THE STORY: Living in harmony with the seasons is the enticing promise fulfilled by Sol, a bucolic organic farm in the Sologne region that quite literally smells of the countryside – with a distinct hint of hazelnut in the air. And that’s no exaggeration: Nathalie Vendrand (formerly a business owner) took over the family farm and planted more than 10,000 hazelnut trees (!), before her son, Benjamin Vendrand-Maillet, joined her to expand the orchard with almond, pecan and rare citrus trees. For a few blissful nights’ sleep, the welcoming hamlet is made up of two buildings: the larger Longère and the smaller Atelier, both fitted with vast patio windows that open onto the surrounding landscape. The main farmhouse houses seven spacious double bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, along with a lounge-library perfect for curling up with a book by the fire, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace overlooking the forest – where deer occasionally wander into view. Right next door, the annex building offers its own kitchen and cozy living room, plus two modular suites that can be converted into a family-style dormitory. All of this is nestled within a private five-acre park featuring an orchard, a pond, meadows of flowering, aromatic and medicinal plants, and plenty of quiet corners made for reading. In short, a truly exceptional stay! The entire hamlet (up to 21 guests) is available from €1,300 per night; the farmhouse alone (up to 7 guests) from €1,050 per night, with a two-night minimum stay. · Eddie Muffin

TOILETRIES: All the essentials – shampoo, body wash and soap – with a house-made hazelnut body oil coming soon!

BREAKFAST: €12.50, including hot drinks, fruit juice, bread from the local bakery, viennoiseries, jams, eggs, cheese and charcuterie.

LITTLE LUXURY: Take a guided tour of the orchards and go nuts for the estate’s pure natural beauty, with tastings of homemade products crafted in the on-site workshop.