Built as a fortress in about 1150, the town of Marçay was originally inside the walls of this splendid château, now a smart hotel. The present structure, with pepperpot towers and a formal garden, dates from the 15th century. Owned by Eric Lurcas, managed by Stephanie Mollard, it stands in a large park. Its impressive public rooms have beamed ceilings, panelling, log fires, flowers and paintings. Some bedrooms are in the towers ('our delightful, if smallish, room had a massive bathroom,' one couple wrote). Some rooms are large, and have antique prints and period furniture. The ones in the pavilion annexe are cheaper, and visitors during a heatwave found theirs 'hot, and lacking privacy'. Chef Cédric Delay uses local and seasonal produce, some procured from the hotel's orchard and kitchen garden (they have even found truffles). Cookery lessons are available, and you can buy the château's wine from Reception.