Château De Saint Paterne in Normandy

Set in the lush lands of the Loire, this historic luxury château hotel takes fairytale castle and ups the ante with beautiful bedrooms and extensive grounds. Beyond its turreted Renaissance stone walls are sprawling gardens with trees for climbing, a giant trampoline to bounce on, swings and a heated pool, and enough amusements to keep imaginations (and little legs) running riot for days. Grown-ups can indulge in me-time with a massage, and, after the children have had an early supper and are tucked in upstairs, enjoy a dinner made by owner Charles-Henry de Valbray. An author of two cookbooks, his menus feature twists on classics, such as beetroot and caper gazpacho with cucumber sorbet.

- Worth getting out of bed for For children who aren’t impressed by history and old-school larks like croquet and badminton, there are zoos, canoeing, horse riding, Laser Quest or bowling, plus the Tree Top Adventure park, 15 minutes away. You might try one of the golf courses, or a tour of coast, castles and cottages: some of France’s finest village scenery is to be spied
in romantic Saint Ceneri le Gerei.

- Best rooms Junior suite Canards and luxury suite Roseraie are best for families, although extra beds can be added to every room – except Maréchal – for €15 a night (free if you book a family room; cots are also free). Rates €135–€240 per room, per night, based on two sharing, including tax. Breakfast, €13. Tel: 0033 (0)2 3327 5471; www.chateau-saintpaterne.com

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