Château de Détilly

The château has a turbulent past which you can delve into if you wish, but it looks as though nothing has disturbed its genteel peace for aeons. Established trees envelop you, the rose garden has no less than 3,000 varieties, the orchard produces fruit for jams at breakfast and the beautiful orangery sits calmly by the pool. Wander at will to find many terraces and quiet places to sit and listen to birdsong – perhaps with a glass of wine from the owners’ excellent cellar.

Bedrooms are all upstairs and you’ll enjoy American style comfort with thick wall-to-wall carpets, grand views and enormous beds; bathrooms have a bit of glitz, some with baths in the middle of the room. Wake to breakfast on the terrace: locally-sourced and organic bread and pastries, fresh fruit, hams, cheeses, eggs and cereals.

Set off on walks along the river Vienne, perhaps to Candes-St-Martin for lunch. Hire bikes: the Loire à Vélo cycle route passes close by.