Zone Bleue is a charming bed-and-breakfast located in the small village of Hyds, in the heart of the Auvergne countryside in central France. The house is a true gem, and a genuine sense of leisurely living reigns here. Online reviews are unanimous: 9.8/10 and over 350 reviews.
Reservation
We recommend booking your stay at Zone Bleue through Booking.com, which often offers free cancellation. Send us a message on Instagram if you go—we'd really appreciate it.
Our stay
During one of our trips to France, we were lucky enough to stop here. It’s exactly the kind of place we love.
What we liked best:
- The warm welcome from Edith and Peter (a Dutch/Danish couple)
- The extraordinary house (hard to capture in photos)
- Peter’s wine cellar
- The rare tranquility of the surrounding countryside
- The interior design, which is brimming with details
A 17th-century mansion
Zone Bleue is the very epitome of a charming country home, where the only sounds to be heard are those of the surrounding countryside. Peaceful and quiet, the house is a blend of a museum of antique finds and a retreat that is impeccably clean and exceptionally welcoming.
Saartje, the little dog, keeps an eye on the property—and especially on the adorable chickens.
Just for the record, a Blue Zone is a region of the world where people live exceptionally long and happy lives. For example, Sardinia in Italy, Ikaria in Greece, or Okinawa in Japan—and maybe one day, a Blue Zone in Hyds. At least, that’s the idea Édith and Peter have.
The rooms
1 • Hague Blue • Photo • Photo
2 • Lime White • Photo • Photo
3 • Treron • Photo • Photo
4 • India Yellow • Photo • Photo
5 • La Boulangerie • Photo • Photo
We were lucky enough to stay in the "India Yellow," which features a stunning original terracotta tile floor and a beautiful view of the garden.
The largest one, La Boulangerie, is located in the more intimate outbuilding and features a fully equipped kitchen. It has gorgeous stone walls and is incredibly charming.
Depending on the room you choose, you'll enjoy the following amenities: a large, comfortable double bed; a bathroom with a walk-in shower, shower gel, towels, and a hair dryer; and a sitting area with armchairs and a fireplace.
Dining options
Early in the morning, breakfast is served in the blue living room or in the garden. On the menu: pastries, breads, gourmet jams, a cheese platter, yogurt made with milk from a local farm, fresh fruit, eggs cooked to order, and hot drinks prepared by Peter like a true barista.
On Sunday and Monday evenings, Edith and Peter host a table d'hôte dinner. The menu includes a main course, a selection of local and organic cheeses, and a dessert prepared by Edith. Not to mention a glass of wine from their cellar.
On other days, a selection of jars of homemade preserves is available.
The Secret Rooms of the House
From At the entrance, the cellar with its illuminated stone walls invites you to explore it. Peter stores his wine collection there and enthusiastically shares his knowledge of local grape varieties and the history of the Allier vineyards. We extended our visit with a glass of wine in the garden.
To the right of the house, the chicken coop is right next to the barn. Renovated by Peter, it houses a stunning Canadian canoe suspended from the ceiling. This is where Peter prepares the barbecue for the guest dinner, facing a window where curious cows sometimes press their muzzles against the glass. Watch this video, taken during our stay, to get a glimpse.
Finally, in the attic, beneath the magnificent wooden roof trusses, the works of painter Marie-Paule Benoit-Basset are on display. There’s also an honesty bar and a gym area.
A peaceful retreat in the countryside
The guesthouse is located on the outskirts of the small village of Hyds, surrounded by fields stretching as far as the eye can see. The surrounding area offers beautiful hiking and biking trails. Just over a 30-minute drive away, discover Hérisson and Charroux, two villages listed among the most beautiful in France.
A little further away, about an hour's drive, lies the famous Puy de Dôme, the main volcano in the Chaîne des Puys, which comprises 80 volcanoes in total. It is a unique place—and, in fact, the first to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
If you're looking for a restaurant not too far away, we highly recommend the pizzeria Le Dauphin. It's run by Sandra and Gert, a lovely couple from Flanders. We had a four-cheese pizza with Bleu d'Auvergne—it was delicious. Tip: Be sure to make a reservation several days in advance, as there aren't many restaurants in the area.
This blog features about 350 unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations. These might include an intimate hotel or a cabin by a lake, for example. We’ve been putting our heart and soul into this since 2021. Follow us on Instagram or add us to your favorite feeds on Google if you enjoy this content. We’re thrilled to have you here — From Pauline and Sébastien.
A Blue Zone is a region of the world where people live exceptionally long and happy lives. For example, Sardinia in Italy, Ikaria in Greece, or Okinawa in Japan—and perhaps one day, a Blue Zone in Hyds. At least, that’s the idea of Édith and Peter, the owners. Note that the Dutch-Danish couple speaks mainly English.
There are only 5 rooms, each named after the color of its walls.
Yes, early in the morning, breakfast is served in the blue living room or in the garden. On the menu: pastries, breads, gourmet jams, a cheese platter, yogurt made with milk from a local farm, fresh fruit, eggs prepared to order, and hot drinks made by Peter like a true barista.
Yes, on Sunday and Monday evenings, Edith and Peter host a table d'hôte dinner. The menu includes a main course, a selection of local and organic cheeses, and a dessert prepared by Edith. Not to mention a glass of wine from the cellar. On other days, a selection of jars of homemade preserves is available.
There are beautiful hiking and biking trails in the surrounding area. Just over 30 minutes away by car, discover Hérisson and Charroux, two villages listed among the most beautiful villages in France. A little further away, about an hour’s drive, lies the famous Puy de Dôme, the main volcano of the Chaîne des Puys, which comprises 80 volcanoes in total. It is a unique place and was the first to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
You can stay for just one night in almost all of the rooms, except for La Boulangerie.
Prices start at about €115 for two people, including breakfast.
Check-in begins at 4:00 p.m., and check-out is available until 11:00 a.m.
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