Le Château de Bardonenche

The Mademoiselle suite has plenty of room, with two single beds in one room and a double in the first. It could use a few small updates, though its character makes it feel one of a kind. There’s a kettle and tea in the room, and all the comforts needed for a good night’s sleep. The garden probably isn’t at its best this time of year, but the grounds around the castle are lovely. Our host also brought me cheese at breakfast since I don’t eat sweet breakfasts. Such a kind touch, thank you! This is a historic place to enjoy with the people you’re here with, rather than a bare white room with only a TV and Wi-Fi.

The owners are lovely, and the breakfasts are still delicious. We’ve been coming for more than 10 years, and the magical suites and all the history here make it a superb place. It’s a shame they don’t serve dinner anymore.

We’ve now stayed here twice, booking every room in the castle both times, so we got to try them all. The owners are charming and discreet, and they paid attention to what we needed. It was pure happiness. Our first visit was four days in December 2019 for the Christmas celebrations. The children, aged 8 to 12, said it was their most beautiful Christmas, and their parents felt the same. The setting was absolutely magical and unforgettable. There’s just enough comfort to preserve the spirit of the place, the beds are very comfortable, and breakfast comes with homemade jams. We wanted to come back as soon as possible, and did so last weekend for a family celebration. In this poetic place outside of time, our imagination even conjured up old-fashioned, benevolent presences floating around!

We visited by motorbike in March, Jean-Luc and Françoise, from the ancient guest rooms in Corsica. It’s peaceful, beautiful and authentic, and the owners are pleasant. Hard to imagine anyone finding fault. We highly recommend it.