We've had a busy year as owners of holiday cottages in Cornwall and really needed our holiday in France (mainly visiting friends) to get off to a relaxing start ! We were not disappointed. Everything about the Chateau was first class. The food was amazing, the staff charming, Sandrine an excellent hostess and our suite (in the Barn) very comfortable. We would certainly go there again-although we'd need to go on a diet first-and will certainly recommend the Chateau to our friends. Although not cheap, it was certainly not expensive by UK hotel standards and in our opinion it was excellent value for money.

A really friendly, luxurious family run hotel where nothing was too much trouble for the staff. The highlight of our touring holiday in France.

We stayed in the Annexe simply because we booked too late in the year for a room in the main castle. We thought this was great, in contrast to the other comments here - the room was a mini-appartment with separate hallway, lounge, bedroom, bathroom and toilet, with everything modern, clean, luxurious and working. It's not the castle experience, but we knew this in advance and in fact it was probably better for the three of us.

The restaurant is really serious gastronomically, but more importantly it bent over backwards, and succeeded, to get things just right for the family. For example, my son's well-done meat (always a challenge in France and a source of dread to me when ordering in upmarket places) was perfect. Fantastic wine list - perhaps a little pricey for France but still a treat compared to similar places in England. Also, as others noted, the many extra courses, amuse-bouches etc aren't just throwaway items - they are all delicious and carefully matched to the overall menu.

Everyone was really friendly, eager to please and effective (not always the same thing). For example - I chipped a chunk out of my car tyre on a low wall when reversing in the car park (entirely my fault). At breakfast the next morning I was presented with an envelope of Yellow Pages printouts of all the tyre depots in Millau, with an offer to help me make the call.

Above all, the place is such excellent value for the overall standard of accomodation, service and food. The drawback of course is the 20 mile drive out of the Gorge du Tarn to get anywhere each day (assuming you want to) - the spectacular views can get a little wearying on the sixth journey! But if your stay is built around the Gorge's attractions this won't be an issue.

Local highlights - the Millau viaduct is a must-see with a great visitor centre that is well-signed from Millau. Also, test your and your family's nerves on the extremely hairy white road up from La Malene across the Causse Mejean and down to Florac - our SatNav took us to the hotel this way in a thunderstorm and if I could have removed my white knuckles from their grip on the steering wheel long enough I would have gladly thrown it out of the window for doing so.

We stopped off here for one night out of a weeks travelling, and found it hard to tear ourselves away. Definately the highlight of our trip, a delightful experience. There are a wide range of rooms, I suggest you check / negotiate before booking, must be in the castle. Ours was on the 2nd floor, nothing special with regard to the bedroom (aside from decent four poster), but spectacular bathroom in the turret and private terrace on the battelements, overlooking the river, where we had breakfast. Breathtaking. Dinner was great, wine list extensive but pricey. Already planning our return.

Not being sure how far we would travel ,we booked on the day to be told we had the last room and only the annex was available. On arrival there was a choice of 2 rooms both in the annex.
The room lacked any character, the towels were more suited to a one star hotel and the bathroom light switch was hanging off the wall. One bulb on the mirror was not working.
For the price of this establishment the room was poor value, the main hotel 100 metres away may be better.
Entering the reception area for drinks before dinner we were buttonholed and I had to insist that we wanted drinks rather than face what felt like the start of an "inquisition" This could well have been done after we had sat down & relaxed with a drink.
The meal was good but certainly not excellent as is so often available in France. The wines are grossly overpriced.
Breakfast was in the room, without a proper table.
We travel in France regularly and try to stay in excellent hotels and eat well. This hotel is in a wonderful setting, other than that it lacks that special touch which professional management brings.
Overall poor value.