Château de Champdolent

This 13th-century château was the home of Marie de Valois, the daughter of Agnès Sorel and King Charles VII. There’s a deep sense of peace here, and from the house you can see only the meadow behind and a handful of houses beyond.

Line and Dominique are charming and will happily tell you about the history of the place. Breakfast is served in the lovely, airy room in the tower, or at a table outside. It’s a real treat: omelette, eggs, ham, cheeses, fresh fruit and yogurt or the regional speciality leaf-shaped fromage frais, Jonchée. For dinner there’s more local, seasonal produce picked up from the daily market.

Bedrooms have flat-screen TVs, interesting artworks and views over the fields. One is on the ground-floor with a private entrance, another has its own sitting area; three have Italian showers. Explore the surrounding countryside – there are cycle paths and you’re welcome to borrow a bike. Historic towns are in easy reach and the closest beach is 25 minutes’ away; Oléron and Ré are just 15 minutes further.