Villa Tri Men

Top-rated French cuisine and understated French chic

TEXT:KATIE TURNER | PHOTOS © BERNARD GALERON AND LOUISE GARIN

Location, location, location. A stone’s throw from the sea in Brittany, Villa Tri Men has glorious views in all directions, and natural light pouring into spacious pared-down rooms. If four-star luxury and understated French chic were not enough, there’s also a Michelin-starred restaurant under the same roof.

“It’s more than a hotel, it’s also been a beautiful family home, and thanks to the work of local craftsmen, we’ve brought it back to life,” says general manager Anne Le Morvan.

The hotel and restaurant were completely renovated in 2017 and Le Morvan oversaw what was very much a labour of love, setting the bar high. “We have a relaxed vibe,” says Le Morvan, “but we also want a real connection with our guests, whether they’re staying for a couple of weeks or just passing through: and many of them come back year after year.”

Le Morvan’s career had taken her around the world, working in five-star hotels from London and Paris to Tahiti and Morocco, but she had her heart set on returning to this corner of France. “I lived on the Brittany coast growing up so it’s very much a homecoming,” she says, “The geography is so distinctive and this villa is full of character and warmth.”

The Villa is only half of the story, however. In the restaurant – Les Trois Rochers – chef Frédéric Claquin and his team were awarded a Michelin star in 2016.

The menu, as you might expect, is focused on seafood. Claquin works closely with local fishermen and growers of Brittany’s finest produce. “He really brings out the richest flavours and his dishes often have an Asian twist,” says Le Morvan. “The seaside setting really adds to the experience.”

So why the name Les Trois Rochers (The Three Rocks)? “Some say it’s a nod to the three men who built the villa, hence the Breton name ‘Tri Men’,” Le Morvan ventures. “Others say it’s a reference to the three heart-shaped rocks visible from the restaurant’s terrace. We can have fun guessing but somehow I think it’ll remain a mystery for a very long time,” she smiles.

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