This place is a little oasis of heaven. You don't get much more atmospheric than a 12th century chateau with four-poster beds and its own vineyard surrounded by rolling hills and sunflowers. The grounds go on for ever, with beautiful spots for picnicking while children explore. There are two grand reception rooms, with sofas, huge fire-places, a huge dining-room table and a piano. All the bedrooms are different and lovely in their own quirky ways, and the master bedroom is a wow. The chateau feels medieval, with thick, blanket-like curtains, cast-iron chandeliers and an enormous, wide stone staircase. Apart from the tiny, old church visible from the gate, civilisation seems a distant memory. However, there's an excellent supermarket 4km away that has everything, and some super shops in Fumel, including a patisserie that does the scrummiest little gateaux ever. There is heaps to do round about, but we don't bother as it's just so lovely spending time there, mooching around the pool, enjoying the chateau and 'playing' tennis. Wherever you are, the views are beautiful, with ancient cedars and wonderful, mature and beautifully kept gardens all round. It's very well equipped too, and we wanted for nothing. We've been there in the winter too, when the oak fires and comfy furniture come into their own. Winter or summer, it's the most romantic place we've ever stayed, and we've stayed in an awful lot of places. That's why we got married there, with friends and family staying in Cardou (the other chateau that sleeps 20+ about 3km away). Jo Stuart-Bruges couldn't have been more helpful, getting the place ready for us and putting us in touch with local people who did wonderful decor and food etc. It's easy to get to, with plenty of flights going from the UK to airports round about. It's also drivable in a day. We'll be back again and again.
