Frequently Asked Questions

L’Esplanade Hotel · Restaurant · Wine Bar is a historic riverside property overlooking the Loire River in the charming village of Le Pellerin, just around 20 minutes from Nantes and Nantes Atlantique Airport.

Built in 1876, the building originally served as a post house, welcoming travellers who stopped to rest and change horses before continuing their journey. Over the years, it evolved into a traditional riverside inn, then a restaurant and finally a hotel and restaurant. Formerly known as Le Lion d’Or and later La Belle Époque, it has been part of the local heritage for nearly 150 years.

Since taking over the property in 2020, we have gradually restored its character while developing a boutique hotel, a contemporary French bistronomic restaurant focused on fresh seasonal ingredients, and a wine bar featuring more than one hundred carefully selected wines.

Today, L’Esplanade is much more than a hotel. It is a welcoming place where travellers, local residents, cyclists, business guests and food lovers come together to enjoy authentic hospitality, excellent cuisine and the unique atmosphere of the Loire Valley.

L’Esplanade Hotel · Restaurant · Wine Bar is located in Le Pellerin, on the banks of the Loire River, just 22 km (14 miles) from Nantes city centre and 16.7 km from Nantes Atlantique Airport, approximately 15 minutes by car.

Its location makes it an excellent base for discovering western France. Within easy reach, you will find the Canal de la Martinière, Grand-Lieu Lake, Planète Sauvage Wildlife Park, the seaside resort of Pornic, the maritime city of Saint-Nazaire, and many picturesque villages throughout the Pays de Retz.

The hotel has also been awarded the Accueil Vélo label and is located directly on the Loire à Vélo, Vélodyssée and Vélidéale cycling routes, making it a popular stop for cyclists travelling across France.

Whether you are visiting for business, a weekend break or a longer holiday, L’Esplanade offers the perfect combination of peaceful riverside surroundings and easy access to the region’s main attractions.

L’Esplanade welcomes everyone looking for a warm and inviting place to enjoy great food, spend quality time together and experience the unique setting of the Loire riverside.

Whether you are a local resident, business traveller, visitor passing through the region, cyclist travelling along La Loire à Vélo or La Vélodyssée, couple seeking a relaxing getaway, family, group of friends or company, you’ll always receive a warm welcome and enjoy an experience tailored to your needs.

Come and enjoy lunch, dinner or brunch, relax with a drink at our wine bar, stay at the hotel, organise a group meal or simply unwind on our terrace overlooking the Loire.

Our ambition is simple: to welcome every guest with the same care and attention, making every visit a memorable experience.

At L’Esplanade, we believe that outstanding hospitality also means acting responsibly. Our commitment is to preserve the environment, support our local community and continuously improve the way we welcome our guests.

Whenever possible, our restaurant works with local and regional producers and favours short supply chains. We are gradually reducing single-use plastics, composting part of our food waste, sorting and recycling waste, and improving the energy efficiency of the property. Renovated areas are equipped with LED lighting, while guest amenities are provided in refillable dispensers to reduce unnecessary packaging.

Our commitment also extends to people. We recruit locally, welcome apprentices and trainees to help pass on our professions, work closely with local businesses and organise regular networking breakfasts for entrepreneurs. We have also introduced a four-day working week to promote a healthier work-life balance for our team.

Rather than seeing sustainability as a destination, we view it as an ongoing journey that helps us protect our region while offering a more responsible hospitality experience.

Booking directly through L’Esplanade’s official website is the best way to plan your stay with complete peace of mind while enjoying the most attractive benefits.

When you book direct, you benefit from:

• our best available rates, on average 15% lower than those offered by the main online travel agencies (OTAs);
• real-time availability, giving you immediate access to all available rooms and offers;
• exclusive offers available only on our official website;
• the option to add travel insurance when booking your stay, providing extra peace of mind should unexpected circumstances arise;
• direct contact with our team, who know the hotel inside out and are happy to answer your questions or help you organise your stay.

Booking directly also means supporting an independent local business by choosing a reservation without intermediaries. Your booking contributes directly to the development of L’Esplanade and helps us continue providing the warm, personal welcome that defines our establishment.

In just a few clicks, you’ll enjoy the best rates, the best booking conditions and personalised assistance to help you make the most of your stay on the banks of the Loire.

L’Esplanade offers several room categories designed to suit different types of travellers, whether you are visiting for business, a romantic getaway or a holiday in the Loire region.

