Château de Nieuil

This fabled old inn comes with quite a pedigree. The château, built in the 16th century as a hunting lodge for François I, became the first château-hotel in France in 1937. Restored by the comte de Dampierre early in the 1800s after its destruction in the Revolution, it has remained in the antiques-collecting Bodinaud family since around 1900. Rooms are beautifully furnished and magnificently comfortable, with elegant bathrooms. Today, 160 hectares (395 acres) of park and forest surround a series of beautifully maintained gardens.

The restaurant, La Grange aux Oies (the Goose Farm), is in a stone-walled annex constructed in the late 19th century as stables. The cuisine focuses on classic and regional recipes. Main courses cost 21€ to 25€; fixed-price menus are 26€ to 46€ at lunch, 70€ at dinner; there is a kids' menu for 17€. Nonguests may dine here if they call ahead.

Facilities:
Restaurant; bar; outdoor pool; room service; tennis court

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.