Auberge du Cheval Blanc

Auberge du Cheval Blanc in Selles-Saint-Denis, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, offers guests a charming and authentic experience in the heart of the Sologne region of France. This former 17th-century coaching inn seamlessly blends tradition with modern comfort, making it a highly regarded destination for both its accommodation and its renowned restaurant.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Auberge du Cheval Blanc is overwhelmingly positive, with guests consistently praising its quality. It holds an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10 on TheFork and an "Excellent" 8.8 out of 10 on Hotels.com. The Michelin Guide itself reflects a strong approval with a 19.0 out of 20 rating based on verified guest feedback. Reviewers frequently describe their stays as "wonderful," "fabulous," and an "absolute gem".

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects of Auberge du Cheval Blanc that contribute to its charm and appeal. The warm welcome, often featuring a blazing log fire in the bar area, creates an inviting atmosphere. The friendly and efficient service, combined with an excellent dining experience, stands out as a major draw. The auberge boasts a charming garden and a beautiful terrace, ideal for outdoor dining during summer evenings. Its blend of historic charm as an old coaching inn and subtle modern touches is also frequently appreciated. Many guests value the tranquility of the location and the genuine hospitality provided. The creative and seasonal cuisine of Chef C. Poyau is a significant highlight, transforming local produce into memorable dishes.

3. Room Quality

Auberge du Cheval Blanc features seven rooms, each thoughtfully decorated in a classic contemporary style. The rooms are described as discreetly adorned with floral motifs and vintage dark wood furniture, contributing to an intimate ambiance. Guests have noted that rooms are clean, well-maintained, and perfectly functional, with some facing a lovely courtyard. While some reviewers have mentioned that rooms can be "a little small," they are considered "perfect" and "fit for purpose". Standard Double Rooms are approximately 15m² and offer views of the garden or interior courtyard. Amenities typically include a flat-screen TV, minibar, private bathroom with a hairdryer, heating, and soundproofing. It's worth noting that some rooms may not have air conditioning, but fans are provided, especially appreciated during warmer periods. The property does not have elevators. Free cribs/infant beds are available upon request.

4. Dining Experience

The on-site restaurant at Auberge du Cheval Blanc is a major draw, boasting an impressive food quality rating of 9.5 out of 10 on TheFork. Guests rave about the "phenomenal food," "excellent meal," and "top class ingredients perfectly cooked". Chef Corentin Poyau is lauded for his creative use of seasonal and local products, crafting dishes that blend tradition with refined flavors. The "Menu Surprise" comes highly recommended by diners. Specific culinary delights mentioned include the ingenious gingerbread ice cream with foie gras and the "very nice" ris de veau (veal sweetbreads).

Breakfast is generally described as "basic, but plentiful and perfect" to start the day, with other sources calling it "copieux et très bon" (hearty and very good). The restaurant's ambiance is rated 9.1 out of 10, offering a charming setting with its traditional French cuisine. During warmer months, tables are set outdoors on a spacious terrace in the superb garden, providing a delightful al fresco dining experience. The wine selection primarily features choices from the Val de Loire region. The restaurant is open from Thursday to Monday for both lunch and dinner. Typical menu prices include a "menu formule" at 43€, a 3-course "Menu Surprise" at 46€, and a 4-course "Menu Surprise" at 68€.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Auberge du Cheval Blanc consistently receives high praise, with a 9.3 out of 10 rating on TheFork. Guests frequently describe the service as "wonderful," "friendly," and "excellent". The staff are noted for being "attentive and knowledgeable," providing a warm welcome, and ensuring a pleasant experience. Reviewers have specifically mentioned the "professional personnel" and the attentive efforts of Odeline and her team to deliver a quality stay. The chef/proprietor has also been commended for making guests feel very welcome and for speaking good English.

6. Location & Accessibility

Auberge du Cheval Blanc is nestled in Selles-Saint-Denis, a picturesque, "quintessentially French" village situated in a rural area of Sologne. Its location, as a former 17th-century coaching inn, provides easy access from major motorways, with exits like A71 exit 4 Salbris and A85 exit 14 Romorantin Lanthenay being convenient for travelers. The hotel is approximately 1.5 hours from Paris and is ideally situated for exploring nearby attractions such as the Loire châteaux and the Beauval Zoo.

For local transport, Selles-St-Denis Station is about 1 to 3 miles away. The property offers free self-parking, which is also closed and video-monitored, providing peace of mind for guests traveling by car. Accessibility features include wheelchair-accessible parking, a wheelchair-accessible public washroom, and a stair-free path to the entrance.

7. Value & Pricing

Many guests consider Auberge du Cheval Blanc to offer good value, with one reviewer calling it an "absolute gem" considering the price. Another praised it for "very good value for money" given the talented young chef's complex dishes. While one guest felt the price of individual dishes might be "a little high," the menu options such as the "menu formule" (43€) and "Menu Surprise" (46€ for 3 courses, 68€ for 4 courses) offer structured dining experiences. Additional costs include a tourist tax of 0.88 EUR per person per night. Pets are allowed for a fee of EUR 5 per pet, per night. Booking directly through the Michelin Guide is advertised to guarantee the best prices.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor recurring points have been noted by guests. Some rooms are described as "small". Additionally, some rooms lack air conditioning, though fans are provided. The absence of elevators might be an inconvenience for some guests, particularly those with mobility issues or heavy luggage, given the historic nature of the building. One review suggested that the price of individual dishes could be considered "a little high".

Sources

1. thefork.co.uk
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10. chevalblanc-sologne.com
11. chevalblanc-sologne.com
12. michelin.com
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15. teritoria.com
16. sologne-tourisme.fr