Our Essential Rooms provide excellent value for money and include a private shower room with washbasin, while the toilet facilities are located on the landing and reserved for guests staying in this room category.

The Cosy Rooms offer additional comfort in a warm, contemporary setting.

For guests looking to enjoy the scenery, our Loire Rooms feature beautiful views over the Loire River. Some room configurations can also accommodate a third guest.

Every room includes quality bedding, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a workspace, a flat-screen television and a courtesy tray with tea and coffee.

Rooms are available from 3:00 pm on the day of arrival and should be vacated by 11:00 am on the day of departure.

Our reception is open every day from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm, and our team will be pleased to welcome you, answer your questions and help you make the most of your stay in the Loire region.

If you expect to arrive after reception has closed, we offer a simple self check-in procedure so that you can access your room independently and without difficulty.

Yes. If you would like to access your room before the standard check-in time, we offer an Early Check-in option.

Subject to availability, your room can be ready from 12:00 noon for an additional €20. As availability is limited, we recommend booking this option in advance.

If you expect to arrive after 11:00 pm, simply let us know before your arrival. We will send you detailed self check-in instructions by text message, allowing you to access both the hotel and your room independently.

Our aim is to ensure that your arrival is smooth and stress-free, whatever time you reach Le Pellerin.

Our cancellation and modification policies depend on the rate selected when you make your reservation.

If you choose our Flexible Rate, you may modify or cancel your booking free of charge up to 48 hours before arrival. After this deadline, the first night’s stay will be charged in accordance with the booking conditions.

Our Non-refundable Rate offers a more attractive price but cannot be modified, cancelled or refunded once the reservation has been confirmed.

We recommend checking the applicable booking conditions before confirming your reservation to select the option that best suits your travel plans.

Yes. When booking through our official website, you have the option to purchase cancellation insurance provided by Safebooking.

Depending on the policy selected and its terms and conditions, the insurance may cover a range of unforeseen events that prevent you from travelling or require you to interrupt your stay, such as illness, accidents or certain family or professional emergencies.

We recommend reading the insurance policy carefully before completing your reservation so that you fully understand the cover provided, any exclusions and the reimbursement process.

Yes. If rooms are still available, you can book your stay right up to the day of your arrival.

The easiest way is to book directly through our official website, where availability is updated in real time. This also ensures you benefit from our best available rates and receive instant confirmation.

If you are looking for accommodation at short notice or have a specific request, feel free to contact us directly. Our team will always do its best to find the most suitable solution.

Yes. Complimentary luggage storage is available for all our guests.

If you arrive before your room is ready or wish to continue exploring the area after check-out, we can safely store your luggage for you. This allows you to enjoy Le Pellerin, the banks of the Loire or nearby attractions without having to carry your bags.

Simply ask at reception and our team will be happy to assist you.

All rooms at L’Esplanade are designed to provide a comfortable stay, whether you are travelling for business or leisure.

Each room includes complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen television, a workspace, a tea and coffee courtesy tray, and a fan for added comfort.

Depending on the room category, you may also enjoy views over the Loire River or additional amenities. Every room has been carefully designed to provide a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere.

Yes. L’Esplanade regularly welcomes business guests travelling throughout the Loire-Atlantique region.

All rooms feature a dedicated workspace and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, making it easy to work comfortably during your stay. Our location, close to Nantes, Saint-Nazaire and the region’s main transport routes, makes the hotel particularly convenient for business travel.

We also offer a business stopover package (soirée étape), available exclusively to guests travelling alone for work. It includes accommodation, dinner (starter, main course and dessert, excluding drinks) and our buffet breakfast the following morning.

Yes. To make family stays as comfortable as possible, we can provide a complimentary baby cot, subject to availability. We recommend requesting it when making your reservation so everything is ready before your arrival.

Some room categories can also accommodate an extra bed for a third guest. This service is available for €25 per night, depending on the room type and availability.

If you are travelling with children or as a small group, our team will be happy to recommend the room that best suits your needs.

Our Essential Rooms are an excellent choice for guests looking for comfortable accommodation at an attractive price.

Each room includes a private shower room with a washbasin, while the toilet facilities are located on the landing and are reserved exclusively for guests staying in this room category.

Essential Rooms offer the same quality bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen television, workspace and tea and coffee facilities as our other room categories.

Please note that baby cots cannot be accommodated in Essential Rooms.

Accessibility varies depending on the area of L’Esplanade.

