Château de Fontanges

The room had not been properly prepared- there was one 1 towel, no hand towels, no bath soap and the safe was still locked from a previous occupant. The pool was dirty. There was no window and no extraction fan in the bathroom.

The setting of this chateau is beautiful. Spacious rooms and really comfortable beds. Everything is well kept and clean. The staff are all very friendly and really make an effort particularly when you have limited French. The only thing holding this place back is the lack of food options. There is one menu and that is served all day long. Apart from a charcuterie board or a cheese board (lovely by the way) there may be 3 other options and they are more like snacks than meals. If you are looking for a substantial meal, you will need to go into town.

We spent two nights before heading off to the Cevenne. Super character and grounds, everyone was immensely polite and helpful. Great value too. Breakfast offered plenty of choice. We would have loved a more expansive evening menu, that would have just topped the stay off. Thank you.

Stayed here for a conference. The chateau was lovely. Had a nice family room in the main building on the third floor which was very clean with lots of original features. Shower bath was a bit difficult to get in and out of though. There is no aircon but the room was cool with the windows open. Food was good, both in the evening and at the conference but I wish there had been more fruit, salads and vegetables! The hotel grounds are lovely with a decent sized swimming pool. Friendly staff. Be warned there are a lot of stone steps to walk up to reception and likewise to get to the restaurant, terrace or pool in the neighbouring building.

This place is everything you dream of when you think of a romantic French château. Mind you, it is not a five star pretentious boutique hotel, but a solid 13th century château, revamped in the 16th century, and just restored with nice attention to detail. As it is quite spacious, it is also used for meetings and small conventions. We visited in November so, of course, the pool was closed but we did enjoy the fitness room and the sauna (heated as per our request before our arrival). Our room was quiet, spacious, simple but well appointed, with a very large, firm and comfortable bed, huge TVscreen, bottles of water and a kettle for tea. Spread over several areas, we found an elegant restaurant, then a bar with a huge fireplace (where the only thing missing is soft jazz), and a lounge with a pool table and chess games, as well as a large outdoor pool for the summer months. There is no elevator, so let them know if you need help : staff is young, a bit inexperienced but very welcoming and eager to please ! L'Accueil or Reception is not clearly indicated : once you park your car, just walk to the courtyard and up the stone staircase on your right, and let them know if you need help with your luggage. Last but not least, the price-quality ratio is excellent ! Hence, we will be back and recommend Chateau de Fontanges whole heartedly ! It is a great, affordable base to explore beautiful Aveyron, Belcastle, Conques, etc. PS. A brief tour about the history of this castle would be great!