Château de Bagnols
Some castle hotels come off a bit Disney-fied, thanks to overzealous reconstruction, but the Hamlyns managed to stay true to the medieval feel of the building, which still retains its moat and fortified towers. The courtyard and the wall paintings are still intact, preserved from the days of the Renaissance, and the interiors still show signs of eighteenth-century renovations. Rooms are outfitted in lush silks, with antique furnishings and authentic 17th-century paintings. Dinner can be taken in the Salle des Gardes, from a menu of regional specialties and traditional game, or in the summer, outside on the terrace in the shade of hundred-year-old lime trees. The wine list, needless to say, is extensive, featuring the ten celebrated Beaujolais crus, as well as the great wines of neighboring Burgundy.
Tennis and golf can be arranged for guests of an active bent, but on the whole, this is a gourmet's holiday, and most guests will find a walk among the vines to be adequate exercise. There are any number of vineyards to tour, and the region is rich with little market towns and Romanesque villages, and a dizzying array of excellent restaurants.
Please note: The hotel is seasonally closed from early January until the end of April.
How to get there:
Chateau de Bagnols is approximately a one-hour drive from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS).
Location
Guest Score & Reviews
Our 20-point scale is based on post-stay ratings from verified MICHELIN Guide guests. This feedback is important, and plays a role in helping us decide whether or not a hotel should remain in our selection.
Le caractère historique de la demeure et la restauration dans les règles de l’art des bâtiments
The grounds of the property were gorgeous, it felt like we had stepped back into a different world.
Chateau de Bagnols is a beautifully restored castle. The proprietors considered each and every detail to enhance the beauty of the environment as well as the appointments in each room. The level of detail included elegant antiques. Due to the timing of our stay, the only restaurant open for dinner was the Bistrot Gormand. The dinner was excellent. Unfortunately we were not able to sample the Gastronomique. Breakfast was a delightful array of pastries, fruit, and yogurt, although it was not shared with us until departure that the breakfast was not included in the cost of the stay. The garden is beautiful with amazing views of the countryside. Absolutely delightful! As a final note, the hotel provides bicycles at no cost - nice way to see the countryside and vineyards.
WOW! I cannot say enough great things about this hotel. Really. It is something special. Each room is differently appointed with original antiques that make you feel you are living in the past. while my wife and I are in interior design and are into clean furniture lines and contemporary modern style this place amazed us.
Rooms & Rates
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