Relais de Fleurette, a friendly stop in Pontavert
Relais de Fleurette is a Logis-style hotel-restaurant in Pontavert, in the Aisne, in Hauts-de-France. It offers rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a garden and a gated car park. I see it as a good stop for a couple, a cycling trip or a family, rather than for a big wedding.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Relais de Fleurette.
Where Relais de Fleurette is and how to get there
Relais de Fleurette is in Pontavert, a village in the Aisne, in Hauts-de-France, on the road to Craonnelle. One guest notes that it is easy to reach from the motorway, which makes it a practical stop if you are passing through.
The listing presents it as a base for exploring Laon and Reims, with its cathedral and opera house. Several visitors have stayed here to explore the Chemin des Dames, and one cyclist stopped on the way, drawn by the architecture of the building. For me, the car is still the simplest way to get here.
What the rooms and services are like
Relais de Fleurette is a Logis-style hotel-restaurant set in a countryside setting with a garden, a terrace and a shared lounge. There is also a bar, a pool table and free wifi.
On parking, the free private car park is closed off by a gate, a detail some guests appreciate. Reviews describe clean, quiet and well-equipped rooms, sometimes very spacious, with a family room mentioned for its size. One guest also mentions a wellness area with a pool and jacuzzi. I would confirm this when booking, as it only appears in one review.
Breakfast is continental, with homemade products according to one guest.
What guests highlight
With 3.9 out of 5 and 480 reviews on Google, the Relais de Fleurette's rating is more mixed than that of many houses in the area. But a large part of the comments are enthusiastic, especially about the atmosphere and the food.
- The owner. Many guests describe a warm welcome and an owner who is available and full of good humour, who sometimes sings into the microphone during dinner.
- The food. Several reviews talk about traditional cooking, with produce from the owner's farm, and a violet kir royal offered on the house.
- The setting. Green and calm, with a garden where the children can play, according to a guest who celebrated a family birthday there.
- Value for money. One couple acknowledges that it is not a five-star hotel, but finds the service and the price very good.
What to know before booking
The negative reviews mainly come from events, especially weddings. One wedding guest describes a wine reception that was not ready when the guests arrived, a DJ nobody could hear, stained tablecloths, mismatched crockery and a bridal party who had to serve themselves at the bar. Another says the food was not homemade. An older review feels that the owner cannot be everywhere at once, and that the place is empty during the day until 7.15 pm, when the evening service starts.
| The strengths | Points to watch |
|---|---|
| Warm welcome from the owner | Uneven service at big events |
| Traditional cooking with farm produce | Little going on during the day |
| Secure car park and calm setting | Only one review mentions the pool and jacuzzi |
If you want to hold a party here, ask for firm guarantees on the service and the sound system before you commit.
Who the Relais de Fleurette suits
I would choose the Relais de Fleurette in Pontavert for a couple's stop, a cycling trip or a dinner with friends followed by a night on site. Families also find what they need, thanks to the spacious rooms and the garden.
I would be more careful about a big wedding, given the reviews, and about anyone looking for a very lively hotel during the day. Here the strong point is the atmosphere of a family house and the evening meal.
What to do around Pontavert
The Chemin des Dames is the visit guests mention most, and the hotel's description highlights Laon and Reims as nearby destinations. Reims has its Notre-Dame cathedral and its opera house, good for a day of sightseeing before coming back for dinner at the Relais.
I have no other reliable addresses to suggest nearby, so start from these landmarks and check the opening times on site.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
