From the exterior, La Thuilière looks more Victorian-era country manor than château. It's a discreet, romantic hideaway in the Dordogne countryside, to the east of Bordeaux, and your first impression will be a gingerbread-looking mansion set in 7 hectares of rolling parklands. Dating back to 1889, it was originally built as a wedding present for the owner’s wife.
A stay here is rather like being invited to some supremely thoughtful friends' opulent country retreat. We particularly liked the sumptuous, cosy interior, which combines contemporary design with stately antiques. A dramatic wooden staircase sweeps up from the lobby, drawing your focus to an autumnal stained-glass window: its centrepiece is the château's original owner dressed as a medieval knight. There’s a large sitting room with an enticing honesty bar, perfect for fixing an aperitif or a digestif. The original 20-seat table runs the length of the dining room, and 19th-century wall hangings, almost as good as new, adorn all the communal rooms. Breakfast is taken in the state-of-the-art kitchen (in the basement), or on the terrace overlooking the verdant grounds, where you’ll find a pool, a winter garden, hammocks, and possibly Patch the dog.
Highs
- Hosts Stephane and Laila are a lovely couple - welcoming, laidback, knowledgeable and helpful
- Outstanding 3-course dinners with charming details like handmade herbal teas and personal wine recommendations from the well-stocked cellar
- A bucolic setting with the pretty towns of Bergerac and Périgueux nearby, artisan markets to explore and the Dordogne river for boat trips and swimming
- Beautifully decorated rooms with great views across pea-green lawns; one has a fabulous balcony, too
- Graceful lawns surrounding the house, with a sleek pool and mountain bikes to use (free for XL Suite guests)
Lows
- WiFi was patchy during our stay, but it didn't bother us
- Not suited to families - this is more of a couples' hideaway, although one suite can fit a family of 4 (over 12s only)
- Communal dining is often the order of the day (a plus for some), but it is possible to dine à deux
- The hotel requires a substantial initial deposit
Best time to go
The region is at its loveliest in spring and autumn, when it’s less busy but the weather is mild and warm.
Our top tips
Bring some nice clothes so you can dress up for dinner - food this good deserves a little effort. If you’re planning to buy wine, ensure you’ll be able to carry it home (if you’re flying with only hand luggage, you’ll be stuck).
Location
The château is in the Dordogne region of southern France, 2km from the small town of Saint-Front-de-Pradoux and 30km from Bergerac.
By Air:
Bergerac Airport (30km) is the closest, but Bordeaux (115km) is only an hour’s drive along the highway. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.
From the Airport
The château offers a transfer service from either airport, but it might be more practical to hire a car (see below).
By Car:
It's worth hiring a car to get the most out of your stay - please see our car rental recommendations.
By Train:
The nearest train station is Mussidan (a 5-minute drive), and a local pick-up can be arranged. Trains run from here to Bordeaux St Jean station, which has routes to much of Europe.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to France and getting around
Airports:
- Bergerac 30.0 km EGC
- Bordeaux 115.0 km BOD
Other:
- Beach 150.0 km
- Shops 2.0 km
- Restaurant 10.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 4 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape