Maison Decoret ★★★★

“In France, cooking is a serious art form and a national sport.” - Julia Child

After finishing Julia Child’s ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking’, I was left feeling completely inspired and desperate to go to the land where, as she puts it, cooking is a national sport. I had my heart set on the quintessential city of Vichy - a place that has something to please everyone: the history lovers, the culture vultures and most importantly in my case, the foodies. And where better to stay than a family-owned chalet, housing a highly praised gourmet restaurant! Set in a Napoleonic brick building with a gorgeous conservatory attached to the front, Maison Decoret showcases a unique art-de-vivre that I’d been craving without realising.

“People who love to eat are always the best people.” –Julia Child

After catching an early morning flight to make sure I could make the most of my first day, I arrived in Vichy to be warmly welcomed by Jacques and Martine, whose passion and dedication for what they do made me rekindle my love for French food before I’d even been to their restaurant. Feeling inspired, I spent the morning exploring Vichy’s tree-lined pedestrianised streets, sprinkled with Art Deco stained glass, antique shops, art galleries, stunning architecture and colourful markets where I stocked up on some local delights so I could try my hand at mastering French cookery. Jacques and Martine offer cooking classes in the kitchen, where you can learn how to concoct combinations of hitherto unsuspected flavours and innovative flavours.

“The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook.” – Julia Child

My first evening was dedicated to the main reason I came: sampling the delectable cuisine in the renowned gourmet restaurant, courtesy of VeryChic of course. Attached to the front of the brick façade, the glass room is bordered by neat hedging and a wrought-iron fence. It is decorated in a simplistic yet chic way, with light wood panelling, red chairs and dark tables draped in white cloths. Chef Jacques invents new dishes every day, so each mouthful creates fireworks in your mouth, and provides you with innovative flavours that you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting before. Needless to say I returned each evening to sample another one of the one-of-a-kind meals.

“Until I discovered cooking, I was never really interested in anything.” – Julia Child

Of course there’s more to the hotel than just the restaurant. Upon taking over this majestic establishment, the proud owners created spacious and beautifully decorated rooms to ensure that you are as relaxed as possible. Adorned in contemporary art, the bedrooms overlook the park, and offer a range of modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, a TV and large private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, robes and slippers. The maison also offers bespoke spa treatments, wine tasting, not to mention the myriad activities available in the surrounding area. It’s a genuine feast for all the senses, providing each guest with a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that we all need once in a while.