By the church in a peaceful village stands this traditional French chateau. It sits in a park on the banks of the Burgundy Canal, between Dijon and Beaune. Elements of various periods range from a Renaissance tower to a 20th-century, spacious, panoramic dining room built out below at the back. It faces a valley, a lake with wild fowl, a hillside with deer, and the distant towers of a medieval hillside village. ‘View to die for from our enormous bedroom that had modern, traditional-style furniture and a kingsize bed. Plenty of storage space. Lift to the upper floors but not down to the restaurant. Delightful and attentive personnel spoiled us. Exciting cuisine’; chef Sebastien Henry emphasises local produce in Le Lessay restaurant. ‘Attractive table presentation. Sophisticated wine list but expensive. Classic buffet breakfast but there is staff on standby and hot drinks are brought to table.’ Meals are served al fresco on fine days. (Francine Walsh)