My wife and I have been blessed with countless opportunities to travel the world and we have been as far east as Turkey and as far west as Xian, China. It is no secret that we prefer France. But in all our years of travel only until September have we visited heaven. Les Pres d'Euigenie and its 3 star Michelin restaurant Restaurant Michel Guerand is a haven from the world. A small country palace, on the borders of the Landes and Béarn regions, a romantic haven, a feast for the senses, for pampering your body and letting your mind wander. The property is a family home and is an invitation to happiness. Fairytale gardens, aristocratic abode, and symphonic cuisine. In the small village of Eugenie des Pains, once placed under the patronage of Empress Eugénie, herb gardens, majestic trees, and ancient roses line the pathway to a stunning spa, La Ferme Thermale®. In the kitchen, Michel Guérard, who "cooks the way a bird sings", creates celestial marvels. Everywhere else, Christine, his wife casts her poetic touch. The grounds, the rooms, the furniture, the linens, all come together in a symphony of rest, reflection, and frankly downright hedonism of food, wine, and pleasure. We have never been pampered and cared for as we were here.
Michel Guérard was born in 1933 in Vétheuil into a family of butcher-breeders. He did his professional apprenticeship at the pâtissier-traiteur Kléber Alix in Mantes from 1950. After his military service in the Navy in 1957, he was hired at Crillon as a pastry chef and chef saucier. After winning the contest of best worker in France in pastry, he became pastry chef of the Lido then second Jean Delaveyne in Camellia (2 stars in the Michelin Guide ) in Bougival. In 1965, he moved to a bistro of Asnières-Sur-Seine (formerly a North African bistro bought by candle 2 ) which soon became the Pot-au-Feu, considered a Mecca of Parisian and international gastronomy. He became one of the founders of the " nouvelle cuisine " by inventing his "crazy salad" (made from foie gras that replaces vinaigrette). The red Michelin guide gives him his first star in 1967. In 1971, he won the second macaroon in the Michelin guide, and in 2017 he celebrated 40 years of its 3 stars in the Michelin Guide. One of our dinners was only 500 calories and was a feast for both the eyes and senses. I am not a big vegetable fan but I must admit after dinner I felt rejuvenated and calm and satisfied. I would never had thought that could happen with a 500 calorie mostly vegetable dinner. Every meal here from breakfast(which they insist must be taken in the room and borders on opulence overdone with close to 30 items) to dinner is a memorable lifetime experience. I have always written that I question the costs of 3 star Michelin restaurants but as I said years ago regarding Le Grande Vefour in Paris no this is not an inexpensive experience. But it is one that I will never forget and long for what time I have left. Was it worth it? No question. Was it once in a lifetime experience? I hope not. In the back of my mind, I am longing to return. Please take the time to review their website and pictures and review their menu items. I am willing to bet someplace, somehow, you will find the means to go there once.
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