We're not usually taken aback at hotel accommodation, but Manoir Ogygia took us by surprise when we first visited this hotel in June 2008.  The word 'hotel' does not really do justice to what the owners have achieved in creating nine sumptuous rooms, all set within a beautiful manor-type house nestled within peaceful leafy grounds - and all just 200 metres or so from Poperinge town centre (Poperinge is just six miles from Ypres).

The attention to detail is what impressed us most.  The hotel has no bar (other than room well-equipped room mini-bars and a small selection of drinks in the reception foyer) as the emphasis is very much upon providing a tranquil setting with truly wonderful rooms for guests to make the most of. This is why we have taken the unusual step of including a couple of photographs of each of the nine rooms (some cost more than others).

Manoir Ogygia is a name derived from Greek mythology and a name that now graces the nine rooms (two of which are duplex) on the ground and first floor of this lovely châteaux-like building.  Carmen, the most creative and far-sighted owner, has set out to meet the increasing demand for comfortable, safe and high quality rooms in a truly peaceful environment.

Guests staying at Manoir Ogygia are invited to dine at the owners' other hotel situated in the town square (see photo right), or at any of the other quality restaurants situated close to this hotel. Carmen will be pleased to discuss your dinning preferences and recommend a suitable restaurant tailored to your requirements.

The top floor even houses a lavishly equipped public relaxation area, complete with a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam shower, a cosy corner bar, television, etc., which can be hired by the hour during the course of your stay for the exclusive use of you and your group.

POPERINGE/POPERINGHE AND THE GREAT WAR

Poperinghe, or 'Pops' as it became more popularly known by troops form all allied nations, sits pretty much side-by-side with its slightly larger neighbour Ypres, with just six or so miles separating these two significant Flanders towns. Poperinghe (the French spelling used at the time of the Great War) was perhaps the most famous of all the 'behind the lines' towns for the Ypres salient where troops could gather for a oh-so-short period of 'rest and recuperation'. But Poperinghe was by no means safe from German shelling. Throughout the war German guns targeted the town in the knowledge that it was heavily populated with troops enjoying the local estaminets and other 'services' offered by the the local population who chose to remain.

Poperinghe is particularly famous for one institution that grew in popularity - and continues to do so even to this day. Talbot House, or 'Toc H' as it became more popularly known, is situated just a short walk from Manoir Ogygia in the centre of Poperinghe. By chance Talbot House was not reduced to rubble by the German artillery.  By the hard work of so many past and present, Talbot House has been preserved for visitors to see for themselves.  Entering the building is like walking through a time-warp to the time of the Great War.

Staying in Poperinghe is similar to staying in its slightly larger 'neighbour', Ypres, which became the focus of the Flanders campaign of the Great War 1914 - 1918.  The photo above of the town square (about 200 metres from Manoir Ogygia) paints such a vivid picture of life just behind the front lines. It's interesting to have this photo in your hand as you stand in the centre of the square today and to see how little has changed (apart from the square now being a large car-park!).

Our Ypres Self-Drive guide includes easy to follow directions from Eurotunnel or ferry port to your hotel in Poperinghe and from Poperinghe to Ypres (about 15 minutes drive away so not far) from where your Self-Drive tour commences.

Why not include a personal conducted tour?

We can easily arrange for an independent English-speaking guide to collect you at your hotel and take you (or join you in your vehicle) on a one or two-day tour of either the Somme or Ypres battlefields This will be a truly personal service and as such you will not be joining a group comprising other persons. This option costs a lot more when compared with joining a fixed-itinerary ‘public’ tour, but is by far and away the best way to see the battlefield, especially bearing in mind this may be your one occasion to make the visit you are have in mind.  A personal tour is also better suited for the quiet exploration and reflection of past events, without the possible distraction of others making up your group - and the need for the tour leader to stick to a fixed time schedule!