OVERVIEW of L’Auberge Provencale

In the rolling countryside of Northern Virginia sits an absolutely charming French country inn, L’Auberge Provencale, that seems to have been plucked from Provence and set down here. Just an hour and a half from Washington, the Inn is the perfect place to escape the city and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the country. But this is no ordinary Inn, it is something very special from its gorgeous rooms to its amazing food, it is an experience you will want to re-live more than once.

Set on a small knoll with sweeping lawns and fields as far as the eye can see, the Shenandoah Valley setting could not be more idyllic. The circa 1753 manor house with its stone façade and wonderful front porch is surrounded by fruit orchards and flower, vegetable and herb gardens, all used in the restaurant or public rooms.

The cozy and cheerful living room is set with a plump couch and comfortable chairs and has a delightful fireplace to take the chill out of a crisp day. Sit around the fire or on the front porch, enjoy a glass of wine and a good book. The city seems so far away.

THE ROOMS at L’Auberge Provencale

There are 11 rooms and suites and another 3 rooms at a sister property down the road. Decorated in bright, cheerful colors with faux painted walls, Provencal fabrics, hand painted tiles and antiques, the rooms are spacious and elegant. Some have fireplaces and aromatherapy steam showers, some have sitting areas, all have meadow or pastoral views.

My room, Renoir was very large, had a wonderful palette of light blues and yellows and was furnished with French country antiques and striped wallpaper and fabrics. A four poster wood canopy bed centered the room next to a fireplace. A sitting area surrounded a large screen TV and looked out onto the gardens. The linens were luxurious, the toiletries aromatic and the shower had great pressure, all contributing to a most pleasant experience.

DINING at L’Auberge Provencale

As wonderfully charming as the rooms are here, it is the food that brings people here again and again. Trained in Provence with cooking stints in Europe and throughout the U.S. owner Alain created an extraordinary restaurant, La Table Provencale,  that has become a destination for many “foodies.” Today the kitchen is helmed by Richard Wright who got his training at the Gotham Grill in NYC and under renowned chef Eric Ripert at Le Bernardin, also in NYC. He fashions a menu using vegetables, herbs and fruits grown right on the property and works hard to support sustainable farming in the area using fresh organic meats, cheese and eggs.

There is a wonderful bar serving hand-crafted cocktails, herb-infused drinks from their gardens, and local craft beers and ciders on tap. The menu is classic bistro with snacks, caviar, cheese, charcuterie, oysters, burgers and more.

The intimate dining rooms are all decorated with antiques, fine art, Provencal fabrics and whimsical artifacts from France. Guests can enjoy a changing prix fixe menu or a Chef’s Tasting menu. and both have a wine pairing option.

Breakfast at L’Auberge rivals dinner in its creativity and uniqueness.

THE SERVICE at L’Auberge Provencale

Owners, Celeste and Alain or a staff member are always available to get you a glass of wine  or a cocktail or to answer any questions you might have about “things to do” in the area. Looking for a place to walk/run they directed me to a wonderful Arboretum just down the road. No one hovers, but someone seems to always be there when you need them. Service at both dinner and breakfast was flawless. Nice touch when you check-in; there’s a basket of fruit, cookies and chocolates in your room.

THE RATES at L’Auberge Provencale

From $379 Peak Season Weekend

WHAT OTHERS SAY About L’Auberge Provencale

Wine Spectator Award
You can have a “perfect” French multi-course dining experience – featuring herbs grown in the on-site garden – at this “old”, “romantic” inn in the Virginia hunt and wine country 90 minutes from DC; though it has solid service, a “gorgeous setting” and the requisite antiques in its “charming” rooms, it’s a “restaurant first and a B&B a weak second” say foodies who find a “dream come true” in the “incredible” fare. ZAGAT

PROMOTIONS at L’Auberge Provencale

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