DOMAINE DE CHATENAY ^{* * *}

This establishment owes its reputation first and foremost to its exceptional setting: an ^18th-century mansion (although the foundation stones were laid in the ^12th century) set in parkland with trees over a hundred years old. Situated at the gateway to Le Mans and the A28, A11 and A81 freeways (Le Mans Nord exit), this estate requires you to follow the few signposts carefully, even if you can't get lost very far. But be careful! To become a châtelain for a day (or, more precisely, for a night), it's best to make a reservation (online, you can earn a 5% discount). Imagine spacious rooms (named after the owners' forebears), where you can choose the orientation and where the coherence of the stylish (and period!) furniture takes you back in time (Mayenne canvas, for example, is a welcome replacement for tapestry). If you don't have a clear-cut preference, ask for the Jean-Baptiste de Linières room for its ultramarine blue (2 separate beds). If you like a plush atmosphere, opt for the flesh-toned Jacques Belot room (1 double bed). There's also a building called Les 4 continents. It features 4 travel-themed rooms: Mekong, Sahara, Safari and Hacienda. Depending on the season, you can dine in one of the castle's two dining rooms. You'll flatter the owners, Bogusia and Benoît Desbans, if you're interested in the history of their ancestors. And, to the pleasure of this prestigious stopover, you'll add the pleasure of having made a little history.