What a fabulous find. Lovely to go to a Chambre d'Hote where one can sit at the dining table and know that one's expectations of interesting and delicious food are not going to be disappointed. Dinner was imaginative and beautifully presented. David, the host, is very welcoming and although we met him for the first time this visit we feel as if he is an old friend. House is pretty good too!

Meg Brook

Reviewer Meg B has written no other reviews

Lorraine and David Tomlinson have created a wonderful veggie/vegan oasis in the middle of a beautiful part of France. Everything about the place oozes class; the food, the decor and the gardens. And the Tomlinsons are great hosts making you feel truly welcome. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

It's a great place to explore from. We took our tandem and cycled over the bridge to the magical Ile de Re, a beautiful island lying just off La Rochelle. It, and the area in general, is very flat making it ideal for novice as well as the more seasoned cyclists. What's more there's hardly any traffic!

I really can't recommend a holiday here enough.

Reviewer Richard B (Hampshire) has written 5 reviews

Tomlins Vegetarian Guest House is a fantastic place for a short break for foodies or a longer stay to explore La Rochelle and the Charente-Maritime region of France. We've just come back from our second stay there; we had a fantastic time when we first went in June 2004 and have just had another relaxing three days there. Even the die-hard meat-eaters had to admit it! They can cater for vegans too.

There are three rooms in the main guest house, all beautifully decorated, and the rates include a tasty breakfast. There are also two gites (self-contained apartments) on the grounds which are possibly more suited to families.

You don't have to cook while you're there but the cookery school is excellent. Small, informal, rewarding, inspirational and good fun. You can cook for just the one day or for a few days and then you eat all the delicious food you've made! On both trips we only cooked for one day and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

There's also the option to eat dinner at the Guest House which is always a treat and great value at just €25 for a 3 course meal. We didn't intend to but ended up eating there every night as we couldn't bare to miss out.

Tomlins Vegetarian Guest House is a short drive from La Rochelle so hiring a car and exploring the area while you're there is a good idea. David & Lorraine Tomlinson are very friendly and accommodating hosts and also made families feel welcome; there were a few families staying there when we were there who had babies and small children and Lorraine and her daughters even babysat for them in the evenings and entertained the children in the day so the parents could have some time to relax, go out or cook! If you're into nightlife/clubbing then Tomlins Vegetarian Guest House isn't really the place for you as it's not really in the centre of town; but if you're looking for a relaxing break then I'd thoroughly recommend this place.

Reviewer Kamay S has written no other reviews

We have been to Tomlins 3 times now and we're not even vegetarians! The food is absolutely amazing, the rooms and gites very clean, comfortable and modern and the cookery course excellent. David and Lorraine are just the best hosts and make you feel part of the family however long you stay. I would highly recommend Tomlins to everyone.

Reviewer Emma M has written no other reviews

This is the second time my husband and I have been to Tomlins in France after sampling such wonderful food at their restaurant in Penarth. We went for Christmas and New Year and it was simply wonderful. The food was excellent, the atmosphere perfect and David and Lorraine are perfect hosts. Christmas day was black tie and we spent many hours after dinner being entertained in a traditional way with each of the guests performing a turn. We also spent 3 days on a cookery course learning how to make some of the delicious recipes David has developed. We enjoyed ourselves so much we have just booked another 2 weeks in the summer! If you are thinking of going to France this summer, this is definitely the place for true vegetarian style!

Reviewer Tina T (South Glamorgan) has written no other reviews