The Auberge La Mère Poulard
in Mont Saint-Michel

The daughter of a market gardener from Nevers, Anne Boutiaut, known as Annette, was hired as a maid by the architect Edouard Corroyer when she was very young. In charge of restoring Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey in 1872, Corroyer travelled with his family and the young woman from Nevers.

There, Annette met Victor Poulard, whom she married on 14 January 1873. Following this union, the couple bought their first establishment, the Hôtel Saint-Michel Teste d'Or, in 1873. It served simple, light cuisine with a wide variety of tastes and flavours.

Annette and Victor Poulard abandoned the establishment and took over management of the Hôtel du Lion d'Or in 1888. They demolished the hotel and had the present majestic building built, bearing the banner: "À l'omelette renommée de La Mère Poulard" (La Mère Poulard's famous omelette). The talent of the famous cook from Mont Saint-Michel soon earned her the nickname "La Mère Poulard", and the inn was renamed "Auberge La Mère Poulard".

To quickly satisfy the pilgrims' appetites, Annette would prepare a soufflé omelette cooked over a dry wood fire, for which she held the secret. The popularity of this dish spread beyond the borders of France and won the approval of some of the world's greatest celebrities. Presidential candidates would travel a long way to sample this delicacy, nicknamed the "lucky omelette of the Presidents".

The legendary inn recently celebrated its 136th anniversary. Located at the entrance to Mont Saint-Michel, the Auberge La Mère Poulard welcomes tens of thousands of guests every year, making it a truly historic venue on the road to the bewitching Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel.