Auberge la Lucarne aux Chouettes

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La Lucarne aux Chouettes on the banks of the river at Villeneuve-sur-Yonne, just off the N6 (now, D 606) was made famous by its founder Leslie Caron the actress. In October 2010 this boutique hotel and restaurant was purchased by Caroline Marinelli and with new enthusiasm and new blood, rather like Colette’s heroine Gigi, the Lucarne has come of age. It has blossomed with a young, imaginative chef, Guillaume Collet, in the restaurant kitchen and he has introduced a very popular Sunday brunch. There are four guest rooms, decorated with great attention to detail, a tearoom and a wine bar.

The building itself is charming, like its name which loosely translated is the ‘Owls’ Nest’. Four 17th-century boat warehouses just below the bridge in the centre of Villeneuve-sur-Yonne were turned into this small hotel and restaurant. These old buildings have been cleverly melded together, mixing the old with the new. The dining room has a huge vaulted ceiling with oak beams, stone walls and an original tiled floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows so that diners can enjoy the river view. The bedrooms are decorated in a classic French style with antiques and drapes.

Caroline Marinelli originated up the road at Sens from a family of restaurateurs going back three generations. She worked for the prestigious company Ladurée setting up their overseas tearooms in Harrods in London, in Burlington and in Berlin. But her aim was always to run her own show and so when the Lucarne came up for sale, her fate was sealed. Her clear determination shines through and like our heroine Gigi, the result is the flowering of an already well-established business. Nearby visit the vineyards and châteaux, take trips on the river and canal, and savour this delightful location. The auberge is an easy drive from Paris for lunch or for a weekend break.

Prices for the menu from 17euros Tuesday to Friday for lunch. Dinner from 22 – 48 euros. The restaurant is closed Sunday dinner and Monday all day.
The hotel is open 7 days a week, rooms, 55 euros for the Blue Room, 99 euros for the larger rooms .

www.lalucarneauxchouettes.fr