Hotel La Matelote is a perfect combination of a fine-dining restaurant and cosy hotel accommodation beautifully located on the sea front of Boulogne sur Mer in the region of Pas de Calais.
La Matelote is owned and run by the Lestienne family. Generations of this family family have lived in the Pas de Calais region and two members have achieved fame. Clémence Lestienne was a local legend. Renowned for her ginger beard she was known as “The Bearded Woman”. She travelled from town to town around the region in her horse-drawn wagon selling treats at fairs and markets. She is the great-great-great-grandmother of Tony Lestienne a celebrated chef and patron of the restaurant La Matelote. Her portrait hangs in his restaurant which is at the heart of the hotel of the same name. A strict interpretation of La Matelote is the Fisherman’s Wife who was very skilled in the preparation of fish. She is also represented in the dining area in a stunning modern interpretation of this personality featuring the distinctive head dress they would wear.
The Restaurant La Matelote, in Boulogne sur Mer
Tony Lestienne’s family have lived in Boulogne for several generations. His father’s family were sweet makers and his mother was from a family that worked in the fish business. Neither career appealed to Tony who left school at the age of 14 to work at the Tournai Hotel and Cookery School. After that he completed his apprenticeship in Arras, Paris and Spain and eventually moved back to Boulogne sur Mer where he opened his restaurant, La Matelote, in April 1979. In 1982 the Guide Michelin awarded him with a star which he retained for nearly 40 years. The exceptional food in the restaurant, recognised in the Michelin Guide, is influenced by the proximity of the sea highlighting fish and seafood from sustainable fishing sources. Dishes featuring premium cuts of meat are also available and the desserts remain true to French tradition and include the classic souffle.
The dining area in the restaurant comprises several small rooms that reflect the origins of the property – several separate houses that have been combined to form the restaurant and the hotel. Retention of the original layout creates a home from home ambience in these elegantly furnished areas bathed in the red and gold signature colours of La Matelote. A covered outside terrace is very popular with guests and diners offering views of the promenade and beach beyond. Four private rooms are available for family gatherings, meetings or groups of friends.
Set menus and a la carte menus are available in the restaurant and both reflect the high standards for which the restaurant is famous. An amused bouche to start a meal is traditional here and always beautifully presented. Modern and traditional dishes are available and, another nice touch, at the end of the meal diners are offered a small platter of delicious petites fours. After enjoying a splendid meal hotel guests have the option of retiring to the hotel bar for a drink.
The Hotel La Matelote, in Boulogne sur Mer
As well as opening a restaurant Tony and his wife, Régine, also created an hotel around it. The building they bought was actually two houses joined together and they decided to retain some of the original features giving a sense of a home from home. However, the retention of both flights of stairs leading to the first floor may give new arrivals a sense of seeing double when they first catch sight of the parallel staircases going from reception to the first floor. When Régine retired their son Stellio became joint owner with his father and now Tony and Stellio run La Matelote which remains the family affair it has always been.
Rooms at Hotel La Matelote in Boulogne sur Mer
Given the history of the building all the rooms are different shapes and sizes but they are all beautifully furnished and well-equipped. Every one of the thirty-five rooms features air-conditioning, flat-screen television, minibar, en-suite bathroom and toiletries. The rooms are divided into four categories – all with double or twin beds. They start at the Standard rooms, suitable for up to two people and the bathroom has a shower. The Supérieure rooms have a bath and some have a balcony with a sea view. Two of these rooms have been adapted for those with reduced mobility. The Prestige room also has a bath and an indirect sea view. The large Suites have balconies with a sea view, lounge and television area and a bath. There is also the independent Family Apartment which has two double bedrooms, a kitchen with microwave and fridge, a lounge and a sea view.
Facilities at Hotel La Matelote in Boulogne sur Mer
The reception area is the hub of both the restaurant and the hotel as everything starts from here. A narrow corridor leads to the restaurant. A small seating area on one side of reception is part of the Breakfast room but also available for guests to use if they want somewhere to work or sit and chat. Beyond this area is the pretty, breakfast room where an extensive buffet is laid out. This buffet offers a huge choice that includes local products and fresh bread from the hotel’s own bakeries. Room service for breakfast is also available. A cosy bar is also accessed from the reception area, exclusive to hotel guests, it is a cosy area where guest can relax over a drink before or after dinner – or both.
On the first floor there is well-designed fitness and relaxation area exclusive to guests. Beyond the exercise machines is the entrance to the swimming pool and Jacuzzi which includes a relaxation area. Also featured here is a sauna with its own quiet, chill-out space.
La Matelote also organises cooking classes for groups of 6 or more. A unique treat for enthusiastic amateur chefs or those just wishing to know the secrets behind the delicious dishes served in the hotel. These classes (extra charges apply) take place in the hotel kitchen and are led by Tony Lestienne himself. These are available to both guests and non-guests and can be booked through the hotel website.
Attractions Near La Matelote, Boulogne sur Mer
La Matelote is ideally situated to visit the attractions of Boulogne sur Mer. It is opposite its most famous attraction, Nausicaa, which is in the top four aquariums worldwide. It also overlooks the town’s extensive sandy beach that features rows of distinctive white beach huts with blue roofs. This huge beach is perfect for land yachting, invented here and ideal for adrenalin junkies. The old walled town of Boulogne sur Mer is withing walking distance and features an historic belfry and a walk around its complete circular city walls. The port of Calais is accessible by train and a recent rejuvenation makes this an attractive tourist destination. Enjoy a visit to its glorious beach that features free, creative activities for all ages. Ride along its sea front on the Dragon of Calais or climb aboard the Traveling Varan to explore. Explore the excellent Lace Museum that will take you on a journey of lace-making in Calais for which the town is famous.
Attractions Near La Matelote in Boulogne sur Mer
La Matelote is ideally situated to visit the attractions of Boulogne sur Mer. It is opposite its most famous attraction, Nausicaa, which is in the top four aquariums worldwide. It also overlooks the town’s extensive sandy beach that features rows of distinctive white beach huts with blue roofs. This huge beach is perfect for land yachting, invented here and ideal for adrenalin junkies. The old walled town of Boulogne sur Mer is withing walking distance and features an historic belfry and a walk around its complete circular city walls. The port of Calais is accessible by train and a recent rejuvenation makes this an attractive tourist destination. Enjoy a visit to its glorious beach that features free, creative activities for all ages. Ride along its sea front on the Calais Dragon or climb aboard the Varan of Calais for some sightseeing. Explore the excellent Lace Museum that will take you on a journey through the lace-making history in Calais for which the town is famous.
La Matelote is one of my favourite hotels in France. I first stayed here in 2018 and when I returned in 2026 I was delighted to discover both the restaurant and the hotel where as good as ever - maybe the food was even more interesing as it has expended its theme "cuisine bourgeoise".
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Valery Collins is the Experienced Traveller.
An excellent raconteur, Valery has been writing about her experiences on the road since she started travelling 30 years ago. After publishing four books she turned to online travel writing.