Fontevraud l'Ermitage

Sleeping inside a 12th-century royal abbey is the premise here, and the hotel commits to it fully. Rooms sit in the old Saint-Lazare priory, a nun's quarters converted into calm, atmospheric lodging a short walk from the main complex, so guests get the run of the grounds after the tour groups have gone home. Eleanor of Aquitaine is buried nearby, which is either thrilling or unnerving depending on your constitution. The Michelin Guide awarded it one Key.