Mr & Mrs Smith

There is no place like Chateau de Bagnol for a romantic weekend. Lovely food, splendid suites, marvelous views over vineyards. Don't forget to ride the hotel's bicycles around the vineyards. But above all: plan a lunch at Maison Troisgros (www.troisgros.fr) in Roanne (one hour by car), where you can enjoy one of the best three-star Michelin restaurants with not only superb food, but unequalled service!

A fantastic chateau in the heart of the Burgundy wine region where you are treated like French royalty, with gourmet food and faultless service fit for a king. The first night was spent in wonderful palatial surroundings, with rooms filled with historical furniture. Having sampled the taster menu, we rolled into our four-poster beds. The next day we wandered the Beaujolais wine route, starting at the wine cellars at the regions wine capital Beajeau and visiting the Chateau's recommended caves at Brouilly and Chenas, walking to the top of Mount Brouilly for a picnic with the region's wine and cheese overlooking simply breathtaking views of the hillside vines. I cannot think of a better way to spend a summer's afternoon.