Château d'Orfeuillette ★★★★

Once upon a time, there was a gleaming castle called the Château d’Orfeuillette **** where guests would travel far and wide to be transformed into fairytales princesses (or indeed princes)…

The story begins with an epic journey through the dramatic landscape of Lozère, one of the wildest regions of south France known for its vast protected parks teeming with wildlife. Past the pretty medieval village La Garde, you turn up a tree-lined lane through lush parkland scattered with lakes and orange groves. As in any fairy-tale worth its salt, your journey takes you past woodland creatures which, while not bursting into song, do add an undeniably Disney-esque feel.

Round a corner, and the Château d’Orfeuillette **** comes into view, its whimsical turrets and 19th-century stonework belying the modernity of its interiors. From your first steps into its sleek and minimalist white lobby, this château stuns with its contemporary décor, vibrant design, and chic furnishings. True to your new princess status, you can purchase any one of these furnishings or artworks with a simple gesture.

After discovering your boudoir, feeling the silky-smooth sheets of famed Venetian artisans Rubelli and admiring the stylish stand-alone bathtub, you descend refreshed to dine with your Prince Charming on gourmet cuisine at Le Théophile. Three delicious courses of organic, locally-sourced food later, and you finish your day as any fairy-tale princess would - retiring to the cosy lounge, sipping on a gorgeous local red wine in front of the roaring fire.

But who are we to write your own story? Add a dash of adventure with trips to seek out the famous Gévaudan wolves, or thrilling excursions into deep caverns, before treating yourself to a well-deserved soak and steam at the Bubble Barn spa.

Whatever your ideal fairy-tale may be, the Château d’Orfeuillette **** provides the perfect setting.