Château de Briançon, The Originals Relais

The late-night access instructions were clear and helpful, and breakfast was decent, enough to get the day started. Beyond those points, though, we were disappointed by several parts of the stay. Room 9 had plenty of space but was very basic. The property looked run-down and poorly maintained, with old, torn towels and a rusty shower that barely had any water pressure. It gave us the impression that there wasn't strong, caring management. When we walked in the otherwise beautiful nearby forest, we saw construction waste dumped along the road. At checkout, reception was unattended, so we left the room key on the front desk. The peaceful atmosphere was also interrupted by a group of young men walking around with loud music. Despite being called a chateau, the experience didn't live up to that name, especially for $200. If the original owner who donated the property saw its current state, they would likely be disappointed. Free car charging is offered, but the outlet is outdated and incompatible with most modern electric vehicles, so it isn't much use.

Breakfast was brilliant, with a good range of items, and the bed was large and comfortable. The room itself was spacious, clean, tidy, and quiet, with friendly staff. I had to wait to check in, but there was a phone number on the welcome paper, so I called it using their telephone. The washer room was good, though the shower pressure wasn't strong. There's no evening dining. The only noise came from two cars at night and a couple walking past the room. Maybe it deserves three stars, but it's ideal for an overnight stop. Highly recommended.

The park and atmosphere make for a really relaxing break, far from everything. The huge rooms are spacious by European standards, and staying in an aristocratic castle at an affordable price is a treat for anyone who loves history. The money also helps autistic children and adolescents. You will need a car to get around and visit the castles or region. Highly recommend.

The main downside was that the Wi-Fi didn't work. Still, this was great value for money, with a free breakfast and a shared area with a cooking space, microwave, and fridge. Dinner and wine were available on request, delivered right to the room due to the COVID situation. Lunch wasn't provided, and you had to pay extra to use a cycle, which they provide on request. The room was very clean and spacious, and the reception staff were welcoming. The 10-acre property is lovely for getting lost in nature, with long forest walks and a beautiful surrounding city with impressive architecture. It's 20 minutes from Angers and about three hours by car from Paris. You'll need a car to reach the castle. Definitely one of the best castle stays.