SELECTED HOTELS / LE MOULIN DU ROC / CHAMPAGNAC-DE-BELAIR

The mill (“le moulin” is French for “the mill”) was built in the 17th century as a place to extract oil from walnuts. Traces of this past is still clearly visible in parts of the house, and has also served as inspiration for the décor in some of the bedrooms. The presence of the old mill-parts brings a distinct historic quality to the building, as though the mill’s ancient past is still lingering within its thick stone walls.

In 1969, the former walnut oil-factory was turned into a restaurant. The hotel-rooms were added in the 1990s, numbering only fifteen in total, spread out over three different buildings, guaranteeing an intimate hotel experience. Today, the establishment is run by Alain Gardillou, chef and son of the original hotelier (and whose mother was a double Michelin-star chef). With parents in the trade, he learned already at a young age how to best manage a comfortable hotel and how to run an excellent restaurant.

'¨As soon as you enter, it is like you leave the outside world and all its worries (and inbox-related stress) behind.¨

The hotel sits on the banks of the Dronne River, only ten minutes from the town of Brantôme. The large garden is spacious, with more than enough room for everyone without it feeling crowded. The large lawn is on the other side of the Dronne from the hotel, so you have to cross a small, romantic wooden bridge to get there. The garden has an outdoor pool and a tennis court, but also sunbeds for those who prefer reading or solving crosswords to sports. In other words, the hotel offers plenty of things to do, regardless of whether you plan on engaging in activities or doing nothing at all. As soon as you enter, it is like you leave the outside world and all its worries (and inbox-related stress) behind.

The restaurant has had a Michelin-star since 1979. Depending on weather and mood, you can sit inside, on the covered terrace or beside the river. In the mornings, breakfast is served either in your room or at the restaurant. Best option (weather allowing) is to enjoy the breakfast on the terrace, while staff are tending to the garden around you, the Dronne is flowing and sounds from the kitchen are softly heard in the distance.