france hotel

TRAVEL: SLEEPOVER - A night in France: Hotel les Tilleuls

Where is it?

In the university town of Bourges, which is in the furthermost eastern reaches of the Loire Valley, almost slap-bang in the middle of France. The hotel itself is four miles from the A71, the motorway that will take you from Calais, via Paris, to the Mediterranean coast.

What's it like?

A large 19th-century former private house, about a 15-minute walk from the walled town centre. The hotel has 38 rooms, but 18 of these are in the decidedly modern and unattractive annexe. Grim though the annexe might appear from the exterior, it has the bonus of being air- conditioned. Those who stay in the old house's remaining 20 rooms have to make do with shutters and blinds.

What's its USP?

Bourges makes an ideal stopover when driving south. After a tiring six- hour journey from Calais, it can be bliss to spark out by the smallish but pleasant swimming pool, set within peaceful and cooling gardens. Park the children by the pool, in the garden or at the table tennis table while you colonise the sun loungers. If you're feeling at all energetic, you can use the small gym to stretch your limbs cramped from driving.

Ambience?

Calm. Because it's a stopover hotel, its guests are intent on recharging their batteries with the minimum of fuss.

Service?

Competent and unobtrusive. Even if your French isn't flawless, the friendly receptionist will nod encouragingly without the slightest sign of impatience.

Rooms?

Boiled-down version of French country style, with plenty of floral prints. For the entirely reasonable sum of Fr315-Fr380 (pounds 30- pounds 37) per night, you get cable TV, a hairdryer, en-suite bath/ shower, writing desk, fax and mini-bar.

Food?

The hotel has no restaurant, although there is a cheery room in which the Fr35 continental breakfast is served. But room service is provided for simple meals such as salads, omelettes, etc. Domino's Pizza will also deliver to your room.

Clientele?

Either French tourists or, more predominantly, French travelling salesmen. If you're lounging by the pool, you can spot them by the tell-tale tanned driving arm.

Things to do?

The Gallo-Roman town of Bourges is renowned for its spring festival of music and dance, but it's just as lively during the summer festivals in July and August. If you happen to find yourself in the middle of one, try to have an early dinner in one of the many outdoor restaurants in the medieval squares. Otherwise the streets start to resemble a considerably more civilised version of the Notting Hill Carnival.

Address?

Hotel les Tilleuls, place de la Pyrotechnie, Bourges, France (tel: 00 33 2 48 20 49 04; email: antoine.falleur@wanadoo.fr).

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