Le Château d'Etoges

Just back from another fabulous stay at the Chateau. It keeps getting better without losing its charm by changing too much. The food in l’orangerie was right up there with the best. We cannot wait for the next trip.we heard the chateau has new owners I really hope they do not change things too much.

We first stayed at the Chateau about 20 years ago before the Orangerie had been developed into the restaurant/bedrooms. Think this was our fifth, and hopefully not last visit. As you turn off the road onto the driveway and see the Chateau you just think wow. We have always stayed in the Chateau and this time we were in Latour which is on the back of the Chateau and had windows opening over the moat at the rear and side - some great views over the grounds and to watch the birdlife on the moat. The room was well-appointed and had the benefit of a separate walk-in shower and bathtub. Our meals in the restaurant were fabulous - amazing flavours and we enjoyed the flight of wines on our second night. Service is excellent.

We return here because of the picture perfect chateau surrounded by a moat, the experience of driving in at the gates and its superb restaurant. The rooms are old in style as chateau rooms would have been. Our bathroom is newly installed since our trip before. Floorboards creak, the ducks quack in the moat and the view from its windows are lawns and trees. The restaurant is exceptional. This is French fine dining as it should be. Congratulations to the team. We will be back. It is situated south of Epernay, about 30min, still in Champagne country and with some small Houses in the village.

Our 4th visit to this beautiful chateau so something must be good. Quite honestly the driveway approaching through pollarded trees, a bridge over the moat and a stunning house has a special ring to it. This time we saw the bathroom had been updated and well done. The rooms all vary in size, we were in a turret room with low ceilings and a window to the ground, it can be opened so not suitable for children. Floors creak and furniture is antique. But this is not the only reason to stay here and this other reason is superb. The restaurant in the grounds beside the main building is outstanding. We had an exceptional high quality and utterly delicious dinner here. You must book before your stay! It deserves a Michelin star! The staff were a joy and the whole experience completed by champagne and wines of real quality. We survived the bill too.

Fabulous rooms in the coach house. Lower priced restaurant not open weds or thurs nights so be prepared for high prices in the main restaurant, however it’s worth every penny. Chef is amazing and the serving staff are just lovely! If you want breakfast you have to walk five mins across the cobbled drive/bridge, as that and the bar are in the main building. Would be hard if you’re not so stable on your feet. Overall this is a wondrous place, even just for a cocktail by that fabulous fire in the drawing room.

This was our third visit; we stayed here twice in our recent French road trip, lured back after an exceptional two day break last summer. The château is stunning, staff are pleasant and welcoming. Our rooms were thoughtfully furnished, cool and comfortable. On our visit last year and our first this summer, the weather was good enough to enjoy a glass of champagne whilst overlooking the moat. Last weekend was very autumnal so we ventured into the very comfortable salon where there are books to borrow, games to play and plenty of plush seating in which to relax. It made us plan a potential winter trip, imagining drinks in front of the fire. We enjoyed the two night gastronomie break and very much enjoyed all our meals. My only slight criticism here is that the menus only change seasonally; were we staying for more than two nights, the choice would be very limited. We had the same menu on both visits this summer despite them being almost three weeks apart. Next time , if we stay again on our way south and again north, we would have one meal in the bistro at the end of the drive, just for the sake of variety. Staff at the restaurant are universally excellent and took the time to indulge us speaking our rather rusty French. I would completely recommend asking the sommelier for the flight of wines to match each course - it is always superb. Breakfast is a leisurely affair with everything you could need and great coffee. Again, staff are warm and welcoming - with a special mention to the lovely lady in breakfast who is always so friendly. Writing this, I just wish that I was back there now!