Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

‘There is a timeless elegance to Raymond Blanc’s gorgeous country house hotel, where English–French relations reach a deliciously stylish entente cordiale,’ say Guide insiders. The 15th-century manor house in paradisiacal gardens is a very personal enterprise for M. Blanc, with bedroom styling inspired by his travels. ‘Lavande, in shades of purple, overlooked the lavender-fringed pathway, and came with a decanter of Madeira.’ Classic French Bluebell, with toile de Jouy wallpaper, has a ‘huge, deep, stand-alone bath’ (a bit too deep, indeed, for one reader). ‘A glass of champagne in the sitting room set the tone for a superb evening.' The restaurant has held two Michelin stars since 1984, and ‘although far from cheap, eating here is an experience that always delivers’. Menus are created with produce from the two kitchen gardens. ‘I enjoyed a vegetarian tasting menu, while my companion tucked into langoustine and venison. Every course was a triumph, from French onion soup in a teacup, to petits fours with Monbazillac.’ At breakfast, le patron was ‘much in evidence, greeting guests and taking time to chat'. (JK)