Unfortunately, the hotel is not accessible to guests with reduced mobility, as all guest rooms are located on the upper floor and the building does not have a lift.

However, the restaurant is fully accessible. The dining room, terrace and accessible restroom facilities are all designed to welcome guests with reduced mobility.

To make your arrival as easy as possible, a doorbell is installed at the restaurant entrance. Simply ring the bell to let us know you have arrived, and a member of our team will come to assist you by operating the platform lift, allowing you to access the restaurant safely and comfortably.

You can also watch this short demonstration video to see how the platform lift works before your visit.

If you have any questions or specific accessibility requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us before your arrival. Our team will be delighted to assist you and help you prepare your visit in the best possible conditions.

Yes. Dogs and cats are welcome at L’Esplanade.

A supplement of €10 per pet, per night applies. Pets are welcome in the hotel, restaurant and on the terrace, provided they remain under their owner’s supervision and do not disturb other guests.

For safety and animal welfare reasons, pets must not be left alone in guest rooms.

Just a short walk from the hotel, Parc Bikini offers a pleasant riverside area for walking your dog along the Loire.

Yes. L’Esplanade is a completely non-smoking property. Smoking is not permitted in guest rooms or anywhere inside the hotel, restaurant or wine bar.

Outdoor smoking areas are available for guests who wish to smoke while ensuring the comfort of everyone else.

Thank you for respecting this policy, which helps us provide a pleasant environment for all our guests. Additional cleaning charges may apply if smoking occurs inside the building.

L’Esplanade Hotel · Restaurant · Wine bar serves modern French bistronomic cuisine, prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Our menu changes throughout the year to reflect the seasons and showcase the finest produce available. Vegetables, fish, meats and garnishes evolve naturally according to market availability and the Chef’s inspiration.

Our cooking combines French culinary traditions with a contemporary approach. Every dish is carefully designed to highlight the natural flavours of its ingredients through balanced recipes, precise cooking techniques and refined sauces.

Whether you join us for a weekday lunch, a romantic dinner or a family celebration, you can expect generous cuisine, genuine flavours and warm hospitality.

Since January 2026, the kitchen at L’Esplanade has been led by Chef Yoann Lopes-Féré, whose career has been shaped in several renowned restaurants in western France.

After spending several years at Maison Baron Lefèvre, where he refined his skills alongside Jean-Charles Baron, followed by experience at Le Quai in La Trinité-sur-Mer, he joined L’Esplanade to develop his own seasonal and ingredient-led cuisine.

His philosophy is simple: respect exceptional produce, cook it with precision and create elegant yet generous dishes that remain accessible. Every seasonal menu reflects this commitment to authenticity, flavour and the expertise of local producers.

At L’Esplanade, we believe that great cooking starts with respect: respect for the seasons, for exceptional ingredients and for the people who produce them.

Our Chef intentionally keeps the menu concise to guarantee freshness, reduce food waste and focus on carefully selected produce. Around 80% of our ingredients come from local or regional suppliers, while all of our meat is sourced in France.

Rather than pursuing unnecessary complexity, we aim to create elegant, generous dishes where every ingredient has a purpose. This philosophy shapes every menu throughout the year and reflects our commitment to authentic French hospitality.

Yes. At L’Esplanade, our menu evolves throughout the year to celebrate the changing seasons.

Our Chef creates several seasonal menus each year, selecting ingredients at the moment when they offer the very best flavour and quality. Vegetables, fish, meat, garnishes and even desserts change naturally according to seasonal availability and daily deliveries.

This approach allows us to offer a menu that is fresh, creative and constantly evolving. Returning guests can enjoy new dishes and discover different flavours with every visit.

Yes. Supporting local producers is an important part of our culinary philosophy.

Around 80% of the ingredients used in our kitchen come from local or regional suppliers, while all our meat is sourced in France.

More than proximity alone, we seek long-term partnerships with producers who share our commitment to quality, freshness and seasonality. This approach allows us to create authentic French cuisine while highlighting the richness of our region.

Yes. We offer a weekday lunch menu, available Monday to Friday at lunchtime only, excluding public holidays.

You can choose between:

• Starter and main course, or main course and dessert: €18.50
• Starter, main course and dessert: €23

Drinks are not included in the lunch menu.

The menu changes regularly according to the seasons and the Chef’s inspiration, and a vegetarian option is always available.

