Au Bellefleur

Breakfast was a lovely way to start the day, served in a dining room with a bistro feel and a fireplace. The rooms were sunny, and the beds and bathroom were nice, especially the excellent shower. A welcoming, friendly host made this B&B feel homely while still professional, and gave us great ideas for seeing the area.

We’ve booked another stay for 2024 after such a great visit. At Au Bellefleur, check-in was just Franca greeting us and offering a seat in the sun with an apero, which suited the relaxed, welcoming feel. The place was easy to find, in a beautiful spot overlooking a neighboring vineyard. Franca also cooked an optional evening meal that we really enjoyed. Breakfast had plenty of food and different choices each morning. Our comfortable en suite had everything we needed, so we felt right at home.

Sigogne is a lovely base for a drive to Cognac through the countryside. We visited a nearby Cognac and Pineau des Charentes producer recommended by Au Bellefleur, toured Remy Martin, and went to the Martell Tower Lounge Room/Deck at night for views over Cognac. Franca also pointed us to a great restaurant by the Charente river. We felt safe with the required COVID measures in place, and would happily recommend a stay here. We stayed in the lovely first-floor chambre Porte Bonheur. The bed was comfortable, and the room was clean and bright, with its own private bathroom, a huge bath and a luxury shower, plus a separate private toilet in the room. There’s also a nice ground-floor room for anyone who’d rather not climb stairs. Breakfast downstairs had a wide choice and was excellent. Franca, who is Dutch, runs the B&B with her British husband. French, English, and Dutch are spoken. It works well for both a holiday and a business stopover.

We’ll be back again. This was our fourth visit, and Franca made it another perfect stay with a warm welcome, spacious clean rooms, a generous breakfast, and a delicious dinner. There’s a lovely atmosphere here, with plenty of chance to chat in Dutch, a bit of French, or English. We enjoy hiking, either from the B&B or in the nearby Charente area, and there are geocaches close by too. The owners have lots of other outing ideas. You could keep busy for several days, or just unwind in the quiet garden by the swimming pool.