Auberge du Donjon — Restaurant in Bernay

I stayed here recently on my way from Calais to my home in France. It is just short of three hours from the ferry port, and then I had another 3 hours plus to my home, so it is a great stop-over when you are weary from driving. I stayed here once before in March 2013, but found it by accident then, in sheer desperation to get off the road and sleep. This time I had the sense to plan it into my journey. It is a truly unspoilt, 'traditional' (whatever that really means) old-fashioned French auberge. My room was very warm, the bed was clean and comfortable and I had a room which was en-suite (room 9 and 11 are both en-suite to my knowledge) - I know that many of their rooms are not en-suite, but I had a nosy into some of the bathrooms on my way round to my room and they were very clean and tidy - not particularly modern, but definitely functional.I was unable to eat here this time, as he was very busy preparing his smoked salmon, fish and cold meats for the imminent festive season - he is a traiteur and his food is wonderful (I ate here last year). So, I went to a local creperie/saladerie, at le patron's suggestion and ate very well indeed. In the morning I had the breakfast of warm fresh croissants, fresh bread, butter jam and very good coffee (€7 extra). I was totally rested and refreshed. I am ashamed to say I did not ask Mr le Patron's name, but a more charming and friendly Frenchman you would be hard- put to meet; lovely man. I shall be booking again for my next return trip, probably in February - it makes so much more sense than trying to battle on with a long drive, and feels quite like stepping back...

I stayed here recently on my way from Calais to my home in France. It is just short of three hours from the ferry port, and then I had another 3 hours plus to my home, so it is a great stop-over when you are weary from driving. I stayed here once before in March 2013, but found it by accident then, in sheer desperation to get off the road and sleep. This time I had the sense to plan it into my journey. It is a truly unspoilt, 'traditional' (whatever that really means) old-fashioned French auberge. My room was very warm, the bed was clean and comfortable and I had a room which was en-suite (room 9 and 11 are both en-suite to my knowledge) - I know that many of their rooms are not en-suite, but I had a nosy into some of the bathrooms on my way round to my room and they were very clean and tidy - not particularly modern, but definitely functional.I was unable to eat here this time, as he was very busy preparing his smoked salmon, fish and cold meats for the imminent festive season - he is a traiteur and his food is wonderful (I ate here last year). So, I went to a local creperie/saladerie, at le patron's suggestion and ate very well indeed. In the morning I had the breakfast of warm fresh croissants, fresh bread, butter jam and very good coffee (€7 extra). I was totally rested and refreshed. I am ashamed to say I did not ask Mr le Patron's name, but a more charming and friendly Frenchman you would be hard- put to meet; lovely man. I shall be booking again for my next return trip, probably in February - it makes so much more sense than trying to battle on with a long drive, and feels quite like stepping back...

An impromptu stay on a motorcycle trip from London to the South of France - passing through Brionne we decided to call it a day after driving from London, called in and requested a room. Immediately noticed the extremely friendly staff who were happy to help. We weren't looking for an "all the frills" hotel so the basic and extremely clean room overlooking the courtyard was perfect for the price. Dinner outside in the courtyard enabled more friendly staff and the family to smile, wave, greet and generally ensure we were looked after. Dinner was EXCELLENT - Big plate of warm salad with lardons and poached egg, fresh prawns with garlic, steak and frites, good local cheese board all washed down with local wine. Extra care was taken to ensure garden umbrellas covered us adequately when it started to rain but we wished to stay outside enjoying the view of the ruins and the warm evening. Breakfast was also delicious. Nothing is too much trouble for the lovely people here - take your best school French and with their school English all will be sorted with nods and smiles. Eat in! Highly...