La Mare aux Oiseaux, The Originals Collection

Wellness hotel · Saint-Joachim

La Mare aux Oiseaux, The Originals Collection

Wellness hotel · Saint-Joachim

223 Fedrun, 44720 Saint-Joachim, France

Highlights

Michelin-starred restaurant & spa in Brière park

223 Fedrun, 44720 Saint-Joachim, France Get directions

mareauxoiseaux.fr

@mareauxoiseaux

@michelinguide

"A globetrotter and keen ornithologist, (with birds fluttering freely in his garden,) Éric Guérin has invented a universe that is uniquely his own. On an island ringed by circular canals, in the heart of the Brière Regional Nature Park, he has immersed himself in his terroir, all the better to serve up his own superb take on it. Indeed, the chef is an artist at heart, whose first passion is "creating". It is in the kitchen that he has found "his mode of expression", and for that we are grateful to him! Using first-class ingredients, he crafts appealing "natural" dishes that are rife with personality, delicacy, freshness – at times his cooking even borders on the poetic. The charm of the location – not least the "exotic" guestrooms for those who wish to extend their stay – and the warm, efficient welcome of the youthful and enthusiastic team add the finishing touch!" - Michelin Inspector

https://guide.michelin.com/en/pays-de-la-loire/saint-joachim/restaurant/la-mare-aux-oiseaux

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@tablethotels

La Mare aux Oiseaux (Saint-Joachim, Pays de la Loire) Verified Reviews | Tablet Hotels

"The Brière region is known for its chaumières, whitewashed cottages with thatched roofs made of locally sourced reed. One of the area’s best boutique hotels, La Mare aux Oiseaux, offers a twist on tradition that’s both fanciful and practical: it’s set on an island, and rooms are housed in stilted cabins, just slightly elevated above the marshes of one of the largest wetlands in France." - Tablet Hotels

https://www.tablethotels.com/en/saint-joachim-hotels/la-mare-aux-oiseaux

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Simon Potter

Google

Outstanding restaurant, everything is perfect, I mentioned i was a chef and i was given a kitchen tour. Very friendly owner/Chef.

Skinner73

Google

Went at the suggestion of a friend and was instantly impressed by the setting and the large, comfortable rooms. This is a spa in a bird sanctuary with a Michelin starred restaurant that lives up to its star. It’s a 4 star hotel for a great price. Plus it’s really a one of a kind place. Though the meal was not inexpensive, I’ve paid more and usually have been disappointed. This was actually fun and full of surprises. I wish I could have stayed two nights and taken more advantage of the facilities and surroundings.

Peter D

Google

This is a review of both the hotel (or restaurant with rooms) and the restaurant. It's quite possible people choose to stay on the basis that they are having dinner - it isn't a tourist hotspot though there are a few interesting ways to while away a few hours - a boat ride through the marsh or a walk round the local nature reserve. The hotel/restaurant is housed in converted and adapted local buildings. with rooms in the main building and in a garden extension. We were in a room in the main building wth a private terrace, very well equipped and very comfortable. But the whole purpose is the food, once again we had the tasting menu with the food and the wines chosen by the chef and sommelier. The food continues to be brilliant and beautifully presented, no complaints, hugely enjoyable. The wines were good though we weren't given the same level of information about them as on a previous visit. The staff are unfailingly friendly and efficient and the whole experience is of the highest quality.

doug armstrong

Google

Twice we stayed in the cottages near the spa. Twice we were blown away by the standard provided. The cottages were very comfortable and refined. We loved the restaurant. The bare tables , sans linen, looked amazing. A snazzy seasonal cocktail kickstarted an amazing dining experience. Definitely 2 star standard. Cannot wait to return!

Armchair Designer (AcD)

Google

A lot of work goes into providing a fine dining experience here, and it shows from the lobby to the garden. Every item on the menu has been refined and polished, just as the lengthy spiel waiters seem obligated to introduce each dish with, and every precaution is taken to ensure the patrons feel they get their money's worth, possibly to a fault... The dégustation menu feels more like a medley than a story, dutifully (and brilliantly at times) ticking boxes, but without much sense of direction. Clearly no resource nor effort were spared into making this place happen, but it's really a challenge to imagine any single mind behind the result. Now, I don't want to minimise the merits of Eric Guérin and his staff : successfully running a high-class restaurant is insanely difficult, and maintaining a Michelin star (for 20 years, now) can weigh heavy on a chef and owner. Thus, it's in a spirit of support and encouragement that I dare wish for La Mare aux Oiseaux to be a tad more intent on storytelling in the plate, to match its website, menu, and staff presentation.

Dominique A

Google

Very very good hotel, very quiet and equipped with a splendid decor. Chef Guérin's cuisine is extraordinary and inimitable. Lots of personality in this house where we feel good at first moment. The garden and surroundings are marvellous.

John Peter H

Google

Just North of Saint Nazaire's airport in South Brittany lies the village of Saint Joachim. Set in the Briere marshes, it is a charming village featuring thatched houses and cottages, trips on the marshes themselves and the hotel/restaurant La Mare aux Oiseaux. This Michelin star restaurant is exceptional. It is not cheap but the cuisine created by chef Eric Guerin is subtle, tasteful and beautifully presented. Go for the full taster menu. You don't know what you are going to get but the courses are clever, satisfying and different to many other restaurants. Make sure you arrive early enough to enjoy an aperitif in the garden, the source of the Oiseaux name. With charming and professional staff, a delightful ambience and a brilliant chef do not miss the chance to dine at La Mare aux Oiseaux.

Celine G

Google

Oasis of tranquility about 70 minutes outside of Paris. Delicious food at the restaurant. The tasting menu is a must. And the art on the grounds are just lovely. We highly recommend Le Jardin des Plumes.