This charming and luxurious hotel is situated in the historic Knights Hospitaliers' fortress of Le Poet-Laval in the Dome area of Provence. A romantic crumbling hamlet of honey stone houses huddling beneath a ruined crusader fortress, which was once an ancient commandery of the Knights Hospitaliers.

We managed to book the last room they had which, unfortunately, was rather small and cramped for a double. We were advised of this but had read about the place and felt that it was a must to visit. We saw some of the larger rooms and suits and were quite envious ! The view from the window was beautiful and the room was adequately appointed and very clean. There was a good size swimming pool and gardens. We thought it was good value.

There is an excellent restaurants in the hotel. There is a choice of dining on the terrace or under cover as well as a formal indoor dining room within the hotel. The choice and quality of the cuisine and wines was excellent. The staff were very polite and efficient.

Breakfast was served on an outdoor terrace in beautiful sunshine.

Beware this is a very popular hotel and you need to book well in advance in the summer months.

The following day, we spent a few hours walking around the village with its delightful ruins, museums with a few shops and restaurants.