Domaine des Hauts de Loire is a luxury hotel in the heart of the Loire Valley, which stated life as a hunting lodge built in 1860. It's surrounded by acres of verdant parkland, and is something of a gastronomic hotspot, thanks to its fab restaurant and superb local wine culture.

The facilities

Traditional and formal, the restaurant serves elegant French cuisine, with a focus on seasonal produce, and of course the excellent local wines. A chic outdoor pool area is a popular hangout in summertime, as are strolls through the parkland and gardens. For corporate guests, there's a selection of meeting rooms to choose from, as well as a business centre.

The rooms

Each of Domaine des Hauts de Loire's bedrooms and suites is traditional in style, comfortably furnished in a country manor style. Each boasts luxurious marble bathrooms and all mod cons in the bedrooms, from flat screen televisions to high-speed internet access. Views across fields of lavender and farmland don't hurt, either.