Chateau de Vaulogé.
, Fercé-sur-Sarthe.
This refined b&b hotel is a truly traditional French château, exemplified by the broad moats which surround it, where ducks, swans and herons come and go freely. When the original building was constructed in the 15th century, it was protected by crenellated walls, and there is a former prison building within, under a pyramid-shaped slate roof.
Staying here is anything but imprisonment though; guest rooms are spacious and offer suite, junior suite and double room options. Guests also enter the building via their own entrance to add to the sense of living in grandeur. Fresh flowers are put in every bedroom, and a welcome aperitif is offered on arrival. With its towers and turrets, the neo-gothic influence and Troubadour style of the château's 19th century expansion is there for all to see. There is a little library and a living room that guests have the use of and in which there is wireless internet access.
Guests can eat with the family, 'table d'hôtes'-style. Set menu of French or Italian cuisine, booked in advance. For breakfast, eggs come from the château's own chickens- you can't get much fresher than that!
Within the extensive grounds, there is a swimming pool as well as the chance to play badminton, table tennis and croquet, go mountain biking, or even have a go on a trampoline. Incidentally, there is plenty of scope for activities in the surrounding area, such as horse-riding, canoeing, pedaloing, archery, golf and karting, the latter in nearby Le Mans. Château de Vaulogé is very near to the famous Circuit de la Sarthe, and therefore ideally located for those attending the 24-hour race, or some of the others that are held there.