Best Western Plus Villa St Antoine 4*

The superb Villa St Antoine is a converted mill alongside the river Sèvre in the centre of town and the views across the water to the 13th century château are amazing, particularly when floodlit at night. From the friendly staff to the beautiful bedrooms with their huge beds and modern bathrooms (most with shower as opposed to a bath), everything is just right for that perfect stay. There is a large brasserie with outdoor terrace (closed 15 Sept-8 Oct & Christmas) where the menus have Italian inspiration, a small heated outdoor pool (mid May-end Sept) and a spa centre complete with steam room, jacuzzi and tea room (charges apply). Pet accepted 25€/night.

With its Italian influences, the picturesque medieval town of Clisson, south east of Nantes, is right in the middle of the Muscadet wine producing area and is a popular haunt of artists and sculptors. It has several historical monuments of interest including not only the château but also the Pont de la Vallée bridge with its 6 arches of varying sizes and the Temple of l’Amitié (Temple of Friendship). There is also the superb parkland of the Domaine de la Garenne Lemot with its Tuscan style house and villa, grottos and follies and no visit to Clisson is complete without wandering around the medieval market hall, one of the largest and oldest in France.

Clisson is also home to Hellfest, an annual heavy metal music festival that takes place in June and is one of Europe's largest.

Unmissable Puy du Fou (39km), a fantastic history-based theme park, is also not far from here and is an exceptional day out - spectacular shows and displays culminate in a 2 hour evening pageant full of thrills, spills, fireworks and lights and a cast of over 1000 actors.