Star Struck : unusual places to stay
STARRY EYED
Under a pristine night sky, star gazers, nature enthusiasts and those wishing to reconnect with their inner selves can enjoy sleeping under the night sky of the Dordogne Valley in some truly unique accommodation. One of the regions in France with very low light pollution, it brings out the full grandeur of the Milky Way and a myriad of shooting stars.
La Domostella
A night under the stars in a glass dome, waking up in the middle of naturewith first light and the dawn song of the birds.
Domaine du Bel Air
A bed and breakfast with a telescope. The host Sébastien takes his guests for a celestial journey of discovery.
Hêtre sous le Charme
Cut yourself off from the world in the most romantic of ways, suspended in the trees in wooden huts with stunning views. Breakfastsor dinners can be delivered to the bottom of your tree house in a basket.With water and solar electricity.
FAIRY TALE STYLE
There are some other truly unique places to stay for a night or more where things are higgledy piggledy and out of the ordinary. For a quirky experience straight out of a fairy tale, try La Ferme des Histoires Mélangées. Here, nothing is straight, there is no electricity and lighting is strictly by candle.
www.lafermedeshistoiresmelangees.com
Guests are pampered like kings and queens at the Château de la Treyne. Overlooking the Dordogne River, the white fairy-tale like castle also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant.
GAME OF DOME
Inspired by the traditional dry stone shepherd huts that are a feature of the region, the dome like structures here have been rebooted for a 21st century luxury accommodation experience. Close to Brive-la-Gaillarde and many major sites (including Lascaux IV, Collonges-la- Rouge and Padirac), this luxurious accommodation with a heated swimming pool and jacuzzi is in a stunning natural setting.
HOBBIT LIFE
Inspired by the film adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien, this super- fan experience allows hobbit lovers to live like one for a night or two. Located near Salignac, a touch of luxury for the halfling includes air-conditioning, a hot tub, private spa and breakfast delivered in a hobbit basket. www.lesinsolitesduperigord.com
