Dinner B&B with chic luxury golf theme near Montreuil sur Mer

You’ll find La Plonplonière in the pretty village of Aix-en-Issart (an official Heritage Village, no less) just an hour’s drive from Calais, and from the moment you set foot inside, you get the warm sense that here’s somewhere you can slow life right down, spend quality time together, and simply make the most of new surroundings. None of which is very hard to do in a beautiful 18th century converted barn! Don’t miss - if you’re a lover of all things history – the opportunity to ask Jean-Baptiste to show you the engraving by former resident Seigneur d'Aix André Vainet, who indelibly left his initials and the date - ‘1770 VA’ - on a wooden beam, a focal point today. Nature lovers too will be in their element on spying the huge 160-year-old ash tree outside, so treasured by Jean-Baptiste he made it his logo.

And it won’t be long before you detect the golf love too. Whether you’re an amateur, expert or you’ve never once held a putter, the putting green is there for you to enjoy a practice on. But be sure to allow plenty of time in your room too! With generous proportions of 27m², the interior design of both the ‘Ernie Els’ room and the ‘Gary Player’ room is inspired by Blanc d'Ivoire, a chic French brand imbued with warm and gentle tones. Think bleached oak, patinated furniture, and velvet with brass touches – and you’re getting the picture!

And the golf inspiration doesn’t end there because Ernie Els will be joining you for dinner. OK, not literally, but on your palate! The world-famous South African player has how own wine label – the "Big Easy" – and it’s one of the great wines you can enjoy at La Plonplonière. Whilst dinner’s being prepared, take a seat at the bar (incidentally made with reclaimed wood from the barn), or spend some quality time cosied up by the terrace heaters. If you’d prefer to hear all about the famous French art-de-vivre, your host will talk you through his recipe hacks, his inspirations, and most importantly give you a local’s lowdown on the must-sees and must-dos in the area.

Of which there are many! Architecture lovers will delight in Le Touquet, famous for its sweeping beach, delightful Anglo-Norman villas, and of course its golf course. If boutiques and cobbled streets sounds more like your thing, it’s got to be Montreuil-sur-Mer. Or there’s the fabulous Baie d’Authie, the lesser-known bay of its sister Somme, and somewhere you might be lucky enough to see seals. On the B&B’s doorstep you can either reap the benefits of nature on waterside walks or embark on an e-biking trail. Whatever you choose, this is the perfect French weekend break - down to a tee!