On my way back to the hotel through the Ile-de-France region, and after a long day of comings and goings, I am discovering very positively the Yvelines region, located northeast of Paris. Just 25 minutes from Paris via the RER, Saint Germain de Laye offers a real change of scenery that knows how to take advantage of its many interesting spots where you can breathe its economic dynamism, heritage, nature and lifestyle.
As you enter the city, you feel the royal legacy of Louis VI radiating from the city and fall under the spell of its pedestrian streets surrounded by numerous wonderful fashion, gourmet and decoration boutiques.
The fabulous and majestic castle built under the rule of the king himself, the large and bourgeois mansions built by stone “xxx”, whose walls are covered by lush ivy, black slate roofs and surrounded by huge + manicured gardens, just invite me to stroll around clutching the arm of Queen Adele of Savoy herself, immersed in an interesting conversation about the affairs of state of the time as we enter a huge room whose walls are covered by impressive and voluminous curtains and floral velvet tapestries.
And what better way to end the day than sitting down to a nice dinner in good company at the Bel Ami restaurant www. le-bel-ami, headed by chef Philippe Morisseau. A cozy local where modern works of art hanging on walls of orange caravista, contrasts with beautiful and large decorative moldings that enrich the ceilings, sturdy carved oak wood with artistic touch and a mosaic floor that has withstood the test of time, making all of them the best expression to mix pieces of disparate styles and creating a unique and very special atmosphere.
One only wishes that time would stop to feel and vibrate the real past while tasting the house specialty, the veal tartar.
Enjoy + feel the real past of the Yvelines and travel back in time!