We stayed 2 nights in this quite remote but historical B and B. The Dutch hosts were very friendly, helpful and accommodating. Our room was directly above the dining room and with old floorboards the noise could be heard from below. We stayed in the Chambre du Parc (see photo) decorated in the French style. The meal in the evening was interesting with some unusual dishes - starter was a stinging nettle pie served with dandelion leaves! Main course was salmon, asparagus and new potatoes. Dessert was a strawberry parfait with cookies. All served with a generous supply of wine. A little pricy we felt at 34 euros each. Breakfast was good.
There is lots to see and do in the area with magnificent countryside, museums, old chateaux and we particularly liked the area south of Pontarion and also the charming town of Aubusson with its tapestry museum.
We could see that there were a number of renovated gites on site together with some gypsy caravans for the summer months so we expect there would be quite a number of people stying here in the height of the season.
Certainly it was a relaxing and tranquil place to stay in spring.

We've stayed here three times over the last five years and each one has been a wonderful experience. The hosts, Saskia and Martijn are generous with their time and are great company. Martijn is a fine cook and meals with them and their guests have always been of fine quality and a memorable occasion.
The ancient buildings have been renovated to a high standard whilst keeping their character.
The surrounding countryside is very quiet, tranquil and beautiful and offers lots of opportunities for peaceful walks and quiet drives.
When travelling in France we go out of our way to stay here.

As guests in Saskia and Martjin's home and inn we thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Our room was huge, very pretty and comfortable. We don't have buildings this old in Texas so it was a little bit like a fantasy to stay here. The hospitality wonderful. The conversations with Saskia and Martjin were lively and entertaining...their English is perfect. The food was fantastic! I really wish we had planned on staying more than just the one night.

We have just returned from our 4-day stay over New Year's Eve in Abbaye du Palais. We have been coming here regularly for over 5 years with our son of now 15, and overall I would say this is one of the nicest places we know. A hidden treasure in an unspoilt part of France which offers great hospitality. A place where Saskia and Martijn - the owners - every time make a real effort to make our stay memorable!

Abbaye du Palais is a small scale chambre d'hote (bed&breakfast) in a former abbey in Bourganeuf, in the Creuse - a department in the middle of France. Next to the rooms they also rent out cottages. The rooms are all tastefully furnished in French style and overlooking the grounds.

The great hospitality, kindness and care of the owners is outstanding. They have developed the place into something very special with great personal touch.
The table d'hote (dinner) is a culinary delight. Martijn cooks up great 3-course dinners every evening, all accompanied by a very nice selection of wines. Breakfast is a treat too!
The domain has a lot to offer in both summer and winter. There is a lovely (heated) pool, a library, billiards, etc. The area is also great to go out hiking, cycling, for playing golf or driving around to discover unspoilt small villages.

We find that whether you come as a couple, friends or family with children the domain suits all tastes. All the children eat together before the adults do. A true treat to the parents (and the children think it great too)! In winter we gather around the open fireplace in the Grand Salon at the end of the day and have a glass of wine and a chat - or just read a book.

We shall be back again before long!