Auberge les Voyajoueurs: Fun, games and a hotel with a difference

Text: Heidi Fuller Love | Photo © Auberge Des Voyajoueurs

Most hotel owners would probably agree that they hope their guests will enjoy their stay at their hotels, but at the Auberge des VouyaJouers, fun – and indeed games – are an integral part of guests’ experience.

In the heart of Brittany’s Monteneuf heathlands region, just 20 minutes from the Brocéliande forest, the game-themed hotel has more than 800 games to choose from as well as two large indoor arenas and extensive grounds.

“We have games from every continent,” explains the hotel’s manager Michaela Soulaine, “ranging from billiards and giant Mikado, to board games and climbing frames. But with so many games to choose from it can get confusing, which is why we have a specially trained team on site to help our guests get the best out of their time here.”

The Auberge, which is currently celebrating its tenth anniversary, was the brainchild of owner Anne-Sophie Hochet. “She loved games and she was passionate about tourism so she had this great idea to bring the two together,” Michaela explains.

“This is also the forest of Arthurian legend,” she continues. “And it’s said that Merlin is buried there. You can even visit the site that’s known as his ‘tomb’.”

Although the hotel accepts public visitors between the hours of 2pm and 7pm, hotel guests can play from dawn ‘till dusk. “When they are tired of playing, they can hike or bike along one of the hiking trails that start just outside our door,” says Michaela.

With ten rooms and an apartment which can hold five guests, the Auberge also hosts groups and business seminars and was recently awarded first prize in a regional contest for sustainable tourism.

“‘Disconnect to better reconnect’ is our motto.” Michaela laughs: “Whatever the weather, there’s always something fun to do at the Auberge des VoyaJouers.”