The magical all-you-can-eat lobster brunch at Hardricourt castle in the Yvelines department

Feel like living the château life for a gourmet Sunday? Let's head for Les Mureaux and Verneuil-sur-Seine in the Yvelines to discover the Lobster Brunch at Château d'Hardricourt. In the magical setting of its orangery, set in the château's garden, which is usually only open for weddings and receptions, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat brunch.

On arrival, we settle down by the pool for an aperitif and a glass of Champagne or orange juice. Then it's off to discover the room. It's in the orangerie, a glass roof flooded with light, that brunch is revealed. Tables of all sizes, depending on reservations, drooping wisteria and pretty chandeliers decorate this place, allowing us to brunch facing the verdant garden and superb château.

• To be read
• Brunch in Yvelines (78), our best addresses
• 10 outings in the Yvelines on the weekend of May 4 and 5, 2024
• What to do in Yvelines? Heritage, places and activities to discover

Along the wall, brunch unveils an attractive selection of sweet and savory dishes. Viennoiseries, macaroons, charcuterie, salads, salmon gravlax and fresh fruit are all on offer. Brunch dishes are subject to change every week, depending on the season. The same goes for the table decorations, which on our visit were in chic, country-white.

In the center, in addition to cheeses and finger sandwiches with salmon or truffled ham, you'll find hot dishes such as scrambled eggs, bacon and roast potatoes.

In the background come various breads, jams, yoghurts and hot drinks, which you can help yourself to. If you've chosen the Lobster option, a plate of lobster is served to your table, accompanied by an excellent aioli.

We love the pretty English crockery, the local or regional ingredients, the good bread and, of course, the enchanting setting. The all-you-can-eat brunch costs 55€, and 90€ if you choose the half-lobster option and a glass of champagne as a bonus. Children aged 4 to 12 are €35, and under-4s are free.

This brunch is available every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm, by reservation. How about a princely brunch in the Yvelines?