Out/About: Fontevraud L’Hotel
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Fontevraud L’Hotel is a perfect example of a pure concept realised. Patrick Jouin (industrial designer) and Jouin Manku (architect) from French studio Jouin Manku are responsible for this exquisitely refined hotel and restaurant. Located in the picturesque grounds of the Abbaye de Fontevraud, a UNESCO world heritage site in Anjou, the hotel has a wonderful sense of contemporary solace.
The regal architectural bones of each of the guest rooms are a subdued but hearty canvas. Quietly respectful of their forefathers in design, the spacious and pared-back furniture pieces are thoughtfully detailed. Clever follies of elastic banded fabric panels hold documents, the bedhead peels off the wall to allow the bedsides to run behind, and the lamps and artwork hang off refined black wall-mounted rails. It’s a beautifully detailed moment of measured consideration for the space and it’s history. The serene and contemporary palette harmonises with the ancient building fabric with its beiges, taupey greys, natural whites and timber accented with mustards, black and petrol grey blue.
The tranquil palette carries through to the common areas. Exquisite joinery in the restaurant is in dove and storm greys and caramel browns with a robust timber element in the bar. Grey browns and warm charcoals reside over the meeting room’s candle fuelled table. Additional folding chairs line the wall of the meeting room all comfortably sitting in their allocated pew. Solemn high-backed banquets are blessed by oversized copper lined timber pendants. Waiters stations curve out of walls and light radiates from the back of breakfast room loveseats.
This is an incredible example of restrained French chic. The perfect place to sip champagne, nibble on a buttery croissant, bite into a crusty baguette and sink back into the cloud that is Fontevraud L’Hotel.
Credits: Nicolas Mathéus
