La Gentilhommière

"Whether you come Saturday evening or Sunday lunchtime, it will be a pleasure to welcome you to our restaurant for a cosy and warm atmosphere.
Just one number to reserve your delicious moment: 03 27 28 18 80.

Charming getaway

If you're looking for an enchanted getaway just a few minutes from Valenciennes, head for Artres in the Rhônelle Valley. An 18th-century farmhouse offers a bubble of well-being in a remarkable historic setting.

For a long time, it was known as "la cense du château" or "la ferme du Catiau"? As you enter the village, it's impossible not to be tempted to pass under the large porch dovecote dating from 1747. What a cachet! No wonder Depardieu, Jean Carmet, Renaud and Miou-Miou were captivated by these walls during the filming of Germinal, which took place right here, in front of Saint-Martin church. In fact, the little chapel below the church was built for the film. The building next door was used as a grocery store, and the sheds were the factory offices! "Prince Rainier of Monaco also came to the village - he's the other local celebrity," recounts Anne Gillard, whose parents, 20 years ago, helped turn this former seigneurial farmhouse into a hotel-restaurant renowned for its charm and romanticism. Together with Juliette Dendievel, also founder of the Lucullus company that owns the Moulin d'Artres, she has breathed new life into the place, perpetuating its family spirit.

Romanticism and gourmet delights
And indeed, Magali?s welcome is very friendly. You enter this two-hectare green setting to unwind and enjoy a romantic, gourmet weekend. On this particular day, a group of English guests were enjoying the large terrace and wisteria-studded pergola, while a bride-to-be and her friends were making their final preparations in the large brick-vaulted room. An exceptional setting for a special day! And in the park, a magnificent kiosk, the legacy of Claude Berri?s film, provided a perfect backdrop for the photos! Like the restaurant, created in the former stables, with its exposed brick walls and local blue stone troughs. It's the perfect setting for fine, tasty cuisine concocted by chef Dominique Gravelle and his brigade. Tongue Lucullus with warm brioche; scallops with parsnip mousseline, veal kidneys flambéed with Houlle juniper, sweetbreads pan-fried with butter and sauternes cream, Valenciennois with choco-craquant and speculoos, crêpes Suzette with Grand Marnier: here, local, regional products and authentic flavors are the order of the day.

With my taste buds still full of flavors, full and enchanted, all I had to do was cross the large cobbled courtyard in the glow of dusk to reach one of the estate?s ten quiet, hushed rooms, beautifully decorated with taste and simplicity, and particularly large and comfortable. Just the thing to recharge your batteries and set off the next day to discover Valenciennes! - CLAIRE DECREANE