Stay in a Castle-Hotel in Burgundy at the Château d’Igé

Château d’Igé in southern Burgundy is a welcoming hotel with old world charm and ambiance. The 13th century feudal château is situated in a large rural setting with a stream, lush gardens, patio, orchard and horses grazing in the neighbouring field. The village of Igé is small but interesting for a meander down its quiet streets.

The château, abandoned in 1789, was purchased in 1972 when it was restored and converted into a luxury hotel with nine rooms and seven suites.  Rooms are all different in size, location and décor, and several are located in three of the circular towers of the rambling structure.

Château d’Igé offers three spacious and comfortable dining rooms, as well as a garden room for breakfast. Dinner is delicious and creative with numerous small gifts from the chef. One of the dessert choices is the signature soufflé Grand Marnier that resembles a giant puffed toque with the château logo stenciled on top in powdered sugar. The service from well-trained employees is friendly and helpful.

Twelve kilometres from the château is the walled city of Cluny with the Abbaye de Cluny and its rich history to discover. Roche de Solutré is located to the south for those who prefer a stimulating hike and the exquisite scenery of the vineyards.  Both excursions make for enjoyable day trips with Château d’Igé waiting to spoil you on your return for the evening.

Château d’Igé, 252 Rue du château, 71960 Igé. Tel: +33 (0)3 85 33 33 99, [email protected]. Rates from 120 euros per night. This four-star hotel is part of the Châteaux and Hotels Collection, presided over by chef Alain Ducasse.

Jo Anne Marquardt is the author of My Trip Around the Hexagon: Meandering in France and Falling in Love with France, both available at Amazon.com. Her first published book, Falling in Love with France, offers responses to the various questions friends and family have asked her over the years about why she visits France so often. The second book includes illustrations and descriptive notes from her travel journals.