Château de Pizay ★★★★

The château emerges from its bucolic surroundings like an oasis of orderliness and elegance. The grand gardens are colourful and manicured, with topiary-trimmed trees standing like living sculptures. Walking to reception through the grounds, we caught sight of a peacock strutting over the lawns. The sun had set and there were still streaks of colour in the sky. Entering the 11th century castle complex I imagined I felt a velvet cloak of history envelop me.

The château oozes history, yet it is more modernised than many I have seen. We were warmly welcomed and chose a ground floor room so we could enjoy the little patch of private garden it came with. But when I saw the beautiful marble staircase with its wrought iron banisters, I wanted an excuse to go up them!

The rooms have a romantic atmosphere, largely down to the burgundy-coloured canopy that hung in elegant folds from the head of the bed. The colour was matched in the pillows and upholstery, and it merged with the deep brown of the mahogany furniture, wooden floorboards and exposed beam ceiling. Shimmering gold curtains were tied back with tassels draped over windows that opened out to the patio. There were fresh flowers on the coffee table, and a writing bureau that felt like a spot to write philosophical musings rather than check emails.

We slept deeply in the comfortable bed and woke to the sound of birds chirping outside. Feeling totally refreshed, we were gripped by the urge to explore our surroundings, and went for a walk around the grounds before breakfast. I spotted a tempting-looking swimming pool. We had a good appetite for the fresh pastries, fruits, breads, juices and coffee that was on offer. After breakfast we looked around a bit more, and saw the dinner menu and restaurant, the spa treatments available, and the lounge with its inviting fire place.

Luxuriate in an elegant paradise, secreted away in regal, grand gardens.