Les Egrignes

Refinement, loving care and high craftsmanship: you are welcomed to this exquisite home by Julien, a gentle soul now at the helm, whose parents breathed new life into this lovely old manor house. Myriad auctions were combed for fine rugs, antique mirrors, modern paintings, piano; you’ll find thick curtains, pretty desks, carved armoires and soft sofas in vast pale-walled bedrooms and deluxe bathrooms. The garden is a marvel, the half-wheel potager is especially breathtaking. You’ll eat well too – big breakfasts of baguette and granary bread, homemade jams, juice, different kinds of charcuterie from the Haut-Doubs area, a cheese platter with perhaps local Comté, Morbier and Roucoulons, croissants and eggs. Tasty table d’hote as well with herbs from the garden – all prepared by Julien, who has also opened a small bar in the sleepy village. Marnay is the nearest town (four kilometres), where you can buy local produce at a good epicerie – great for picnics. Besancon is a 30-minute drive – you can visit the cathedral with its unique 70-­dial astronomical clock and there are heaps of fine restaurants.