The crumbling chateau we stayed in when we went to Provence was as gorgeous as it was eerie. Despite it feeling like the perfect setting for a horror movie, it was my favourite accommodation during my trip. Each room was richly decorated with an eclectic combination of curtains, carpets, bedding and furniture that made it feel less like a hotel and more like a castle, complete with a knight in shining armour (or at least, his armour) as the doorman. The hot water wasn’t working, but after a couple of weeks in various accommodation I’d gotten perfect the art of speed-showering in cold water.

Dinner was an enormous dining and ballroom. They served two entrees but because I assumed the second entree was the main course, I struggled through what I was led to believe was a delicacy, but tasted like something I might feed my dog. As it turned out there was a wholly edible main course afterwards. On the bright side, surely I must be more cultured now and what doesn’t kill you will only make your tastebuds stronger, right?

Going to a bar was not an option as we were in the middle of nowhere. We had been playing extremely dangerous pre-drinking games every other night meant so no one had much alcohol left. Playing cards in the games room, which like the rest of the chateau, had kept its old-worldly elegance and charm, was lots of fun until we were politely kicked out. It was 10pm and all commons areas were closed. With nowhere to go at only 10pm,  we did what any reasonable 19-25 year olds would do and played 1,2,3  home or murder in the dark in the elegant but slightly dilapidated grounds.

There was little outdoor lighting so it was pitch black apart from the light of the moon. Creepy life size white marble statues dotted amongst the low sweeping branches of the trees. Because it was so dark you didn’t notice them until you saw one out of the corner of your eye, leering from behind you. Minor heart attack moment, every five minutes.

I’d love to see it come to life in Summer when the pool is slightly less green and the sky a little brighter. Even in winter it was beautiful and definitely memorable, in all its eerie, spooky glory.