Domaine De Presle Saumur, The Originals Relais

“A real pleasant surprise for a stay and a meal.”

An overnight stop over on our trek from Southern Spain. We had an RV so pleased to see first that the hotel and restaurant had plenty of safe parking. The room we had was a terraced chalet outside the character building. I would expect there are traditional rooms in the main building and I could … more

An overnight stop over on our trek from Southern Spain. We had an RV so pleased to see first that the hotel and restaurant had plenty of safe parking. The room we had was a terraced chalet outside the character building. I would expect there are traditional rooms in the main building and I could see they had what looked like glamping sheperd huts as another option. Ours was more traditional, a little basic but suited us. The real surprise was the restaurant which was very classic French with a great selection of wines and a very traditional menu. All very good.

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“Old but charming”

The Domaine de Presle is truly a ‘Relais de Silence’. We spent three nights there in June 2019 and there did not seem to be many other guests in the hotel so maybe that is why it was all so peaceful and quiet, particularly during the night. The grounds are lovely with a large garden, a beautiful po… more

The Domaine de Presle is truly a ‘Relais de Silence’. We spent three nights there in June 2019 and there did not seem to be many other guests in the hotel so maybe that is why it was all so peaceful and quiet, particularly during the night. The grounds are lovely with a large garden, a beautiful pond with frogs and waterbirds, and a small swimming pool. Despite the feeling of being lodged in the very middle of nowhere, the hotel is very close to the main roads, about five miles outside Saumur. We had a room in the main (old) building with a creaking floor and a rattling wardrobe but a very comfortable bed. A couple of things in the bathroom were in desperate need of maintenance and repair as well but we are not the kind of people to make a fuss about that on the internet. After all, we knew that this was not going to be a five-star hotel, prices were fair and we had all the basic stuff we needed. The breakfast buffet was also basic but really good; no complaints there either. Staff was very kind and helpful but usually nowhere to be found in the afternoon and evening. Again, we couldn’t care less as we were out sightseeing most of the day. There is a very nice restaurant right next to the hotel called Le Moulin Des Saveurs to which I have posted a separate review.

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“Here for a business lunch”

This hotel was used for a business and wine tasting event for Brits living in France to get an update on investments. It is a very charming little chateau with all its old charm, but with a touch of the modern. Everyone was very warmly welcomed with a nice cup of coffee and some lovely croissants … more

This hotel was used for a business and wine tasting event for Brits living in France to get an update on investments. It is a very charming little chateau with all its old charm, but with a touch of the modern. Everyone was very warmly welcomed with a nice cup of coffee and some lovely croissants and pain au chocolat. The lunch was delicious and beautifully presented. A duo of salmon, one being grave lax with a vinaigrette of honey and ouzo and the other tartar or Foie gras with a chutney of pineapple and dates and house gingerbread. The main course was Bass fillet with a broccoli coulis with fennel seeds, mashed potatoes made with olive oil and lardons or Maigret of duck with a kumquat confit a sweet ginger sauce and dauphinois potatoes. This was followed by a selection of cheeses and dessert was a dacquois of seasonal fruit or Nougat glacé with a Saumur-Distré coulis- all absolutely delicious. The staff were very friendly and polite, and the chef came out to introduce himself. A lovely experience.

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