Château des Briottières, near Angers, Pays de la Loire

The sweeping grounds of Château des Briottières in the western Loire give guests an extraordinary sense of peace, whether you’re sipping an aperitif on the sunny terrace or gazing up at the stars. For ultimate tranquillity, book a stay in the chateau’s luxury cabin, 50m from the castle itself; it sleeps four and has a sauna. The château itself has ten sumptuously decorated rooms as well as four more in the orangery. There’s also an outdoor pool set in a secluded walled garden, while the château’s salons are a wonderful place to sit, relax and read, surrounded by antiques and objets d’art.
Details Room-only cabin for four from £270 a night, room-only doubles from £114 (briottieres.com). Fly to Nantes, or take the ferry to St Malo