A “ravishing building”, a 17th-century château, with pepperpot tower, moat with swans, “hens and cockerels strutting in the grounds”. This “imposing place with imposing prices” is a historic monument: the French kings sometimes stayed here on their way east. It has been turned into a “really wonderful hotel” by Anne Filliette Neuville, whose family has a champagne estate in the village. “We lugged our suitcase up a magnificent marble staircase past diverse statues; our large room had marble fireplace, wall paintings, wood panelling, a half-tester bed. Like staying in a National Trust house, but it felt lived in. On a second visit we had a tower room with gorgeous decor and views in two directions.” Some “attic-style” rooms are small (some bathrooms too), and some rooms can hear noise from the ones above. Rooms in the Orangery have a lift and air-conditioning. Staff “are helpful”. There is a well regarded restaurant set in The Orangery, with chef Anthony Thibaut's specialties including ris de veau glacé au jus, fricassée de girolles et sauce au vin de Sauternes; suprêmes de pigeonneau rôti, les cuisses confites, épeautre au jus persillé.