Hotel Les Pilotes, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Northern Paris, France

Hôtel Les Pilotes – 62, Rue de la Ferté, 80230 Saint-Valery-sur-Somme

Exploring Northern Paris and what it has to offer was definitely a highlight for me when it comes to my travel adventures. If you’d like to get you up to speed on why Northern Paris should be on your list of places to visit then these posts should help: Beautiful Gerberoy, North of Paris – Oise, Picardy, France | Exploring The Bay of Somme, Picardy, Northern France | Northern Paris: Horse Riding to Château de Chantilly. Whilst exploring The Bay of Somme both by bicycle and by helicopter, I had the pleasure of staying at Hôtel Les Pilotes in the lovely village of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, and because it made such an impression on me, I want to share it with you too. Sharing is caring you know.

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Hôtel Les Pilotes is a 25 room hotel in the heart of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. We cycled and drove to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, but if you are travelling directly by car from Beauvais Airport in Paris it will take approximately 1 hour 20 mins. You can also reach the village by train from Paris Gare du Nord, by taking a train to Abbeville (1 hour 45 mins) and then getting to a train to Noyelles-sur-Mer which is 5km from Saint-Valery-sur-Somme.

 

The main entrance of the hotel is on Rue de la Ferté. The street has a French style feel to it with its narrow winding shape, traditional over head street lights, shuttered windowed buildings and brightly painted shop fronts edging just out of view as they turn the corner.

 

You will notice the chalk-boarded messages to the left of the entrance, along with an outside terrace area. A little further down is the hotel bar, “The Bar des Pilotes”. Funnily enough we didn’t enter the hotel through this main entrance but actually through the hotel’s Michelin Guide restaurant “Le Bistrot des Pilotes” which is down stairs and at the other side of the building, looking out onto the Bay of Somme.

 

I’m an interior design lover. I love quirky fashion, textiles and style so I have to admit that the style of Hôtel Les Pilotes is what is etched in my mind as a place to return to. I also, although rarely admit it, am a romantic, which again is a reason this hotel stands out for me. Finally I adore great customer service, and detest bad manners. Therefore the first impression I get upon arrival and check-in, the middle impression of how well I’m ‘looked after’ if I have a question or issue during my stay, and finally the last impression of checking-out are important to me. I have to admit that when it comes to Hôtel Les Pilotes, apart from my check-in and check-out, I had little dealings with the receptionist and manager on duty, but the experience I did have, was pleasant, leaving me with a high regard for the place … hence my review.

 

My room looked out over the Somme River, which I’ll talk a little more about later on. Its interior, just like the reception, hallway and bar of the hotel, as pictured above, was stylish but comfortable. Woven deer heads with antlers adorned one wall, Scandinavian furniture which is known for style yet practicability greeted my belongings, a hidden wardrobe kept the room clutter free and simple.

Although each has an eye to a different setting, the 25 rooms are all decorated in a vintage spirit: Scottish, psychedelic or animal pattern carpets, unusual wall paper and paintwork, men’s suit fabric curtains, vintage sixties Scandinavian furniture and lamps, glass or porcelain stoneware mosaics in the bathrooms, Gras or Matégot lamps… The result is a hotel with a wonderfully warm atmosphere in which to settle in, rest and relax.”

(www.lespilotes.fr)

 

A pop of colour on a wicker chair through an abstract printed cushion. The mix-match bed cushions brought brightness and a sense of humour, next to the crisp white sheets and pillows.

 

The flooring which appeared to be wood, was actually carpet, and soft carpet too that not only highlighted the stylish edge of the hotel but also the creative feel of the room and the contrast in fabrics and textiles.

The venetian style blinds and window that allowed for a view straight into the shower in the en suite bathroom was funky, and although it could be used for safety measures as the bathroom was wheelchair accessible, it could also be used for a sexy shower peep show (did I say that out loud!?), or to watch the news on T.V., or braver still to watch the world go by outside the bedroom window!

 

On that note, a coffee in hand and a gorgeous view of the promenade, lighthouse, The Bay of Somme, and the Somme River was fantastic even on a dull and cloudy day.

I’ve stayed in more luxurious rooms but there was something so comfortable, simple and stylish about this room that it makes it high on the agenda for a romantic break away with my hubby.

Perhaps it was the effect of the water in view outside the window as I dimmed the lights …

 

… and stretched out on the bed, taking it all in. Loving every moment of quiet time?

 

I slept well the night I stayed at Hôtel Les Pilotes. My only disappointment was not being able to stay longer to explore the streets and markets of the village.

 

Breakfast for my group was held in the restaurant the next morning, reachable by lift or stairs from the reception area. Breakfast is also held in the hotel bar on the same floor as the reception area and some of the rooms. It consisted of fresh bread, pastries, jams, butter, yogurts, juice and coffee – the perfect start to any day spent in France.

 

For more information on Hôtel Les Pilotes, visit their Website.

Hôtel Les Pilotes is also part of the Chateaux and Hotels Collection, which if you don’t know are a ‘unique collection of charming hotels and gourmet restaurants in France and elsewhere’ – I reviewed one of their other hotels, the Five Star Auberge de Noves here on The Life of Stuff – our weekend stay was part of Patrick and my honeymoon road-trip through the South of France – you can read about it here.

Have I tickled your travel plans? Could Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Hôtel Les Pilotes be on your to do list? As mentioned, it would make a fantastic romantic breakaway, or an adventure getaway (horse riding, golf, kayaking, bike rental, swimming, hiking and walking are all available) … whichever floats your boat!

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