The Place
Le Pré Bossu is at Moudeyres, a remote village of thatched stone cottages and farm buildings, high (1,200 m) in the volcanic ezenc massif, surrounded by fields of wild flowers in the spring and mushrooms in the autumn. It is a long way off the beaten track, but our inspector found it well worth the journey: ‘Rarely have I seen a more beautiful location.’ It is very rugged and difficult to get to.
The conscientious Flemish owners, the Grootaerts, have worked extremely hard to create an attractive and comfortable house. To original beams, wooden floors and old-fashioned, open fireplaces, they’ve added antique dressers, lace curtains, wild flowers when they are available – dried flowers when they are not – and books. Pots of home-made jam and artisan products are (subtly) for sale.
Some of our reports suggest that the hospitality may occasionally lack warmth, while others enthuse over the comfort and high standard of the food. Picnic baskets are provided for lunching out. Smoking is not allowed in the dining room or bedrooms.