As we drove deeper into Burgundy en route to our accommodation at the Abbaye De Reigny in Vermenton, we passed through this tiny picturesque village of Avigny; no more than a few houses and this tranquil pond, the overcast weather added to the serenity of the scene as two locals attempted to entice the fish to bite…

We arrived at the Abbaye as the weather became more overcast…

Our first experience of the Abbaye was somewhat a cross between Fawlty Towers and Cluedo… There was no reply to our incessant door knocking, and yet the back of the house was open… The big guard dog duly wagged his tail and licked us all over, yet no human prescence was to be found… After knocking on the door for a half hour, our host’s son was finally contacted by telephone and came to admit us… His final parting words being ‘Any more questions?’ before turning and literally running away, leaving us somewhat bemused in the carpark… This Abbaye was a Cistercian monastery originally founded in 1104, and the beautiful and yet also slightly disconcerting feel of the place was certainly not lost on us, particularly as we were the sole guests for the night. That said, when our hosts returned they were just so lovely, friendly and accommodating and the next morning after an excellent breakfast we were treated to a very interesting tour of the buildings and grounds… (Un)fortunately we saw no ghosts during our stay however! Certainly recommended as a place to stay in the region…particularly for the atmosphere that only a building of that era can impart…