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LE MOULIN DE CONNELLES
CONNELLES

LE MOULIN DE CONNELLES, CONNELLES
LE MOULIN DE CONNELLES, CONNELLES
LE MOULIN DE CONNELLES, CONNELLES
LE MOULIN DE CONNELLES, CONNELLES
LE MOULIN DE CONNELLES, CONNELLES

This lovely riverside mill (dating from the 19th century) finds its way into nearly every guide book. With an excellent programme of on-going renovation and Karine Petiteau in charge, it has gained a youthful warmth and friendliness to add to its rather imposing grandeur. As a result, everybody seems to love it.

Thankfully, the magical setting remains unchanged. The half-timbered, gabled manor straddles a small branch of the Seine with direct access to a private 5 acre island. You can take a rowing boat for a romantic pootle on the river. Or you can remain on the island where the swimming pool and tennis courts are tucked away, shared only with the nearby (unobtrusive) holiday apartments which have an indoor pool for winter guests.

The best rooms are those on the 1st floor with a view of the river. Ask for one that has been renovated, with a balcony to savour the languid pastoral scene. But make sure that you book an alarm call at a civilised hour if you want to enjoy Monet’s garden (about 15 minutes’ drive) before the hordes of coaches descend on Giverny.

Back at the hotel, you’ll find a sauna and jacuzzi plus a very good restaurant that resists the temptation to over-elaborate its admirable cuisine. The dining room spans the water and there is a dreamy flower bedecked terrace for warm summer evenings. Honeymoons don’t get more starry-eyed than this!