Château de Merville, Merville

This is the most interesting château to visit in the region, not so much for the architecture (although it is a handsome specimen of typical local architecture) as for the wonderful gardens and decorated rooms. They are a rare and perfectly preserved example of 18th-century style. The entrance fee includes a guided tour of five small reception rooms, which feature a rare group of 17th and 18th-century tapestries, portraits of the Chalvet family (they've owned the château for three centuries), 18th century and Regency furniture, and an odd "Chinese room". The château is really more the size of a mansion; it has an atmosphere of intimacy and well-being. You are then free to wander through the box garden. It is unique in Europe, and includes 6 kilometers of box hedges and a maze. The towns nearby, Merville and Lespinasse, are charming little villages with typical "clocher-mur" churches to see. For timings call ahead.