Le Château de l'Abbaye

In the Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park, this castel romantique is filled with bibelots and boxes, photographs and fresh flowers, Korakot’s embroideries, furniture antique and new. Roosters can be found in every medium, shape and size; don’t miss the bulging scrapbooks of drawings by guests and their children. Continental breakfast is on the veranda in summer – sweet pastries, or eggs, hams and cheeses; dinner at candlelit tables reflects the best seasonal produce.

In the château, air-conditioned bedrooms are decorated to create cocoon-like spaces; extras include children’s books, typical touches from these thoughtful hosts. Four suites with private gardens are in the 17th-century outbuildings and all have impeccably laundered linen and excellent lighting.

Float in the heated pool, visit the wellness space for a jacuzzi and sauna, find a quiet spot in the garden with a book or borrow a bike to explore the Marais Poitevin.