As you drive up to this beautiful chateau you feel the magic. Even though we were there in March and the trees were bare the sense of history and lovely views meets the eye. We were greeted on arrival and helped with our luggage and offered refreshments. Our room was enormous and we had received an upgrade. My only complaint is that the bed was softer than I would like, and more than one night would have been a problem. One must remember this is a very old building and not a modern hotel.

BUT we were here for the food. The chef has one Michelin Star and deserves two. My husband chose the Truffle menu and was delighted with every delicious dish. My lobster with truffles and risotto, also with truffles, were to die for. My soufflé filled me with joy! We asked for wine suggestions from the region and were pleased with the choice. The service was impeccable and there were plenty of staff to look after everybody. There are lovely anti-rooms off the main dining room where you can have a before or after-dinner drink.

The Princess of this Chateau is called Sophie and she is the daughter of the previous owners and with her chef husband they continue the tradition of an excellent place to stay.

CULTURE, CHARM AND A GREAT WELCOME AT CASTEL NOVEL

Tucked away in the ancient forests of deepest France, a special chateau hotel hides in the woods. Once the home of the legendary French author, Colette - and just moments from the start of the historic Route of Richard the LIonheart - this castle waits to delight. Family owned, there is a warm welcome at Reception and a welcome drink is offered on the old stone terrace - high above the vineyards. A sparking pool gleams on the edge of terraced gardens, a 15th century turret watches over guests taking tea on the patio, and the 32 rooms and 5 suites are elegantly furnished with traditional antiques. Our suite, number 9, was on two levels and the quaint bathroom - under the eaves and overlooking the forests – was a treat. Dinner in the ancient dining hall was also a treat: expertly prepared by resident chef, Nicolas Soulié. Activities on site include hiking, mountain trails, biking and tennis. The beauty of the location is an inspiration. This is a rich find indeed. Daphne Beames

Stayed for only one night at the end of August.

At check-in the staff were extremely helpful, carrying all our luggage for us, and refusing us from even taking the smallest of parcels. We had originally booked for a small mansard room. When we got there, the very helpful receptionist informed us that we had been upgraded to a better, larger room, in the chateau itself, all this complimentary "bien sur".

The room, in two stages, was lovely. It had a perfect view of the area. The bed was comfortable, and the room had all the amenities you would want.

The grounds of the hotel were also superb. Although we did not use the swimming pool, it did look extremely inviting!

The best though was the dinner. We ordered the "Les gourmandises de Bel Gazou", which consisted of two appetisers, one entree (foie gras or risotto), one main (lamb or fish), cheese, desert, and last the mignardises. Everything was delightful. The lamb, served in three different styles was exquisite. I ate it really slowly so that it would last longer. The surprise however were the mignardises. I was expecting a few bonbons with our coffee. Oh no - you get a trolly laden with sweeties, sorbets, marshmallows, the lot.... of you can choose 4. It was having dessert all over!

Breakfast, although on the expensive side (EURO 23) was also very good and recommended. The buffet had a wide range of hot breakfast food (sausages, bacon, eggs, etc...), cold meats and cheese, pastries, yoghurts, cereals, fruits etc....

All in all this place is amazing, the staff are extremely attentive and friendly, and the food is to die for (definitely worthy of their Michelin star).

The only downside of our stay is that we only stayed there for one night!