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Dining in
Bold red and cream decor is the backdrop to your dining, with a giant heart on the wall. The restaurant is one of the best in the region and you'll want to savour dinner here. Sample
quail egg with porcini mushrooms or
roast pigeon with shallots and peanuts, and finish off with a terrific crème brûlée served with just a hint of tarragon.
Dining out
Burgundian cuisine thrives in nearby Mâcon. A ten minute drive takes you to the rustic chic of Au P'tit Pierre, or La Perdrix.
Where?
Auberge du Paradis
What’s cooking?
Flavoursome French cuisine with twists on standard formulas.
Dress the part
Go smart but keep it simple; you won't want to clash with the bold red decor.
Top table?
Next to the giant heart, of course.
See & Do
You're in the heart of Burgundy wine country, so be sure to do some tasting. The wine towns of Mâcon and Beaune are a good place to check out the best in Mâconnais labels, and your hosts will be happy to direct you to some of the region's best labels. Other than that, your sleepy surroundings are tailor-made for doing as little as you like.
Shop
The markets of Mâcon are well worth a visit. The town is also good for smaller shops selling clothes, jewellery and gourmet foods, as well as cafes overlooking the Saone river. Head into Terres Cuites et Jardins for local Burgundian furniture, pottery and crafts.
After dark
Chances are you haven’t come to this part of France for ground-breaking beats, but Mâcon has its share of late-night discos such as Club 400 and Le New Swing. Otherwise take a walk through the village of Saint-Amour before taking your Amour upstairs.
Dates
July
Beaune stages its popular Baroque Music festival every weekend in July, with jazz on the calendar in September.
GETTING THERE
Location
Plâtre Durand, 71570 Saint Amour Bellevue
Parking
There is free guest parking.
Trains
Mâcon station – 6 km
Taxis
EUR 15 from Mâcon
Airport
Lyon – 90 km
Rooms and suites
Six rooms, one suite
Special features
All rooms have a lounge area, satellite TV, wi-fi and feature bathrooms – many with clawfoot baths.
Also…
Most have views of the village square or local vineyards.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 90 - 180
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
3pm
Check-out
12.00 midday
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Breakfast (charged at EUR 14) is served until 11.30am.
Room service
No
Children
Welcome
Pets
Dogs are welcome and charged EUR 7 a night
Air conditioning
Yes
Languages
French, English and Spanish
Wedding license?
No
Your contact
Cyril Laugier – owner