Hôtel Restaurant Le Viscos · Saint-Savin — Restaurant in Argelès-Gazost

Le Viscos is a nice hotel - a very nice hotel. The rooms are comfortable, the beds big and wonderful, the staff very welcoming (most speak English and French and are happy to converse in either language) and the restaurant is excellent. ||We had a warm welcome when we arrived and immediately felt at ease. In fact, we were told "this is your home"...which is a lovely sentiment and one we appreciated. ||We ate in the restaurant twice. It's expensive but the food is of extremely high quality. It's the little details you tend to remember and, for me, meals are no exception. The 'amuse bouche' or perhaps the sorbet between the courses: these are the memories that tend to stay with you. Although it's very typically French cuisine, the restaurant isn't afraid to use unusual flavours to surprise its diners. ||Breakfast is continental (as always in France) but the chef will cook eggs if you wish. My feelings on breakfast are mixed. There were some excellent touches - fresh oranges and a juicer (brilliant!), lovely butter, jams and good flaky croissants. On one morning, because the Nutella (or its French equivalent) had run out, the chef made me a substitute. Wow! It was gorgeous - delicious warm chocolatey spread fresh from the kitchen. What's not to like!!! However, at the opposite end of the spectrum, I tried a muffin one morning and it was so dry I had to leave the entire cake on my plate. ||As for the hotel location, it's superb. Situated in a tiny village, there are stunning views of the Pyrenees both from the hotel and the square just down the road. In fact, looking out the window is like looking at a picture postcard. It's also a very convenient location for reaching those 'must see' sights in the Pyrenees such as Le Cirque de Gavernie and Le Pont d'Espagne. ||So why not five stars? There are a few tiny things that take this hotel out of the five star bracket (in my opinion). When we arrived the weather was very warm, up into the 30s, but the air con in the room didn't work. In fact, it didn't work at all during our stay. Personally, I think that if air con is advertised, it should work! My second point is a minor one but for me was important: in our room there were no power points within reach of a mirror. There was a hairdryer in the bathroom but if you wanted to use your own dryer or other heated hair appliances, you had no choice but to move the furniture! (We did move it back, I hasten to add!) ||I see someone else has mentioned that there are flimsy plastic tumblers in the bathroom rather than proper glasses. Perhaps this is a health and safety issue but almost every hotel I've stayed in offers glasses made of glass....or at minimum perspex type material. Try standing up your toothbrush in a plastic tumbler! ||Also in the bathroom, there is no towel rail near the basin. This means you have to either drape your towels over the bath or hang them over the top of the shower screen. ||These are all such minor points that could be put right with very little expense or trouble, raising the hotel into the next star category. To be honest, if there were a 'four and a half star' rating, I would have given that, but I like to reserve five stars for the best of the best. As it stands, Le Viscos is not quite in that category. But would I go back? Oh...

Le Viscos is a nice hotel - a very nice hotel. The rooms are comfortable, the beds big and wonderful, the staff very welcoming (most speak English and French and are happy to converse in either language) and the restaurant is excellent. ||We had a warm welcome when we arrived and immediately felt at ease. In fact, we were told "this is your home"...which is a lovely sentiment and one we appreciated. ||We ate in the restaurant twice. It's expensive but the food is of extremely high quality. It's the little details you tend to remember and, for me, meals are no exception. The 'amuse bouche' or perhaps the sorbet between the courses: these are the memories that tend to stay with you. Although it's very typically French cuisine, the restaurant isn't afraid to use unusual flavours to surprise its diners. ||Breakfast is continental (as always in France) but the chef will cook eggs if you wish. My feelings on breakfast are mixed. There were some excellent touches - fresh oranges and a juicer (brilliant!), lovely butter, jams and good flaky croissants. On one morning, because the Nutella (or its French equivalent) had run out, the chef made me a substitute. Wow! It was gorgeous - delicious warm chocolatey spread fresh from the kitchen. What's not to like!!! However, at the opposite end of the spectrum, I tried a muffin one morning and it was so dry I had to leave the entire cake on my plate. ||As for the hotel location, it's superb. Situated in a tiny village, there are stunning views of the Pyrenees both from the hotel and the square just down the road. In fact, looking out the window is like looking at a picture postcard. It's also a very convenient location for reaching those 'must see' sights in the Pyrenees such as Le Cirque de Gavernie and Le Pont d'Espagne. ||So why not five stars? There are a few tiny things that take this hotel out of the five star bracket (in my opinion). When we arrived the weather was very warm, up into the 30s, but the air con in the room didn't work. In fact, it didn't work at all during our stay. Personally, I think that if air con is advertised, it should work! My second point is a minor one but for me was important: in our room there were no power points within reach of a mirror. There was a hairdryer in the bathroom but if you wanted to use your own dryer or other heated hair appliances, you had no choice but to move the furniture! (We did move it back, I hasten to add!) ||I see someone else has mentioned that there are flimsy plastic tumblers in the bathroom rather than proper glasses. Perhaps this is a health and safety issue but almost every hotel I've stayed in offers glasses made of glass....or at minimum perspex type material. Try standing up your toothbrush in a plastic tumbler! ||Also in the bathroom, there is no towel rail near the basin. This means you have to either drape your towels over the bath or hang them over the top of the shower screen. ||These are all such minor points that could be put right with very little expense or trouble, raising the hotel into the next star category. To be honest, if there were a 'four and a half star' rating, I would have given that, but I like to reserve five stars for the best of the best. As it stands, Le Viscos is not quite in that category. But would I go back? Oh...

I recently had the pleasure of staying at Le Viscos, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. Nestled in a picturesque setting, this hotel offers breathtaking views that make it the perfect getaway for nature lovers and those looking for a tranquil retreat.

The moment you step into the hotel, you’re greeted with warm hospitality and a sense of calm, thanks to the beautiful surroundings. The rooms are spacious, elegantly decorated, and offer panoramic views of the landscape, Waking up to the sound of nature and enjoying the view from our window was a highlight of the stay.

The restaurant, with its refined French cuisine, offers an exquisite blend of flavor and artistry. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance is warm and elegant, with an inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the scenery. The outdoor terrace is particularly special, offering a magnificent view while you enjoy your meal.

The menu is a carefully curated selection of traditional and modern French dishes, each one more delightful than the last every dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients and presented like a work of art. The flavors were balanced and nuanced, making each bite a memorable experience.

What sets this restaurant apart even further is the impeccable service. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the dishes and wine pairings, and genuinely passionate about providing a great dining experience. Their attention to detail, from ensuring wine glasses are always filled to timing the courses perfectly, made the evening feel seamless and special.

Overall, Le Viscos offers not just a place to relax and unwind, but a culinary experience that is truly unforgettable. The combination of beautiful accommodation, breathtaking scenery, and a world-class French restaurant makes this destination absolutely worth a visit. Whether you’re a foodie or simply someone who enjoys fine dining in a beautiful setting, this is a must-visit!

Also we met the chef who explained to us everything...