A luxurious country house with the holiest of histories, Abbaye de la Bussière maintains the aura of the 12th century monastery it once was. The once austere Cistercian abbey is a now haven of comfort for sybaritic travellers, receiving its first Michelin star and becoming a member of Relais & Châteaux in 2007. Under the ownership of the Cummings family (who also own Amberley Castle in West Sussex) great pains have been taken to maintain many of its original features, including the air of serenity and wellbeing so essential to a place of worship and reflection. 

Photos: Relais & Châteaux