The Chateau de Vollore is a study in contrasts: A stunning historical property starting to fray at the edges (e.g., dirty swimming pool; unkempt garden/park area). Our "room" on the other hand turned out to be a three room apartment, with a large bedroom, office and bathroom. The view out over the farms, fields, forests and dormant volcanic cones (!) of the Auvergne region was engrossing. For history buffs, the Chateau is a virtual treasure trove, being owned by descendants of the Marquis de Lafayette, the French General who provided a significant amount of assistance to George Washington during the American revolution. One of the best aspects of the visit, though, was meeting and talking to Madame Lafayette and her son who own and run the chateau as an extremely unique B&B.

Additional resources would be needed to deal with some of the issues with the facilities (pool, garden) though to be fair we were there in late September (and the hottest September in France for 80 years). Despite warnings, we were also not totally prepared for the extreme isolation of the chateau, and the paucity of services (e.g., restaurants) anywhere near the property. Have a good car, an accurate GPS, and an affinity for narrow country lanes to get the best from your stay!

Spectacular building, location and views. Its dripping with history and I could spend weeks there just walking around and exploring the building and grounds.

Slight smell from old heating fuel used. I think they could get in some professional cleaners to clean all the walls and carpets and curtains and it would help. I understand its a difficult smell to remove but would be worth it.

The historical museum room dedicated to the Marquis de Lafayette is very informative. His descendant Francois-Xavier is a truly a delight to speak to and a wealth of family treasures. Meeting his mother, Mme de Pusy Lafayette, over brioche aux pralines was a rare occasion I will remember fondly always. What a gorgeously maintained home and more specifically, what gorgeous people!

We loved everything.

Breakfast was delightful. We dined in a beautiful dining room in the chateau surrounded by antiques, 16th century tapestries and paintings. The food was simple, delicious bread,croissants, pan au chocolate several varieties of cheese, jams, honey and fruit.

That we were not able to stay longer!!

What an amazing place to stay. We chose this location as a "halfway point" between Nice and Normandy. We loved every minute! There aren't a lot of dining options. We had pizza at a nearby campground for dinner. I highly recommend staying in the beautiful, historical Chateau.

The cosy atmosphere in a unique setting of a castle equipped with a swimming pool, very quiet surrounding and a beautiful view. Very nice welcome from the host. Perfect breakfast.

Nothing.

The atmosphere, the breakfast with quality products, the kind hosts and the view. Very relaxing in a historical ambiance.

Nothing.

Wow, what a stunning location. The house was fabulous and the host so friendly and accommodating. The rooms were amazing and so clean and the pool was great with those views.highly recommend

There was nothing I didn’t like. Stayed with my husband and 3 kids age 17,13 & 11 and they all loved it too

You are staying in a family home so it is not a hotel type experience. My room was furnished with antiques and the bed was extremely comfortable with an excellent shower in the bathroom. Even the bathroom had ceramics lining a shelf. The chateau has a fascinating history and you are surrounded by artwork from many periods aswell as antique furniture. You are able to sit and enjoy these beautiful rooms. Breakfast is served in a grand dining room with local produce. The son who runs the chateau was extremely kind and helpful and spoke fluent English which was a great help with my French being extremely poor. The views are beautiful overlooking lovely countryside and the swimming pool was stunning when the sun shone. I spent a week here and it was a privilege to stay in such a beautiful home. Many thanks to the hosts.

Amazing castle. Medieval atmosphere. Exceptional breakfast.

Little difficult to reach. No restaurant close.