We had the pleasure of staying at Chateau de la Ballue for two nights last week. We travel frequently, often to France, and do not normally submit hotel reviews. Marie-Francoise, Allain, and staff easily outshone the four star Paris hotel from which we had just come. The 17th century Chateau, the elegance of its national treasure formal gardens (with surprising modern touches), and surrounding countryside (about 20 kms from Mont-Saint-Michel), provided a dramatic backdrop to the warmth and attentiveness we experienced at La Ballue. Always-crisp linens, snow white towels, impeccable cleanliness throughout, and a wonderful breakfast, all left us wanting to return at the earliest possible date.