We have just come back from a 10-day tour of Perpignan and Carcassonne, and we stayed in total 7 nights at La Tour Appolinaire. We stayed in the Chablis room and then the Tour itself. The whole place is fantastic!! We had booked it as a special treat for our 20th Wedding Anniversary, and it lived up to its reputation, and more. Firstly, the way the Chateau has been restored is extremely tasteful, and mixes original features with very modern fittings (such as high spec bathrooms and kitchens) in a very clever way. The Chablis room, which was the former chapel to the Chateau, is really nice and restful, and the Tour Apartment is beautiful. Although the Chablis has shared kitchen / living room, this was not a problem as the couple we shared this with were great, and I don't think that privacy is compromised at all. The tour apartment is self-contained, so if you definitely want privacy, then book that.
The gardens and swimming pool are well maintained, peaceful, and have a very private feel. There are comments on other reviews that the Chateau is in a run down area, but you have to remember that Perpignan is a normal French town, not plastic like some tourist traps, and it just felt 'real' to us. We at no time felt threatened at all, and it certainly felt much better than being in most parts of the UK!! We walked into town and back at least once each day, and it is an easy 10 minute walk. The town itself is fascinating, and has some great places to eat - try Lorenzo's if you want a really good meal!
The best part of the Chateau however is the welcome we received from the staff there. The reception staff, Chelsea and Dee, were absolutely superb, and nothing was too much trouble for them. On our 20th Anniversary our Daughters had arranged with Chelsea for us to have a bottle of Champagne delivered to our room, and the owners Robin and Elena added a bottle of their favourite wine to this on the house. This was a really kind gesture, and shows an example of the welcome you will receive. They were also very helpful with restaurant recommendations, and working out directions for us. So helpful!
We would recommend the Appolinaire to anyone who is looking for an Oasis of peace and quiet but within easy distance of a vibrant French Town.










