La Nauve Hôtel & Jardin

Character and identity

A 12-room retreat at the edge of Crouin, set in 12 acres of garden running down to the Charente, La Nauve occupies a blindingly white 19th-century neoclassical villa flanked by two former cognac outbuildings and dominated by a mighty sequoia. The interiors mix pale marble with extraordinary marquetry in mixed woods, onyx panels and brass inlays; a chandelier of hundreds of pale-blue Murano discs hovers over the bar. Anthony Carballo cooks blind tasting menus at Notes, with the Brasserie des Flâneurs handling sunnier, garden-side meals. Service is young, warm and genuinely enthusiastic.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The draw here is the alchemy of garden, cooking and craftsmanship, not a full resort offer, so come for the seven-course menu at Notes, the chandelier, the riverside cruise and the marquetry, not for wellness. Book Room 6 for the unobstructed garden-to-river view, or one of the Petit Chais rooms for quieter charm. Warmer months show the property at its best.