Le Médicis

Le Médicis Review

Known far and wide for its exceptional restaurant, this smart little hotel 1 km (½ mi) from the château de Blois has guest rooms that are comfortable, air-conditioned, and soundproof; all share a joyous color scheme but are individually decorated. Room No. 211 is the largest. The restaurant alone—decorated in Renaissance-style with a coffered ceiling—makes a stay here worthwhile. Chef-owner Damien Garanger turns his innovative classic dishes into presentations—coquilles St-Jacques (scallops) with bitter roquette lettuce, roast pigeon, and thin slices of roast hare with a black-currant sauce. For dessert, try the raspberry sorbet with brioche and chocolate sauce. The staff is cheerful and there are 250 wines to choose from (the restaurant does not serve Sunday dinner and is closed Mondays October-March).