The boutique hotel is on a 40-acre country estate in the Limousin region of southwest France. It has been a Relais & Châteaux hotel since 1973.
The main building was built in the 19th century as a house for manufacturers of porcelain, an industry that continues to thrive in nearby Limoges.
La Chapelle Saint Martin has 10 bedrooms, three suites and a nearby villa. It is owned by Gilles Dudognon and his wife, Aude Bourliataux.
Gilles was 24 when he became France’s youngest-ever Michelin-starred chef in 1986. To mark the 40th anniversary of that achievement, La Chapelle Saint Martin will host a series of culinary events throughout 2026.
Gilles works together with his son Henri in Le Saint-Martin, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant. The team showcases seasonal, local produce from the Limousin region.
First impressions
Following the five-minute drive from Limoges International Airport, I arrived as night was falling. Across a garden with spring flowers blooming, the main house was illuminated beneath the navy sky.
Ideally, I would have already been unwinding at the property for a couple of hours by then. However, my flight was delayed by nearly an hour and then clearing order control took the best part of another hour. That meant I turned up at La Chapelle Saint Martin shortly before my dinner reservation.
Staff from the four-star hotel greeted me at the car and enquired if they could help with my luggage. Travelling with hand luggage only, I declined their kind offer.
Aude welcomed me into the house. She suggested that I take my key, freshen up and then enjoy an aperitif in the Grand Salon before dinner.
The check-in
La Chapelle Saint Martin is a boutique property and that was reflected in Aude’s warm, personalised greeting. She quickly explained that I would be staying across the courtyard in Porcelaine, a suite within the former stable block.
After my delayed arrival, I was glad of the quick and friendly check-in. A member of staff escorted me to my accommodation.
The suite
My carpeted suite was both spacious and comfortable. The living room featured a stone fireplace, two sofas around a coffee table, a desk, plus a Nespresso maker and kettle on top of a characterful chest of drawers. Limited-edition photos and an artwork featuring the Arc de Triomphe adorned the walls.
All of the rooms and suites at La Chapelle Saint Martin are comfortable and elegant, decorated with local porcelain and wood as well as original artworks. The French term the style as ‘Maison Bourgeoise’.
The bedroom had a super king-size bed with an ottoman at its foot. On the walls hung an oil painting and a mirror in gilt frames.
The vast bathroom featured both a walk-in shower and a bathtub. Plush bathrobes and delicately scented Sothys toiletries were supplied.
The fixtures, fittings and fabrics had a je ne sais quoi whispering quality with a seductive and unmistakable French accent.
Had the weather been better during my pre-Easter stay, I may have been able to get outside and sit on the garden-facing terrace of Porcelaine.
The facilities
The hotel has a swimming pool and Nordic baths but arriving late on a chilly Friday evening meant I didn’t have an opportunity to take a dip. By the time I woke the next day, a fine drizzle was helping to keep the lush grounds green.
In fine weather, upscale picnics are hosted at six scenic locations, known as beehives, across La Chapelle Saint Martin’s estate. Four miles of footpaths meander between trees, through meadows and around the ponds, enabling guests to appreciate the country setting.
Activities such as mushroom picking, an introduction to beekeeping and cooking lessons are available. It’s possible to explore the surrounding area by hiring an e-bike or a Citroen 2CV.
In the summer, dining is offered on the terrace as well as in the dining rooms of the main building.
Dogs are welcome at the hotel and there’s a play area for children.
The verdict
This is an ideal getaway for a romantic weekend, particularly for foodies seeking secluded comfort in the French countryside. Yet it’s near enough to Limoges to pop into the city for a nosey around the porcelain-focused Musée national Adrien Dubouché or to explore the recently opened Cité du Cuir in Saint-Junien, which outlines the region’s leather-making heritage.
La Chapelle Saint Martin has a classy, welcoming feel and offers the kind of hospitality that makes a hotel stay memorable.
The details
Rooms are priced from €205 per night for up to two people, excluding breakfast.
La Chapelle Saint Martin, 33 Saint Martin du Fault, 87510, Nieul, France.
