Château de la Bourdaisiere

This aristocratic 15th-century castle feels like an eccentric friend’s abode, complete with family photos, antique furniture and creaky floors.

• The outdoor pool, located in a small field
• The fanciful rose garden with a variety of blooms
• The orchard and tomato conservatory

Staying at this Renaissance-era caste—built by King Francois I for his mistress and now owned by the Prince of Broglie—feels like visiting a sophisticated château for a country weekend. As there are only elevent rooms and three suites in the castle (plus six rooms in the Pavillon de Choiseul building), guests mingle in the dining room at breakfast and dinner and in the many spacious common areas.

The ancient building is charming, with creaky floors and stairs and noisy wooden doors (and no elevators or air conditioning). However, the elegant antique furniture, painted portraits, family photos and whimsical Chinoiserie touches like the vintage sedan chair in the entryway provide a delightful, unique sense of place.

Each room in the château is unique and retains the building’s architectural history with exposed stone walls, wood beams and dramatic canopy beds with lavish bedspreads and brocade curtains (the bathrooms have been remodeled). The Pavillion Choiseul, a renovated outbuilding with six spacious rooms, is perfect for light sleepers or those looking for more privacy (at night, the main castle is often full of activity until late hours).

Guests should reserve in advance for dinner at the hotel’s intimate restaurant, which serves locally sourced daily specials like tomato-chèvre tarte tatin with raspberry-tomato coulis. There are large spectacular grounds and an adorable gift shop that sells garden-themed clothing and supplies.

Groups of friends