CASTLE LIVING

his is a magical location. Built in 1857/59, the château is a dazzling sight, set in 14 hectares of lush green park. You can relax here and keep a lazy eye on a meander of the River Meuse or, amid the fishing stands, hunting lodges and chapel, visit a heronry that is particularly busy in springtime. As soon as you enter this delightful, character-filled residence, you'll feel a sense of peace and contentment. The lounges and library are filled with the gentle strains of classical music. On the upper floors are 25 guest rooms, including 5 with mezzanine and 2 suites, designed with the same approach to quality as the reception area. The first floor is full of the features you would expect in a château - high ceilings and four-poster beds. The "Note Florale" room on the top floor is more modern. The "Nature et Spa" facility has a number of amenities including a steam room, sauna, jacuzzi and massage table. The products used here are all tea-based. With fly fishing, hot air balloon flights, buggy and quad bike hire, carriage rides and sightseeing in a region with a host of heritage sites, a break here will have plenty to keep you busy until it's time for a meal.

The culinary watchword here is "authenticity"! And it applies as much to the château itself as to the chef, Benoît Thouvenin, who is always delighted to showcase regional produce. Among his dishes are Pink Malaumont Squab and a Foie Gras Millefeuille with Young Wild Boar Ham. Then there are the desserts created by pastrycook, Hervé Pierrat, such as his Iced Parfait with Verdun Sugared Almonds.