Deservedly heralded by nearly every guide book, the Château de la Treyne comes out with nigh on full marks in every aspect. The setting, high above the River Dordogne, is magical – the stuff of dreams. The grounds, which include a new infinity pool and a formal ‘jardin à la française’ are immaculate. Parts of the château date from the 14th century but there is nothing gaunt about the architecture. Indoors, it is equally appealing with lots of wood panelling and exquisite furniture.
Obviously this is not an hotel for those on a tight budget but even the standard rooms are elegantly designed with a compact, spick and span bathroom. If you upgrade to a chambre luxe or a suite, you may never want to leave the room.
A word about the restaurant: whether you dine on the terrace that overlooks the river or in the magnificent tapestry-hung dining room, you are a lucky, lucky people. When chef Stéphane Andrieux was awarded his Michelin star in 2001, it confirmed his consummate skill with local Quercy lamb and foie gras; and the scampi risotto is another of his signature dishes to die for.
Stéphanie and Philippe Gombert are the clever clogs who own and run the hotel with so much aplomb. Let us know if you agree that they have created a little bit of heaven.