Is this the perfect stop-over for foodies near Calais?…

This romantic hideaway is just a slight wiggle through the countryside off the A26 one hour’s drive from Calais .

The brainchild of Chef Sebastien de la Borde and his brother, the property nestles around the renovated courtyard and gardens of the farm building of their ancestral home Chateau de Bermicourt.

The 19th century chateau which was owned by their great grandfather, a renowned tobacco planter and diplomat, has seen many sights and its looking great today.

In 1916 it was used as a base to launch our then secret weapon “the tank” and it is now an interesting base for you to use if you are in the area visiting the many war memorials..

The hotel is hip but low key and several outstanding features are worth a mention. Firstly the amazing treehouse – wrapped elegantly around a sycamore with a clear view of the chateaux you couldn’t  imagine a more romantic love nest.

And talking of romance – room 7 – which is where we stayed had two side by side facing baths with a well thought out gap to balance the bubbly on. The suite was huge and divine with views of the expertly tended kitchen garden one side and the courtyard and chateaux the other. I could have stayed all week!  I believe another room has a large round bath but I thought that this was just so unique.

But the jewel in the crown is the restaurant – Sebastien’s cooking and baking is sublime and the sourcing of ingredients clearly verging on the obsessive.

I loved that when sitting at the table we were given a terrine of pate – way too much for one couple to eat – and you helped yourself to as much as you liked and it was passed to other guests. 

It felt very inclusive – a nice touch I thought. 

The room buzzed with diners and it was noticeable that these were locals not just travellers.

In the morning catching a chance to speak with Sebastien I found out why.

I asked him how many weddings he did in a year as this seemed to me to be the perfect venue not least of which was the candlelit outside dining area with a perfect view of the kitchen garden.

The answer was astonishing and revealing. “None” he said “I am way too precious about my food and my garden – I love my locals and if I let them down with a booking I would be heartbroken and I like them to know they can come and eat here whenever they want”.

As a chef myself I really get that. It’s not about the money it’s about the pride, the service and Sebastian clearly loves what he’s doing. I love it too and I will be back.

Chef Sebastien de la Borde

Just for disclosure purposes – this is not an advert I paid for my meal and room.

Rooms start from 90 euros

There was disabled access and your pooch is welcome. Free and ample parking on site.

Carole Mason

Freelance food writer - Author of Mae's Ancient Thai Food

Carole Mason

If you would like to work with me or try my food please get in touch with me at carolemason.press@icloud.com