The Dordogne Valley: Château de la Treyne

When I embarked on this press trip to the Dordogne Valley I expected to eat very well but eating in three different Michelin-starred restaurant in France within five days was beyond my dreams.


The only Michelin-starred restaurant I'd experienced in France before this trip was Septime in Paris (which I reviewed here). Although Michelin claim to rate restaurants purely on the food and not on the decor and settings I have to say Château de la Treyne is how I imagine Michelin-starred restaurants in France. Classy interiors, impeccable and professional service as well as stunning food.

Château de la Treyne is a beautiful little castle surrounded by a French garden and overlooking the Dordogne river, a very idyllic location indeed. It's a member of Relais & Châteaux, you can stay in one of their beautiful bedrooms and/or simply enjoy a meal in their Michelin-starred restaurant.

We were warmly welcomed and brought to the terrace to enjoy a glass of champagne and amuse-bouches while admiring the views over the Dordogne river.

I have to tell you one thing, while I was holding my glass of champagne I received a call from Fáilte Ireland telling me I was one of their food champions, which is why I'll probably always remember this meal as being a celebration!

My favourite mise-en-bouche was a delicious snail encased in a melt-in-the-mouth potatoe which I think I'll try to reproduce at home.

After our swanky apéritif we then made our way to the most beautiful dining room I've ever eaten in...

We were the only customers at that time and sat at our beautiful table...

We then enjoyed a feast of dishes prepared with seasonal and local ingredients. I'm not going to review it as we were guests and the menu has changed since but just feast your eyes here...

Pea velouté and truffle cream 

'Oeuf sur le plat revisité' - Egg, asparagus, morels, gingerbread  (stunning!)

Challans Duck with seasonal red berries, nougat 

Pre-dessert

Champagne jelly,  cripsy opalines, strawberries, sorbet

Petits-fours in the sunshine

If you find yourself in this area of the Dordogne Valley and would like to treat yourself to a foodie experience, Château de la Treyne is definitely a stop to consider. I heard one of their bedrooms has a golden bathtub, I might have to go back to check it out myself!


Disclaimer: I was a guest of the Dordogne Valley tourism board, the local tourist boards and airports on this press trip. The full trip was complimentary, however I was not paid to write this article. As usual, all opinions (including my love for French food and France) are my own!