5*luxury hotel in France with a Michelin star dinner included

5-star Château de Beaulieu is the perfect example of French excellence in hospitality. Part of the prestigious Relais-et-Châteaux hotel collection – the most luxurious of luxury hotels in France – the ambiance extraordinaire is palpable from the moment you pass the gates into the grounds. And what truly serene grounds they are, providing the perfect setting for a stroll around the orchard, vegetable garden, and ‘bird forest’, plus the chance to be amidst farm animals and rock gently on a swing seat at the water’s edge. Unwinding and energising all at the same time, we live for moments like these.

Inspired by the Oshibori concept, prepare to be met at reception with refreshing and lightly perfumed hot handtowels. Then, soothed by wafts of bergamot and patchouli, it’s straight to your inviting room - 34m² of luxury, with an exceptional view over the grounds. Once you’ve enjoyed enough wind-down time in your very own romantic and refined space for the night, it’s off to the chateau’s brasserie - "Côté Jardin” – one of two restaurants here run by Michelin-starred chef Christophe Dufossé. Proud alchemist of all good things that dance on the palette, you’ll be treated to fresh and seasonal cuisine, one that chef strives to make both generous and traditional – a short cut, if you like, to reengaging with the pure pleasure of good food.

If the weather permits, there’s added conviviality up for grabs on the outdoor tables, or if you’d rather experience the pinnacle of French gastronomy and service, a small supplement applies for an upgrade to Christophe Dufossé’s alternative on-site restaurant. (Top tip: for ultimate romantic overtones, ask for an alcove table!)

And the bliss isn't over yet: next morning in the brasserie you can expect breakfast prepared to the same exacting standards, with a great emphasis on ingredients sourced close by. As such all the homemade breakfast goodies (the bread, jams, preserves, cakes, ‘tarte au sucre’ sugar pie) exude true local flavour, and with yoghurts, butter, cheese and seasonal fruits from close quarters too, you can be sure of an excellent start to the day. Before you check out, be sure to poke your head into the hotel’s boutique. You won’t be disappointed; lots of the things you’ve tasted at breakfast are available as take-homes, a sure-fire way to treat those tastebuds a little longer.

If you’re wondering what’s on the doorstep to explore, make Béthune’s Grand'Place square your first port of call. Like a beacon, its belfry is what the locals would call their most significant landmark – and with its views over the Monts de Flandre hills, it’s definitely worth the ascent. All around are al fresco bars, providing pole position seats to watch the world go by and admire the art deco architecture so emblematic of this part of France. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the “Louvre Lens” either; the famous outpost of the Paris gallery is only 35 minutes away by car. If you’re leaning more towards making the most of the great outdoors, that’s covered too: simply hire e-bikes from the hotel – there are easy point-to-point cycling routes on the doorstep.