Domaine de la Blonnerie

The feel is of a lovely country home, filled with antiques and original architecture but there are plenty of contemporary comforts too: WiFi (even down at the pool), electric bike chargers, coffee machines and USB connectors beside your bed. All the bedrooms are a good size and have views over the park and the wood. Summer and winter embroidered robes await and a bag with towels for the swimming pool and sauna – you’re definitely here to relax.

Breakfast is served in the elegant sitting room: local hams, cheeses, smoked salmon and eggs, baguettes and pastries with three sorts of jam, honey from Cheverny and tomatoes from the garden in season. Cycle routes abound, you can walk down a quiet road to Cour-Cheverny to tour its imposing Château or have a long lunch with Loire wine.

Return for a read and a doze by the long pool on a comfy lounger, wake for a refreshing plunge, have a sundowner while you ponder supper.