Hôtel Les Orangeries

A gloriously harmonious place to stay with owners who are passionate about everything they do. He is an architect who has cleverly blended 18th-century elegance with contemporary charm. Oak doors, exposed stone walls, cool stone floors…everything glows with loving care. She speaks English and her enthusiasm for house, garden and guests is catching.

You stay in light, uncluttered bedrooms; those facing the road are double-glazed, the split-level apartments are a delight. Play croquet and skittles under the trees, two kinds of billiards, backgammon or mahjong. Plough up and down the pool. Take a book to a quiet spot in the gorgeous garden, you might spot a red squirrel.

The food is a real draw here, all local and organic, served with some ceremony in the candlelit barn, out on the lush garden terrace or in the abundant orangery. If you can tear yourself away there are walks, vineyards and ancient churches to visit. Kayaking too.