Mr & Mrs Smith

Other than a fantastic stay right in the middle of the 'old city' to take in the charms of narrow streets and majestic old houses belonging to the rich wine merchants of yore, it was well worth visiting the Fabre Museum for its permanent collection of the contemporary art painter Soulages, about 30 paintings in his typical black or 'outrenoir' as he puts it, and also the restaurant next to it, 'Insens', a modern bistro-type take on French food with slight Asian flavours. This restaurant is under the management of the Pourcel brothers, whose 2 Michelin-Star restaurant Jardin de Sens was in turn a huge disappointment, and it wasn't the price of the menu sens decouverte. Slow service with waiters doing their own ballet around dishes, without too much care for the clients -- and food, no great shakes, but just correct. A lot is expected normally from a 2-Star. Give it a miss and spend the money elsewhere. An excellent place for dinner, just super on a sunny evening amidst a Florentine-type garden is 'Le Petit Jardin' on 20 Rue JJacques Rousseau. Great 'normal' gourmet cuisine and great service. For fresh artisanal and bio food at all hours, 'Ma premiere cantine' on 4 place Jean Jaures is well worth a visit. For modern zesty food and a drink at a bar, Le Comptoir de l'Arc on Place de la Canourge is ideal, they also have tables outside in summer on the square. All in all the combination of Baudon de Mauny and Montpellier as a city break with a great TGV connection from Paris is a perfect romantic weekend.

What a fantastic place to stay – beautiful luxurious surroundings with the perfect host, Alain. There is always something to do in this lovely city, be it relaxing in one of the many bars and restaurants watching the world go by or strolling down the narrow cobbled streets. Make time to visit the Musee Fabre (museefabre-en.montpellier-agglo.com), it's well worth it. Also take the time to visit the other side of the city – we found lots of little boutiques and quaint little restaurants away from the main hustle and bustle. All in all, this is somewhere that we would definitely return to (and stay in the same hotel). A lovely break. Thank you.

We absolutely loved the Baudon de Mauny. The magnificent mansion in which it is situated has been in the host's family for over a century, and the architectural detail is superb. The interior design is a mix of antique and very modern and it works so well, giving a feeling of historical luxury and funky modernity all rolled into one. We just wanted to keep soaking it all in for inspiration at home! The host was very friendly and because we were Mr & Mrs Smith memebers, he offered us delicious french wine and nibbles on arrival. He also gave us great tips on restaurants and things to see in Montpellier. We could not fault the place and would definitely go back again.

Helen & Gordon Heslop
Sydney, Australia

Just got back from Baudon de Mauny in Montpellier, and loved our stay. We were so smitten by the hotel/house that we tried to stay another night, but there was no availability (only five rooms so no surprise). Alain, the owner, went out of his way to try to get us an alternative, and was charming, pleasant, and most importantly, informative. He provides a mini map of central Montpellier, with recommendations listed for shopping areas (tres chic), sightseeing in the old mediaeval part of town (beautiful), and eating and drinking (outstanding – worth the trip just for the 'experience gastronomique').

Tips :

Le Petit Jardin for dinner. Modern setting, traditional French cooking done with style. Steak tartare starter was sublime (don't be scared, was so fresh it was still mooing), classic sole meuniere cooked to perfection, seasoned perfectly, moist yet firm.

Chez Boris – This 'wine bar' was absolutely rammed full with savvy locals on each of the three days we were in Montpellier. Initially popped in for 'un verre de vin rouge', but stayed for a late (2pm) lunch as tables became free, and returned for dinner on our second night. The food (never mind the extensive wine-list) was way beyond expectations. I had the pork medallions in gorgonzola sauce which was an unusually subtle combination and the pork was so soft and tender. my wife had small truffle raviolis - loads of them in a lovely creamy mushroom sauce. Wine served by the glass and recommendations made for each dish which genuinely complimented the food. The service was friendly and really helpful - menu had no English translation, but I used my schoolboy French to order what I could and be polite, and was pleased to find that this usually was met by a 'full marks for effort' approach from the friendly French.

* Shopping – take your plastic gents, and leave plenty room in the luggage for shoe boxes! Actually, the shopping was a pleasure. Lots of windy, cobbled streets with little quirky boutiques, and loads of little leafy squares in which to have a pit-stop – the perfect mix – shopping and drinking, it means everyone is happy ! Never seen so many shoe shops in one place...

* Last tip – Split your day in two by having an apres lunch siesta. The shops close between 12.30pm and 2pm, so get some walking/sightseeing done in the morning, stop for lunch (as all of Montpellier does), have a snooze, and get out and about again about 5ish – the shops are open until 7pm. Then it's time for an aperitif and to start bickering about which of the many fantastic restaurants you've seen that day you will dine in !

Montpellier was superb and we will be back.