• I suggest that you contact Hotels du Patrimoine / Historical Hotels, on BHughes@somerset.gov.uk or (01823) 355630, for a copy of their brochure and further advice. The programme was set up to promote this kind of establishment in the western Loire and 'Wessex' in England as a reciprocal agreement. The accommodation and food is of an extremely high standard and of very good value. There are a number of quality hotels, including Le Prieur St-Lazaire at Fontevraud, the resting place of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard Lionheart, which starts at 260F a night for a single room. The local cuisine is among the best in France, and the Loire wines are world-renowned. All of the hotels are within about two hours of the ports of St Malo and Caen. A return trip with Brittany Ferries at this time of year will be very reasonable. Alternatively, Eurostar is good value. There are international flights to Nantes but these are more expensive and have the added problem of onward travel.

Ed Phillis