An Invitation To Travel

Where to begin? Everything is absolutely beautiful! The city of Bruges, which I never tire of, serves as the perfect setting for The Notary, the superb luxury guesthouse where time seems to stand still. From the moment we entered, we were greeted with a warm smile, and my gaze wandered from one object to another, artfully arranged within the classic, slightly theatrical décor by Pieter Porters, where the grand and the intimate blend perfectly. We had a wonderful time.

A few steps into the garden, which must be stunning in spring and summer, with a pond where you can swim (all year round) among harmless fish. There’s also access to the canal, more secluded and buccolic (photo above). I can easily picture the newlyweds arriving by boat for a small, intimate celebration in the gardens of The Notary. We explore the common areas: the lounge adjoining the restaurant, the central kitchen, the library/cabinet of curiosities, and the staircase leading to the bedrooms.

The Dinner

Around 7:30 pm, we settled into the restaurant. The potted palm trees, the decor, the lighting… subtle jazz notes drifted through the room; I felt like I was in a movie, or perhaps an Agatha Christie novel (more for the intimate, enclosed atmosphere). As the chef described the menu, my mind wandered, and I felt calm and euphoric. As for the food, the photos speak for themselves: simple yet delicious. And the service was discreet and pleasant.

The Suite

In our suite—another world entirely! Rich, exuberant, and soothing: a blend of northern and Louis XVI aesthetics, bergère armchairs, taffeta window coverings, a chandelier, a fireplace, and an enormous, incredibly comfortable bed. An invitation to travel back in time… like the diary of a sophisticated traveler from the 19th or early 20th century. In the morning, I wake up to a view of the garden. I almost forgot about the bathroom, with its deep soaking tub, which combines old-world charm with demanding modern functionality.

The Breakfast

Finally, breakfast—but do we really want it to end when we feel so good? The restaurant has a cheerful atmosphere; to the strains of light opera, I sit down smiling at our table. I really like the L-shaped arrangement of the cutlery. We smile at the other guests, because this cozy little haven encourages good manners. I chose the “Healthy” breakfast: yogurt, berries, granola, an egg, and avocado with salmon toasts. Mister Le K had the Signature breakfast, with more choices and champagne! What better way to start the day?

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

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The Notary

Many thanks to The Notary for this beautiful invitation. As always, these are my opinions.

Une incitation au voyage

Par où commencer? Tout est absolument beau! La ville de Bruges, dont je ne me lasse pas, qui sert d’écrin à The Notary., la superbe maison d’hôte de luxe, où le temps s’est arrêté. Dès notre entée dans l’établissement, nous sommes accueillis par un chaleureux sourire. Et mon regard se perd d’un objet à l’autre, savamment distillés dans la décoration classique, un rien théâtrale de Pieter Porters, où le grandiose et l’intimiste se marient à la perfection. On s’y sent bien.

Quelques pas dans le jardin qui doit être superbe au printemps et en été, avec un étang où l’on peu nager (les quatre saisons) parmi d’inoffensifs poissons. Il y a aussi un accès au canal, plus encaissé et romantique (photo ci-dessus). J’imagine très bien l’arrivée des mariés par bateau, pour une célébration en petit comité dans les jardins de The Notary. Nous découvrons les parties communes : salon attenant au restaurant, la cuisine centrale, la bibliothèque – cabinet de curiosités et l’escalier qui mène aux chambres.

Le Dîner

Vers 19h30, nous nous posons au restaurant. Les palmiers en pot, la décoration, l’éclairage… des notes de jazz flottent subtilement dans toutes les pièces, j’ai l’impression d’être dans un film, ou dans un livre d’Agatha Christie (plus pour la convivialité dans un lieu clôt). Tandis que le chef nous décrit le menu, mon cerveau s’évade, je suis calme et euphorique. Quant à la nourriture, les photos parlent d’elles-mêmes : simple et succulente. Et le service est discret et agréable.

La suite

Enfin dans notre suite : un autre univers! Riche, exubérante et apaisante : un mélange d’esthétique du nord et Louis XVI, des bergères, du taffetas au fenêtres, le lustre, la cheminée et l’immense lit extrêmement confortable. Une invitation à voyager dans le temps… Comme le carnet d’un voyageur mondain du 19e siècle ou début du 20e siècle. Le matin, je me réveille avec vue sur le jardin. J’oubliai la salle de bain à la profonde baignoire qui allie esthétique à l’ancienne et utilisation contemporaine exigeante.

