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.