Our weekday lunch menu is especially popular with business travellers, local residents and visitors looking for high-quality French cuisine served within a relaxed lunchtime setting.

The Épicurien Menu is our restaurant’s signature dining experience, showcasing the Chef’s seasonal cuisine through a carefully selected three-course menu.

Guests can choose one starter, one main course and one dessert from a selection of three starters, three main courses and three desserts, which changes regularly throughout the year.

A vegetarian option is always available, and our team will be delighted to recommend a wine pairing from our carefully curated selection of more than one hundred wines.

The Épicurien Menu is priced at €38 per person, excluding drinks.

Yes. L’Esplanade’s restaurant is open to everyone, whether you are staying at the hotel or simply looking for a great place to enjoy a meal by the Loire.

Join us for lunch, dinner, a weekend brunch, a drink at our wine bar or simply to relax on our terrace overlooking the Loire. Local residents, visitors, business travellers, families and groups are all warmly welcome throughout the year.

The restaurant is open 7 days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (until 3:00 p.m. on Sundays). Our restaurant service hours are:

• Lunch: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Dinner: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Please note that the restaurant is closed on Sunday evenings from October to April.

We strongly recommend booking your table, whatever day you plan to visit, to ensure availability and allow us to welcome you in the best possible conditions. Reservations can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the “Book”button on our website, or by calling us on +33 (0)2 40 04 68 14.

If you have reserved a table on the terrace and the weather does not allow outdoor dining, we will do our very best to seat you indoors, subject to availability.

L’Esplanade is open every day from 9:30 am to 11:00 pm, without interruption.

Throughout the day, you are welcome to stop by for a coffee, tea, soft drink, a glass of wine or simply to relax on our terrace or in our dining room, even outside lunch and dinner service.

Restaurant service is available at the following times:

• Lunch: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
• Dinner: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Dinner service is available seven days a week from May to September. From October to April inclusive, L’Esplanade is closed on Sunday evenings.

We recommend booking in advance for lunch and dinner, especially during weekends, public holidays and the summer season.

Yes. We strongly recommend booking your table in advance, whatever day of the week you plan to visit, to ensure that we can welcome you in the best possible conditions.

You can book your table 24 hours a day, 7 days a week directly through the “Book” section of our website, or by calling us on +33 (0)2 40 04 68 14. Our team will be happy to assist you with your reservation.

Would you like to enjoy our Loire-facing terrace? Simply mention this when making your reservation. If the weather does not allow outdoor dining, your reservation will automatically be transferred to a table inside the restaurant, so you can enjoy your meal in complete comfort.

Planning a group meal? L’Esplanade is pleased to welcome family celebrations, birthdays, meals with friends and business events. For groups of 10 guests or more, we offer dedicated group menus and personalised assistance to help organise your event. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Yes. A vegetarian option is always available for both lunch and dinner.

Our Chef creates genuine vegetarian dishes using the same attention to detail as the rest of the menu, highlighting seasonal vegetables, grains, fresh herbs and carefully selected ingredients.

If you have specific dietary requirements or food allergies, please let us know when booking. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Yes. We take food allergies and dietary requirements seriously.

If you have an allergy or food intolerance, please let us know when making your reservation or upon arrival. Our team will advise you on suitable dishes and any possible adaptations.

A vegetarian option is always available. However, we cannot guarantee a dedicated menu for every dietary preference or the complete absence of allergen traces in our kitchen.

Yes. L’Esplanade’s wine bar features a carefully curated selection of more than 100 wines, chosen to complement our cuisine and showcase the diversity of French vineyards.

The Loire Valley naturally holds a special place on our wine list, alongside other renowned French wine regions. We also highlight a selection of organic, biodynamic and natural wines.

Whether you are a wine enthusiast or simply looking for recommendations, our team will be delighted to help you choose the perfect bottle or glass.

Absolutely.

L’Esplanade welcomes you throughout the day for a coffee, tea, soft drink, aperitif, cocktail, beer or a glass of wine.

Our wine bar is open to everyone, whether you are staying at the hotel, dining with us or simply visiting Le Pellerin. You can relax on our Loire-facing terrace or indoors in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Our cellar features more than 100 carefully selected wines, with a special focus on Loire Valley wines alongside a selection of organic, biodynamic and natural wines. Whether you are looking to discover something new or simply enjoy a drink, our team will be delighted to guide you.

Located in the heart of Le Pellerin, on the banks of the Loire River, L’Esplanade is the perfect base for exploring the Loire estuary and the Nantes region.

Nearby attractions include:

• La Loire à Vélo cycling route, which passes directly in front of the property.
• The Canal de la Martinière, popular with walkers and cyclists.
• The Le Pellerin ferry, crossing the Loire to Couëron.
• Grand-Lieu Lake, one of France’s largest natural lowland lakes.
• Nantes, with its historic centre, museums and cultural attractions.
• Pornic and the Jade Coast.
• Saint-Nazaire and its maritime heritage.

Our team will be delighted to recommend activities tailored to your interests and the length of your stay.

Yes. L’Esplanade is located directly on the routes of La Loire à Vélo, La Vélodyssée and La Vélidéale. Cyclists don’t need to leave their route to take a break, enjoy lunch or dinner, stay overnight or simply relax with a drink overlooking the Loire.

This prime location makes L’Esplanade a popular stop for cycle tourists, whether you’re enjoying a day ride or travelling along one of France’s major long-distance cycling routes.

To meet the needs of travelling cyclists, L’Esplanade has been awarded the Accueil Vélo label, the French national quality label recognising accommodation and tourism providers offering services specifically designed for cyclists.

As part of this commitment, we offer:

• a secure bicycle storage area;
• battery charging facilities for electric bikes (on request);
• a bike rental service, available for half a day, a full day or several days;
• the opportunity to have your bicycle repaired or serviced on site by Jean-Christophe from Klinic du Vélo, our partner based directly at L’Esplanade (paid service).

Whether you’re cycling for a few hours, following one of the major cycle routes or exploring the Loire region by bike, L’Esplanade is the perfect place to enjoy a meal, relax or spend the night—without ever leaving your route.

As an Accueil Vélo accredited establishment, L’Esplanade welcomes many cyclists every year.

We provide services designed for cycle tourists, including a secure bicycle storage area, charging facilities for electric bikes, and personalised advice on local routes and attractions.

After a day on the road, you can also enjoy our restaurant, wine bar and comfortable accommodation before continuing your journey.

L’Esplanade does not have a private car park.

However, free public parking is available just a short walk from the property along the riverfront and in the centre of Le Pellerin.

Accessible parking spaces are also located nearby.

If you drive an electric vehicle, several charging stations are available close to the hotel.

L’Esplanade is located in the heart of Le Pellerin, on the banks of the Loire River, just 22 km from Nantes and 16.7 km from Nantes Atlantique Airport.

You can easily reach us:

• By car via the main roads connecting Nantes, Saint-Nazaire and the Pays de Retz.
• By bicycle on the Loire à Vélo, Vélodyssée and Vélidéale cycling routes.
• By public transport from Nantes.
• By boat, thanks to Le Pellerin’s location on the Loire estuary.

Our location makes it easy to explore Nantes, the Atlantic coast and the surrounding region.

To make your visit as convenient as possible, L’Esplanade accepts several payment methods.

You can pay by:

• Credit or debit card
• Cash
• ANCV Holiday Vouchers
• ANCV Connect
• Meal vouchers
• Bank transfer (in certain situations)

Please note that personal cheques are not accepted.

You can make your reservation in several ways:

• Directly through our website, where you’ll find our best available hotel rates and can book a restaurant table in just a few clicks.
• By phone, if you would like personalised advice.
• By email, for group bookings, special requests or additional information.

Booking directly with L’Esplanade ensures personalised service and direct contact with our team.

Yes. L’Esplanade gift vouchers are a wonderful way to treat your loved ones for a birthday, wedding, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or any other special occasion.

Our online gift shop, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allows you to choose from a range of experiences: a restaurant meal, a hotel stay or a gift voucher for an amount of your choice, giving the recipient the freedom to choose the experience they will enjoy most.

As soon as your order is confirmed, your gift voucher is sent immediately by email. You can choose to receive it in your own inbox so you can print it yourself, or have it sent directly to the recipient. Even if you’re shopping at the last minute, you’re sure to give a gift that will be truly appreciated.

Gift vouchers are valid for one year from the date of purchase.

If you would like to present your gift in a more elegant way, you can also collect your gift voucher free of charge at L’Esplanade, where it will be presented as a gift card with a matching envelope.

Giving an L’Esplanade gift voucher means offering much more than a meal or a hotel stay. It is an invitation to enjoy moments of relaxation, fine dining and conviviality in a unique setting overlooking the Loire River.