Chateaux like home

Ok, well I do not own a Chateau, nor does my home resemble one but Chateau La Cheneviere in Port en Bessin, Normandy is just so comfortable and welcoming that after a day out exploring, you find yourself saying "let's go home".

The Chateau is a 4 star property but please do not make the mistake of comparing it to some other 4 star chains in France, the Chateau is something else. For one thing it can accommodate a helicopter fleet..

Now I will not go so far as to denigrate every other 4 star hotel, but the Chateau delivers on an entirely different level. Turning off the main road to Port En Bessin you find yourself on a beautiful tree lined driveway leading up to the property.

Walking round to the front of the main building of the Chateau you will notice that the gardens are very pretty with beautiful roses and a whole variety of trees. There is a tree map in the lobby that names all the trees on the property including Gingko Biloba and Sequoia to name a few, the variety is incredible and certainly worth a look.

The atmosphere is charming, intimate and relaxed, dare I say that it feels a little like an English Country garden but with French chic ? The 29 rooms spread over three buildings, are all comfortable and cosy, elegant, romantic and charming and invite you to stay a while and just relax.

Gourmet dining is on offer although it is best to book a table in advance. Breakfast is a treat, the restaurant is gorgeous and cheerful. The yellow panelled walls, floral curtains gracing the large windows, pretty table settings and wonderful staff, especially the ever cheerful Beatrice, are a great way to start the morning. Be sure to try their hot chocolate, the huge floral cups like soup bowls are practically begging you to and if you want to pretend to be French, you might even dip some of your baguette or croissant in it!

In short, the Chateau is the perfect place to lay your head whilst exploring Normandy, there is so much on offer close by. If you do not fancy driving, the hotel itself has bikes, tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a beautiful garden to relax in and golf course 5 minutes away. Honfleur, Deauville, Mont Saint Michel are all doable in a day, so go and stay a while, but do not expect to do it all in a weekend!

My tip: head out for the day, set the Sat Nav to avoid toll roads and motorways, take life at a slower pace and really enjoy the Normandy countryside.