Le petit déjeuner

Pour finir, le petit déjeuner : mais a-t-on vraiment envie d’une fin? Lorsque l’on se sent bien? L’ambiance du restaurant est gaie : sur un air d’opéra léger, je m’assoie souriante à notre table. J’aime la disposition en L des couverts. Nous sourions aux autres hôtes, car ce “petit” cocon incite au savoir vivre. J’ai choisi le petit déjeuner “Healthy” : yaourt – fruits rouges – granola, oeuf et saumon – avocat sur toast. Monsieur a opté pour le petit déjeuner Signature, plus de choix. et du champagne! Comment mieux commencer la journée?

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

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The Notary

Un grand merci à The Notary pour cette superbe invitation. Comme toujours, ceci est mon opinion.

Wow ! Awesome Snow!

For a long weekend (too short for my liking), I’m rediscovering this superb resort in Savoy, France! I’m taking you with me! After half a day’s travel, we arrived at the hotel, the Ecrin Blanc Resort Courchevel. Watching the snow always makes me euphoric.

The Hotel

Comfortable, modern, and ideally located at the foot of the slopes. This 4-star hotel didn’t exist during my first stay in Courchevel. The Ecrin Blanc resort is located in the village of Courchevel 1650 (Moriond), right next to the Aquamotion. You can even walk there in your bathrobe and slippers (by taking the corridors connecting the two buildings).

It’s too late to go skiing. So, after the best salad I’ve had in ages at the hotel restaurant, Le Grill, I spend the rest of the afternoon at Aquamotion. A very pleasant aqua center with some outdoor pools, a spa, and saunas. But there are many people..

As for our room, it was spacious and comfortable, with a living area, a modern bathroom, very good bedding, and above all, a beautiful view (photo below). A special mention goes to the cinema room, where I happily rewatched ‘Les Bronzés font du Ski’, a famous French comedy loved by different generations!).

Day 2 : Skiing & Aquamotion

Put On Your Skis

Courchevel boasts a 150 km ski area. Today, the weather isn’t great, and visibility fluctuates between average and poor, with a thick whiteout and a few patches of sunshine here and there.

After a long break from skiing, I always prefer to start again with a lesson with an ESF instructor. What a fantastic feeling, gliding on slopes lined with fir trees! This is followed by a fun lunch in a restaurant on the slopes, and I return to the hotel in the afternoon.

Day 3 : A Walk, Then A Dog Sled Ride

The Lac de la Rosière, Dogs And Snow

For our last day, the weather seems to be improving a bit! We start the day with a walk around the Lac de la Rosière.. The scenery is as captivating as ever (photos 1 & 2 in the photomontage below) In fact, the first time I came to Courchevel, I went snowshoeing here with a group. We have lunch at the friendly little restaurant Châlet du Lac de la Rosière. Thank you to the chef for his kindness (photo 3 in the photomontage below).

Set back from the main road, we spot several huskies and other northern breeds. Most are already harnessed to their sleds, and some have piercing blue eyes. All are waiting for their mushers’ signals to set off. The bond between musher and dog is fascinating to watch (photos 5 & 6 in the photomontage below) We climb into our sled and let the adventure begin (photo above)!

My personal opinion which I apply to all dogs (sled dogs or not): do not pet a dog without the owner’s permission and avoid leaving small children nearby.

Where To Dine

Delicate Flavors

I really enjoy contemporary French cuisine, especially lighter sauces. And this obsessive focus on the impeccable quality of ingredients.

Let’s start with the Le Genépi : the chef Thierry Mugnier’s cuisine is subtle, and the combinations are masterful. I especially appreciated the clarity of each flavor. I enjoyed an excellent fish dish (photo 1 in the montage above). Everything is exquisitely refined! The same goes for the cheeses. Our elegant hostess, the chef’s wife Cécile Mugnier, is absolutely charming, as is the rest of the team. As for the setting, it is simply delightful.

As for our second dinner, the food was just as delicious (photos 4, 5, and 6 of the photo montage and the photo below). The cuisine is more classic, less sophisticated than at Le Genépi, but tasty nonetheless. The restaurant is located in a hotel, where one of the lobbies features an imposing life-size elephant statue. The beef in the starter was very tender, and I particularly enjoyed how the vegetables in the main course were cooked.

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

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Courchevel

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Many thanks to Courchevel Tourism Board for this beautiful invattion. As Always these are my opinions.