Château de Besseuil ★★★★

Bon Vivant: noun, a person who enjoys good food and wines and likes going to restaurants and parties.

Gourmand(e): adj., food lover, someone fond of eating well.

Convivialité: adj., friendliness, togetherness

So here's three words in frequent use in the French language, which exist in the English language but are sadly seldom used. I'm sure you have decided that you are now a “bon vivant” or “gourmand” who enjoys (by definition) a good evening of food and conviviality. I certainly did after my stay at Château de Besseuil had converted me to the delicious, French style of living. I say style rather than “way” because that is exactly what it is; it is living in absolute, down-right delectable style.

It is obvious from the beginning that the Château de Besseuil embodies this very idea of style. Their terrace and gardens are perfectly maintained, and the huge entrance gates will make you feel like Lord and Lady of the Manor. Inside, the Château is remarkably modern. Although the building itself dates back to the 15th century, in 2005 it was refurbished into a hotel and in 2011 renovated again. The result? A unique combination of new and old; bright, funky colours coat the walls in rooms finished with sleek wooden and metal furniture. The low wooden-beams and varied fireplaces (some traditional, some contemporary) blend an extraordinary mix of modern and antique, in both the rooms and around the hotel itself. Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to try the pool due to seasonal opening times, but the hotel also has a lustrous exterior swimming pool that looks divine when lit up in the evenings. So far, so stylish, right?

The bedrooms continue the fashionable theme. Our suite was in one of the Château's out-buildings with a gorgeous, deep-green view of the hotel's courtyard and the vineyard. The duplex suite was a perfect size for me and my husband. There was a large mezzanine living space, a large bedroom and good sized bathroom with shower. The suite is comfortable in all seasons, the beautiful floor is not just for decoration, but also has under-floor heating, a great addition as we visited in the colder winter months.

Considering ourselves gourmands, we took full advantage of the half-board option and headed to the Château de Besseuil restaurant. What followed was a scrumptious selection of dishes; foie gras and escargot for starters; then slow roasted beef and chicken accompanied by soft vegetables, next a selection of cheeses followed by a sorbet, an apple upside-down cake for our desserts and for in-between, ever-flowing Burgundy red wine. If being a bon vivant means that I could live like that everyday I'm certain that I could get used to it!

Next we wondered about how we would work off our amazing four-course meal during our first full day in Bourgogne. Being bicycle lovers we had already enquired at reception about hiring bikes from the hotel and had ideas about cycling amongst the vineyards and villages, or cycling to some prehistoric caves. Easily accessible by car, L'Abbey Cluny was also on our list, along with the many roman churches found in the area. Plenty of activities to work up our appetite for another delicious evening meal!

Being converted to conviviality and French living; converted bon vivants and gourmands, the Château de Besseuil definitely merits a second visit... a different season, a different menu and we'll be waiting in impatient anticipation for the Château's next tasty delights...