The hotel restaurant, L'Assise, is located in the stunning setting of the former courtroom. The original high wooden vaulted walls have simply been painted white and are used as a projection screen onto which images from the world of French novelist Jules Verne are projected. Two enormous lampshades descend from the ceiling above the central tables, while at the back of the room a stylish wine cellar sits in the exact spot where the judge once sat. The elegant decor and the armchairs are similar to the style found in the lobby. The only slight drawback is that the L'Assise restaurant struggles to accommodate its 80 place capacity: space is maximised! To make the most of sunny days, and to accommodate smokers, the bar and the restaurants extend onto the small terrace outside in one of the hotel's two closed courtyards.
In terms of the cuisine, L'Assise proposes a menu based on regional products with a twist of Italian and Asian influences. There is a daily menu available at lunchtime comprised of a starter, main course and dessert at £24. If you choose to eat à la carte, budget for around £43, not including wine. A few examples to get your mouth watering: Buckwheat and salmon maki with a clementine dressing, lamb fillets flavoured with grand cru coffee and polenta with tapenade, and fleur de sel chocolate delicacies.
Breakfast, known as the 'super breakfast', is served in the same room. It consists of a buffet with no less than 40 different dishes to try. As good and as copious as it is, the price is still very steep, at just over £20!