Hôtel La Réserve

This is a family house in the long sense: guests have been welcomed here for seven generations. The character of the interiors comes from one person. Hélène Hijosa-Rieux, the mistress of the house, decorates the rooms, and rather than a single house style she works through themes, among them African, Art Nouveau and Art Deco, so that one room can feel quite different from the next.

The hotel stands on the banks of the Tarn at the exit of Albi, within a seven-hectare park of centuries-old trees. It keeps the city close without being in it: the UNESCO-listed episcopal city is 3 kilometres away, and the centre of Albi is a five-minute drive. For those arriving by air, there is a helipad on site.

The entry-level Chambre Supérieure measures 20 m², sleeps one in a 160 by 190 cm bed and has a balcony with a river view. The Chambre Deluxe sleeps two and looks over either the park, at 28 m², or the river, at 32 m²; it comes with air conditioning, satellite TV, minibar, safe, Italian shower, hairdryer and magnifying mirror.

The south-facing Chambre Deluxe Prestige, at 40 m², adds a dressing room and a sitting area, with a 200 by 200 cm bed or two singles, and a long balcony over the pool and the Tarn. The Suite Prestige, at 42 m², separates bedroom from living room, the latter opening onto a large balcony over park and river; two single beds in the living room make it the natural family choice.

The gastronomic restaurant's spacious dining room, which the hotel describes as elegant and warm, has a fireplace, and there is a terrace. House cocktails and Gaillac wine are also served.

Until the end of October, dinner is served Wednesday to Sunday from 19:30 to 21:00. Saturday brings a brunch from noon to 15:00, and Sunday lunch runs from noon to 13:15. The restaurant closes on Monday and Tuesday.

The outdoor swimming pool measures 10 by 20 metres and has panoramic views over the Tarn. There is also a sauna, and massage sessions can be arranged on request and by reservation. Yoga classes take place in the park facing the river.

The grounds hold a tennis court, a ping-pong table and a vegetable garden. Golfers have six courses nearby. Families can book babysitting on request, and reception and concierge are both staffed 24 hours a day, with a laundry service also available.