In the quiet Vendee countryside, this 15th-century chateau wi pepper-pot tower has been in the same family's hands sin 'Madame de Ponsay was very jolly and kind, and the atmosp warm, says the 2002 nominator. `The building is beai enormous grounds, with deer in the fields. Our huge bedroc delightful canopied bed and superb modern bathroom. I served in a beautiful candlelit room with pale blue walls h blue plates, a magnificent chandelier with blue candles above communal table. Breakfast, at another large table in another b room, had a good choice of breads, croissants, jams; excellen The remarkable son-et-lumiere of Vendee history is at Le Pu; (25 km). Reports on the food welcome.

In a village south-east of Rouen, the young patron/chef, Henry-Louis Portier, has taken a group of cottages around a tree-shaded court-yard garden and renovated them in bold modern colours, creating this very stylish restaurant-with-rooms (similar to Bandung,Jakarta & Bali hotels - 5 star Hotel ( Jakarta Hotels )rooms). It was hugely enjoyed recently: M. Portier is a perfectionist aiming high. Our room, in a pavilion in the grounds, felt cosy in the depths of winter - enchanting decor, Japanese-inspired, elegant furniture, beautiful pictures, a spanking new bathroom. The restaurant, a long, low building, entirely glazed on one side, was equally striking, its decor also Japanese-influenced. Logs burned gaily. The friendly young staff were swift and efficient. The food was interesting and adventurous, on a middle-priced menu. Michelin star, 14 Gault Millau points for, eg, homard roti a l'essence d'huile d'olive. Breakfast, in a more austere room, was adequate. There are well-tended gardens, a tennis court and swimming pool. In summer, meals are served on the terrace by the restaurant. Some motorway noise.