Michel Trama
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Expert Review: Michel Trama
Michel Trama, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property in Puymirol, France, was renowned for offering an immersive dive into haute gastronomy and luxurious, historic accommodation. Housed within a captivating 13th-century mansion, it blended medieval charm with opulent Baroque design elements, curated by architect and designer Jacques Garcia. However, it's crucial to note that L'Aubergade, including the hotel and restaurant, has announced its closure, effective January 2026, after 47 years of operation due to a sudden termination of an energy supplier contract. This review reflects guest experiences during its operational period.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
Guest sentiment was generally high, often describing it as a "gourmet destination getaway". While many reviews lauded its exceptional dining and unique ambiance, some recent feedback indicated a mixed experience, with a few guests finding it "too much money; too little product". The overall impression leaned towards a luxurious and memorable experience, albeit with occasional service inconsistencies.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently loved the establishment's luxurious Baroque decor, which set the mood for an elegant feast. The historic 13th-century mansion, once belonging to the Count of Toulouse, was a significant draw, preserving features like ancient terracotta tiles, rustic wooden beams, and grand fireplaces. Chef Michel Trama's renowned culinary artistry was a primary highlight, making it a destination for discerning travelers. The establishment was also praised for its overall elegance, charm, and refinement.
3. Room Quality
The hotel offered 10 rooms and suites, each designed with a distinct Baroque sensibility. Rooms were described as cozy and romantic, featuring exposed beams and oil paintings, while others were opulent, boasting silk taffeta canopies, velvet loveseats, gilded mirrors, and clawfoot tubs. Suites provided separate living rooms, and some included private terraces. Bathrooms were well-appointed, often featuring Zimbabwean granite. The design by Jacques Garcia infused the historic country house with richly patterned rugs, antique furniture, sumptuous drapery, and heavy chandeliers.
4. Dining Experience
The 2-Michelin star restaurant was central to the Michel Trama experience, celebrated for its inventive and rich French cuisine. Chef Michel Trama, a self-taught culinary master, was known for his exceptional and original dishes, which had become his trademark. Diners often enjoyed an eight-dish degustation menu. Signature dishes included the foie gras and apple hamburger, potato in green garb with melano truffle (the "potato papillote"), lobster lasagne with truffles, and a chocolate tear-drop with griottine cherries. Breakfast was also highly praised, with one guest calling it "a feast of delight, the best breakfast I have eaten anywhere in the World". While the main dining room boasted an amazing Baroque setting, dinner was sometimes served outside on the terrace during warmer months.
5. Service & Staff
Service feedback was generally positive, with guests often experiencing a warm and friendly welcome. The female sommelier, in particular, was noted for being excellent. Michel Trama himself was described as a charismatic, friendly, humorous, and charming host. However, some guests reported patchy service, especially when the restaurant was busy, with staff sometimes leaving the dining room unattended for minutes. There were also specific complaints about impolite interactions with "Madame, the owner's wife". Maryse Trama, the co-owner, was recognized for paying particular attention to the quality of reception and guest well-being, even winning an award for reception in 2015.
6. Location & Accessibility
Michel Trama was nestled in Puymirol, a tiny, picturesque French medieval village perched on a hill, offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. It provided a tranquil, off-the-beaten-track experience in the Lot-et-Garonne region, approximately 15 minutes from Agen. While the secluded location contributed to its charm, driving to Puymirol could be tricky due to small, less detectable roads, though locals were helpful with directions. There was ample parking in front of the restaurant/hotel. The hotel itself did not have wheelchair access, but the restaurant was easily accessible.
7. Value & Pricing
Michel Trama was positioned as a luxury experience, and its pricing reflected that. A one-day package including accommodation, an eight-dish degustation dinner with wine, and breakfast was around €690. Indicative prices for the restaurant's multi-course menus ranged from €100 for the Market Menu to €245 for the Prestige Menu (excluding drinks). Some guests felt the experience was expensive for what was offered, noting "too much money; too little product". Others, however, considered it worth the cost for the exceptional food and ambiance.
8. Common Complaints
Recurring issues included inconsistent service, particularly when the restaurant was busy, leading to a perceived lack of attention. There were specific mentions of rudeness from the owner's wife. Some guests felt the location was misrepresented, lacking extensive grounds or attractive surroundings beyond the village itself. High pricing relative to the overall experience was also a point of criticism for a few visitors. Additionally, past reviews mentioned details like poor muzak in the dining room and unexpected charges on the bill.
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