Le Volets Bleus, Biarritz Pays Basque - Chambres d'hôte de Charme

Not in Paris but worth the trip to the South is Les Volets Bleus, situated about 4km from Biarritz in one of the most beautiful villages of the Pays Basque, Arcangues.

Like the British concept of Bed&Breakfast, but a million miles away in terms of style and panache are French chambres d'hotes.  You are effectively staying in a private home with a few guest bedrooms and often end up being treated like a member of the family.

Ex-Parfumeur, Marie de Lapasse created this exquisitely furnished property made all the more fascinating in that it is new but was constructed entirely from demolished Basque homes, so much so that is really does seem to be an "old soul" - old timber, flagstones and materials provide the ambience.  Great comfy beds and huge bathrooms with antique marble washstands and enormous baths help one settle in immediately.

The décor makes for a beautiful ambience with a comfortable sitting room, honesty bar and homely kitchen with a great big range where breakfast is served with a view on La Rhune mountain (Larrun in Basque).  Marie's able assistant Joanna's breakfasts are abundant and delicious (local bread, home made yogurt, prune and quince jam, Brebis cheese, freshly made juice and coffee and finally, a traditional Basque cake, different each day).

Le Volets Bleus
Chemin Etchegaraya
64200 Arcangues, France
+33 5 59 43 39 25