Domaine de Chalaniat

This could easily be a destination place with masses to do, but if you’re on the way to the Mediterranean it’s a fabulous stopover spot on a high plateau south of the Puy de Dome volcanoes and west of the Allier river. The house overlooks the village on one side and the park and fields beyond on the other. Breakfast is served in the dining room or courtyard, sometimes in the park beside the lake: Auvergnat ham and cheese, fresh pastries, yogurts, homemade jams, freshly baked cakes.

Float about in two large drawing rooms and a library. Everywhere you look there is something beautiful, but it also feels warm and welcoming with fires crackling in the hearth, books to read and all the rich colours. Upstairs bedrooms (all with their own bathrooms and air-conditioning) have comfy seats and sofas too.

Wander into the park for an orchard, ornamental lake and romantic stone balustrade or walk to the village, built of golden stone.