Last August I was lucky enough to photograph Celine and Elias’s destination wedding in Auvergne region of France. When I travel for destination weddings I always try to stay in local B&B’s, rather than in chain hotels. I came across Aux Jardins Des Thevenets whilst looking for accommodation near Vichy. I just fell in love with the photos of the place. It looked like a tranquil heaven in the French countryside and I loved the design of every single room they had. It also had a swimming pool – always a bonus! This rustic B&B certainly did not disappoint. Lovingly restored through the years and run by a couple who are both incredible artists, it was absolutely perfect for a relaxing stay for a couple of nights. Lynn and Olivier were two of the most welcoming hosts, and their old house oozes character and charm. One of the most memorable experiences was Table d’hotes. Everyone staying at the B&B gathered together in the evening for a delicious dinner prepared by Lynn. There was just something special about people from all walks of life and from different countries sharing their stories whilst also sharing a meal. We tasted some local specialities and talked until the late hours. Despite a very short stay and going away to work for a day, we fell in love with the place. After two nights we left for Lyon to spend an extra day in the culinary capital of France before returning back to London. Despite it being August when cities in France almost shut down, we still managed to find a couple of great spots with some of the best food we’ve ever had, which also didn’t break the bank. The city is quite compact and easy to walk around. It was nice to wander the streets, especially in the evening when the heat reduced a little. With its beautiful architecture and numerous good restaurants Lyon is a lovely city to visit for a couple of days.
