Chateau, Champagne, Pommery, Gourmet cuisine, Tennis

An elegant turn of the twentieth century residence, set in English style parkland has become a luxurious retreat for those luck few in which to relax in sumptuous comfort, tempted by gourmet cuisine.

Chateau Les Crayeres is situated within seven hectares of parkland and gorgeous rolling vineyards punctuated by magnificent hundred-year-old trees planted by the fair hand of Madame Pommery of the Champagne house of the same name. This extremely stylish and elegant chateau in the heart of Champagne was built for the Pommery family and is now home to Les Crayeres, one of France’s very best restaurants and hotels.

Gerard Boyer has created this wonderful hotel, blending the traditional with comfort and refinement, to produce a luxurious gourmet retreat, where guests can relax in sumptuous rooms and savour the superb cuisine (three Michelin stars) of his restaurant.

The interior looks much as Mme Pommeroy might have had it, with arch oil paintings of well-endowed ladies, filmy muslin curtains, powder blue carpets and well-stuffed armchairs and sofas. Cherubs disport themselves in the salon downstairs their cheeky reflections caught in gilt mirrors lit by chandelier.

Gerard Boyer’s restaurant is the main event and the day at Les Crayeres tends to revolve around mealtimes and the sublime heights of M. Boyer’s cuisine. Foie gras and truffles (in season) are de rigeur, and champagne (Pommeroy of course) flows freely. The «filets de rouget de roche grillés, sauce au thym, petite galette de pommes de terre dorées et ail doux caramélisé» is simply sublime - and by wouldn’t it be when the maitre d’hotel meets every guest before meals to plan each nuance of menu and wine, ensuring there is nothing to clash or jar the delicate palate.

Polite, cultured and unbridled hedonism is the order of the day. Chateau Les Crayeres is unforgettable.