Château de Gizeux

As you approach up the driveway, the château appears at the top of the rise, guarded by its pepper-pot tower. Through the gateway, then the inner courtyard, and there is Madame, ushering you in for an apéritif with the family in a vast and magnificent hall, the Galerie François I, furnished with 18th-century armchairs and 16th-century murals. So fascinating is the history that the château is open to the public (it feels a privilege to stay here, contributing to the restoration). 

One suite is on the ground floor, named after the owner in the days of the French Revolution, ‘Julie de la Lorie’; note the gorgeous ceramic stove in its salon-boudoir. The rest are on the first floor and have views over the park. All are stylishly furnished, beautifully proportioned and the bathrooms are state-of-the-art, one with tiles hand-painted by Monsieur (who also farms beef cattle).

Breakfast is simple, continental, with pastries and jams.