Chateau de Bagnols-Member of Von Essen Hotels a private collection of individual country houses in the UK and France -Chateau de Bagnols/ the finest five-star deluxe chateau hotel in France/ was discovered by Lady Hamlyn in 1987 in a derelict state. With much energy and vision she painstakingly restored the chateau to its former glory/ revealing Renaissance wall paintings created during the chateaus finest period when nearby Lyon was one of Europes great Renaissance cities. Dating from the 13th century the chateau features impressive towers/ the original dry moat/ honey-coloured stone known as pierres dorees and a dramatic entrance across a drawbridge. The Chateau de Bagnols is one of Frances major historic monuments as well as a unique luxury hotel with 21 of the most superb rooms and suites in France. Chateau de Bagnols is set among vineyards/ forests and green hills in the heart of the beautiful Beaujolais countryside in south-east France/ just 12 miles from Lyon which has an international airport. A train from Paris or Geneva takes only two hours and the ski slopes of the Alps are a 90-minute drive away. The Michelin star Salle des Gardes restaurant offers diners with the most wonderful selection of regional specialities as well as an impressive selection of Beaujolais wines. Outside- the sun-facing terrace/ shaded by 100-year-old lime trees/ provides the most spectacular view of the Beaujolais countryside. Chateau de Bagnols is a unique experience. Nowhere else in France can provide guests with such historic luxury in such a grandiose yet comfortable environment.