Les Hautes Bruyères

The hotel is behind magnificent gates in a very well-to-do area outside Lyons, where we stayed before continuing south. The interior of our room was quite dark as the small windows were shaded by voiles of coffee coloured linen. Quirky artefacts abound, such as an old (very old) pushchair, bird cages (hence the name of our room Pigeonnier) and similar bits and bobs. The bathroom was beautifully set out, but it was a shame that the toiletries had been used before, so less than half a small bottle of body lotion was left, for example. The bed was really comfortable, affording an excellent night's sleep. Breakfast in the salon revealed more antiquities, of silk weaving looms and associated memorabilia . A good array of cold meats, cheeses, pastries, cereal, teas and coffee were on offer. We were alone and selected what we needed. True, the house and pool are beautifully set out and the area is quiet, yet near restaurants and a shops 5 minutes' drive away, but we got the impression that a few corners had been taken and that it was an expensive experience for what it was. Inner city hotels are never going to be super inexpensive, but this was not the best value for money, albeit pleasant.