Country House in the Heart of the Wooded Park of a Castle

Staying there is definitely an experience, since the two small nineteenth-century houses you get are located in the middle of a huge estate, abutting a historical orchard. It does not get quieter than this (or darker at night). "Rustic" is the key word: while the plumbing was quite adequate, there was no air conditioning (of course), no fan to cool the place—in an intense heat wave, it does get stifling. No WiFi, TV or any such modern amenities, although there is a small fridge and a modest but functional kitchen area, if you are not too ambitious. A special shout out to Thierry, the host, who was extremely genial and even gave us a tour of the property (which features a 17th-century château, no less!). Although the estate makes you feel that you are in the proverbial "middle of nowhere," there is a supermarket just a few minutes away, and some really nice stores in the neighboring villages.