CHÂTEAUX 2020 THE GUIDE
Clockwise from above: Tee off at Domaine de Vaugouard; relax in the charms of a bygone era at Château de Verrières; Hôtel Saint-Martin radiates elegance
Château de la Perrière (Maine-et-Loire)
A classified Monument Historique, Château de la Perrière has a long and fascinating past. The building’s completion in the 17th century is attributed to François II Goddes de Varennes, who expanded the house that his father built from older dwellings – something of a family legacy. From 1982 to 2008, no longer occupied, the castle was restored to its former splendour by local specialist companies, with great attention to the woodwork, tapestries and paintings within. Golfers will be kept quiet with 185 acres of course to cover, including both an 18- and nine-hole course. And for those searching for bigger fish to fry on their château hunt, fear not: this is the perfect base from which to
see the Château d’Angers, just 15 minutes away by car, and Château de Saumur, about 45 minutes to the south east.
www.younancollection.com/en
Château D’Ortaffa (Pyrénées-Orientales) In France’s most southwesterly corner near Perpignan and picturesque Collioure (not to mention the beaches of Spain and the Dalí-lovers magnet, Cadaquès), Château d’Ortaffa is run by Michelle and Alain. It was formerly the episcopal palace of Elne bishops, with the castle’s origins dating from the 12th century, and today the focus is firmly on guest comfort and pleasure. Take your pick from the Tuscany suite, the Baroque and Picasso rooms or the Collioure mini-suite. A real treat is breakfast time – normally outdoors thanks to the
300 sunny days a year. Expect delicious homemade marmalades and regional products, served on the vast terrace looking out on the village of Ortaffa.
www.chateau-ortaffa.com/en
Domaine de Vaugouard (Loiret)
Here is one for outdoor enthusiasts. Once a hunting ground for the Duke of Orleans (eldest son of King Louis Philippe I), the Domaine de Vaugouard is a 4-star hotel with a spa, gourmet restaurant, and an 18-hole golf course, all of which combine to provide an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. The Domaine also offers a wide range of amenities, including a heated outdoor swimming pool, sauna, fitness centre, pétanque and tennis courts, and games room.
Stay in the castle or in one of the charmingly renovated outbuildings.
www.vaugouard.com
Hôtel Saint-Martin (Deux-Sèvres)
Small means beautiful at this elegant 4-star boutique hotel located in Saint-Maixent-l’École in the heart of the Poitou region, between Poitiers and Niort. Surrounded by a magnificent park facing the Sèvre Niortaise river, the Hôtel Saint-Martin has 13 rooms and two suites – including a duplex in the dungeon tower.
Given its location, the hotel is often used by guests seeking a mid-point stopover when driving down to the South of France. Guest accommodation combines refined decoration with modern comforts – such as the elegant superior rooms with their blue
❯❯ Apr/May 2020 FRANCE TODAY ❘ 141
IMAGE © CHÂTEAUX DE VAUGOUARD AND VERRIÈRES; HÔTEL SAINT-MARTIN
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