Sens-Beaujeu is not a modern day, marbled floor Oberoi Hotel. It is not a fancy five star hotel and nor are you paying for it! It is, instead, a place that allows you to live in, poke around, touch, feel and see all the old furnishings, cupboards, sections and live in a stunning country setting, imagining how people may have lived here centuries ago. There is a level of hand made finishing, wallpaper, woodwork and statues that you would rarely see replicated in any fully renovated hotel today. This is what makes brings so much charm.

The bathroom was large, immaculate and modern. The rooms were filled with books, paintings and furniture dating back as far as the 16th century. Huge windows overlooking the fields gave our room a princely feel.

It is a beautiful place to stay, away from the stodgy, unlivable feel that other more expensive chateaus can leave you with.

This excellent chateau (Build 16th Century!) gives you a true feel of how it is to live in a castle environment! The room we stayed in was very clean and nicely renovated/restored while keeping the antique castle feeling. The environment is absolutely asthonishing and gives lots of opportunities to wander around (trip to the village of Sancerre, walk around the chateua, mounting-bike tour, etc.). As one of the day-trips we made a kanu-trip down the river that is also highly recommended.

I spent a week at the Chateau with a group of about 15 friends. It is a relaxed place with a feeling of being "far from the madding crowds". The Chateau itself is worth a visit. Each room is different. The place has great history. It has large gardens and plenty of space for relaxed wanderings. It is close to the little village of Sens Beaujeu for a spot of food or dinner. The Chateau is a great base for exploration of the Sancerre region.

We enjoyed a wonderful time in this peaceful and cosy traditional 'chateau' in the Loire Valley, very close to the town of Sancerre which is famous throughout France and beyond for their wines.

The accommodation is charming and comfortable, the owners extremely hospitable, and this is the kind of place you can get a taste what it's truly like to be living amongst the beautiful French countryside.

Everything from the fresh baguettes to walks in nearby fields and bushes, to visits to the local wineries, this is the authentic experience that sets itself apart from much of the over-commercialized and often de-personalized standard tourist fares that loses touch with the true roots of this central region of France.

Definitely a hidden gem in a great location to relax and completely immerse in the local environment.