Romantic Rural Retreats in France

There’s much to be said for a weekend break in Paris but sometimes this culture-rich City of Lights can be just too much. Luckily France has the romance factor through and through; rural retreats in Provence and Bordeux are truly magical and make for the perfect place to spend with a loved one. From the cool and contemporary charms (inside an 18th-century château, no less) of La Maison Bord’eaux to gourmet’s favourite Benvengudo in the remote corner of Les-Baux-de-Provence, this round up of the most romantic rural retreats in France is sure to impress. Chateau de la Tour, Cannes, France (4 star) from EUR 175.00GBP 110.39 per room per night . Chateau de la Tour is a beautiful country house hotel near Cannes. It’s set in over 300 acres of parkland, yet only a short stroll to the beach. The town itself is under a 10-minute drive away; leave a good half and hour to walk it. Atmosphere-wise, think small and intimate, rather than grandiose castle. Good for leisure clientele, though minimal business facilities on-site. There’s a lovely pool area with Jacuzzi tub, that overlooks the gardens, and of course those extensive grounds. The restaurant serves elegant French cuisine and the morning breakfast spread is great. A cosy bar area completes the picture. Each of the Château de la Tour 34 guest rooms carries the same comfortable, traditional style as the rest of the property. A little on the cosy side, they are nevertheless luxuriously appointed, and some even have sea views. Try to reserve a room with a private balcony to make the most of fine weather. La Bastide de Marie, Gordes, France (4 star) from GBP 273.75 per room per night. La Bastide de Marie is one of the most splendid boutique hotels in the region, ideally located at the heart of the Lubéron regional National Park between Gordes and Bonnieux. This 18th-century farmhouse surrounded by 15 hectares of vineyards provides a gorgeous setting for a truly unique hotel. The brainchild of successful design couple Jocelyn and Jean-Louis Sibuet, La Bastide de Marie is the place to be if you’re after stunning views, gastronomy and unforgettable wine. La Bastide de Marie has managed to hold on to its authentic homey charm, and feels more like a private residence than a hotel. Guests are seen as part of the family and many return year upon year, impressed by the service provided by the wonderful staff. The ‘Pure Altitude’ Spa is a popular pamper-spot for luxury treatments. You may choose a facial to suit your skin type (or just have the one with the prettiest name) – pick between Icy Beauty Flash, Himalaya Rose, Mineral Elixir and White as Snow for a radiant new visage. You could also have semi-precious stone treatments or indulge in a massage. There are two pools at the boutique hotel, one in the outer gardens and one within the hotel’s courtyard. Traditional Provencal tables with wrought iron chairs surround the pool in the courtyard, meaning you may take your breakfast in style after a morning swim. Guests may also dine outside in the evening, where dinner is served by candlelight on the terrace, and the air is filled with the scent of lavender. The food is traditional local fare, excellent yet simply prepared, with the young chef Gerod Potron described as a ‘Wonderboy’ by Food and Travel magazine. The property also has its own winery, and food served is often prepared to compliment La Bastide de Marie’s own wine. Guests love the very dry and pale rosé. The hotel has 19 bedrooms, each individually named after a herb from the surrounding countryside. Some have their own terrace or baronial fireplace, all have romantic wrought-iron four-posters or crown canopies, and are tastefully decorated with Provencal antique furniture. Amazon.co.uk Widgets Amazon.com Widgets