If you want to treat yourself before hitting the slopes of the Pyrenees, I’d suggest booking a stay at La Petite Chapelle. This charming Bed & Breakfast in the little village of Odeillo is at a stone’s throw from the ski resort Font-Romeu Pyrénées 2000. Run by Gis and Thierry, they know how to pamper their guests with tastefully decorated rooms and suites, a homecooked dinner and an extensive breakfast.
Former rectory
Oldest and I went on a ski trip to see if we could still conquer the mountains after two years of pandemic. As Font-Romeu is only 2.5 hours from Béziers, we could have gone for the day. But I thought it would be more relaxed to stay one night nearby, and that’s how I found La Petite Chapelle. Oldest and I arrived in the evening, and once Thierry opened the door of the former rectory, we felt welcome. Thierry brought our suitcase to our cosy ‘Suite du Nichoir de la Chouette’, already preheated with a crackling hearth fire. After settling into our spacious suite, including living room, kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom, we went downstairs for dinner.
Table d’hôtes
Odeillo is only a small village, so I was very happy that Gis and Thierry offered the possibility of joining their ‘table d’hôtes’. And there the pampering continues! Thierry worked at the Michelin starred restaurant La Barbacane in Carcassonne and knows his way around the kitchen. We started with an apéro of crémant de Limoux and some appetizers, followed by a prawn salad and a turmeric scallop rice dish for me. Oldest had the other menu, which had a luxurious Rossini style tournedos as main course. If you want, you can add a bottle of some fine local wines to your order. We both enjoyed the crêpes Suzettes for dessert, including flambé to Oldest’s surprise. It was divine from beginning to end!
Scrumptious
The next morning, I had set my alarm early to be on the road as soon as possible. However, the beds were extremely comfortable, and therefore we snoozed a wee bit longer… And when we came downstairs, the table had refilled itself magically with a scrumptious breakfast. Oldest’s eyes were as big as teacups when he saw all the delicious food. It was all there, from mini croissants and brioches to local bread and jams. If you want, you can order an omelette or an egg on the side. This morning meal delayed our early morning plans a bit more, but it was worth every bite. In the end, I was glad that I had booked a night at La Petite Chapelle as it stocked us up with enough energy for skiing.
