La Mere Champlain

We had a beautiful corner room with balcony with the view of the bay. Our bed was big and comfortable and the room was properly heated. In fact, the heat was too strong that we had to turn of the heater. The hotel is located near the pier and at end of a road which only locals can go through. Not far from the oysters market. The staff that checked us in was super friendly and so were the restaurant staff. We had dinner at their restaurant. My husband opted for seafood choucroute while I chose their sole meunier. Both our main courses were delicious. Our appertizers made of lobster and half a dozen of oysters were equally good. We had a nice table next to a window with the view of the bay. We were here in October and Cancale was quiet, calm and so idyllic. Our stay here was so memorable and so was our eating experience at La Mere Champlain. The only mild complain I had was that they definitely could do better with their breakfast.

We go to Cancale for the best oysters in France. It remains a worthy goal. The primary virtues of Mere Champlain are the expansive view of the oyster beds and the sea, a worthy restaurant, the very convenient adjacent public parking and a location right in the middle of the bivalve action. The interior, however, awaits a needed refurbishment. Our room was comfortable enough with a spacious armoire. But the paucity of device outlets, lack of room amenities (what? No soap?) and no coffee available at the hotel or on the street before 8:00 when reception and the mediocre breakfast buffet open were disappointments. The hotel was a good choice for our needs, but a return visit would now be modified in expectations.

When we booked the hotel did not tell us it was carnival in Cancale - their busiest day of the year. Impossible to park within a mile of the hotel - and very noisy until 4 in the morning. We complained and tried to cancel when we arrived and saw the sea front packed with people. They refused to refund and said that next time they would advise customers. Unfriendly and not helpful. Not setting foot here ever again!

This was an enjoyable meal. The food was well prepared and the staff very engaging. We ordered some slightly expensive dishes but the portion sizes were good. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere.

Reservation necessary for a table outside or inside with a view of the excellent Bay. The menu has something for everyone and prices to match. My wife chose Sole Meunière which was perfectly cooked and expertly filleted! My menu at €29.90 was pretty good. Crevettes beignets may be an acquired taste but the seafood choucroux was a culinary success. The cheeseboard at €3.40 was pretty good too, four local cheeses. My dessert was passable and perhaps I should have quit while I was ahead. The wine list is fairly priced. Hard to go wrong with Muscadet in such a fishy town. One small caveat. I mentioned a nut allergy and was served one dish covered in nuts and a sweet that almost certainly contained nuts, I did not dare to find out!

We have been coming to this restaurant since we first visited Cancale 9 years ago and we have never been disappointed. The staff are attentive, friendly and helpful and the quality of the food never disappoints. Honestly, this is our favourite restaurant in all of France. Thank you once again for a delicious and memorable meal.