My Week In

Chateau de Chambiers - Angers — This family owned chateau is authentic and luxurious. Each room has been beautifully decorated with wonderful french antiques however retaining a cosy, country charm ambiance. All the room are spacious but it's the bathrooms that are the highlight, they are unparalleled and simply spectacular.

As you approach this 18th century accommodation you will be struck by the sheer beauty of not only the gardens -- à la française' -- but also the 10 hectares of lush forest that surrounds the grounds ensuring peace and tranquility.

Guests are welcome to relax in the salon with its grand fireplace or the garden in the warmer months. The chateau has graced many magazines and journals across the world for its authentic 'joie de vivre' and stylish decor.

Each room is themed after a French personality; the largest in the chateau, the Oriental Room with its rich tafetta curtains, private sitting area and large four poster bed is in honour of French writer, Pierre Loti, a close colleague of the family.

For a more private stay, the Pavillon cottage, situated a few metres from the chateau has a sumptous 'salle de bain' with glass walls for a stunning view of the Beaugeois woodlands, a cosy sitting room and the upstairs bedroom under original 17th century exposed beams. There's also a kitchenette, handy for longer stays.

Centrally located to explore the best attractions of the Loire and only a few minutes drive to the small village of Durtal and its imposing chateau or 30 minutes to historic Angers.

There a numerous bistros nearby however Madam Crouan can prepare a traditional French meal with notice.

Rooms from 90 to 130€ for 2. Children comfortably accommodated in most rooms. The chateau also has its own reception centre for wedding and large events. Discover more at their website:
www.chateauchambiers.com
Chateau de Chambiers, 49430 Durtal tel: 02 41 76 07 31

Le Fief des Cordeliers - Close to Angers — Moments from the mighty Loire Valley river lies this pretty chateau and your own private 6-hectare parkland. The surrounding area is perfect for picnics, longs walks and cycling.

You won't find a better panoramic view of the Loire River than from this accommodation.

There are four cosy rooms. The largest, the grand suite, has two separate bedrooms and can accommodate up to five people. All rooms have valley views and their own bathrooms. Simple and comfortable design, this Chambre d'hôtes is ideally positioned to explore nearby Angers and the chateaus of the Loire Valley. A short drive to the pretty and historical villages of Saumur, Fontevraud l'Abbaye and the large Textile town of Cholet.

Your stay includes: Heated pool, air-conditioning, breakfast and excellent tariffs starting from €70 for two persons. Book direct with the owner via the link below. If you are a larger group see our 'GITES' section.

Popular activities: Hot air ballooning, cycling, golf, horse riding and of course, the majestical Chateaux of the Loire at your doorstep. For a truly unique event, for adults and children, 'Le Puy du Fou' is only 1 hour by car. Watch a re-enactment of a 'gladiator fight' and experience one of France's most amazing 3D cinemas
logis.lefiefdescordeliers.com
49570 Montjean sur Loire, t: 33 (0)2 41 43 96 09

Domaine de Givré — This elegant and charming Chambres d'hotes has it all. Beyond the swimming pool is the backdrop of the forests of Chinon. The town itself is less than 2 minutes by car or 5 cycling. The owners have immaculately restored their 15th century stables with modern and contemporary facilities, yet retaining the charm of yesteryear, Tuffeau stone, large fireplace, exposed beams complete with a modern bathroom and heating.

As the restoration work for the Fortress of Chinon rears completion in 2009, this town will be the shining star of the Loire Valley. The town offers many leisure activities including cycling routes and numerous water sports in Summer. Close by are wonderful vineyards growing Chinon's acclaimed reds. In the evening, there are several great family bistros or one or two acclaimed restaurants such as the 'Chapeau Rouge'.

Expect a few extra special touches in your accommodation such as a large 'dutch' breakfast, free bicycles, not to mention the wonderful ambiance of rural France. All for 75 euros per room. See website for more information, book direct with the owner.
www.domainedegivre.fr
Givré, Cravant Les Coteaux, 37500, t: 33 (0)2 47 93 29 23 Mobile: 33 (0)6 79 44 53 29

French Elegance at its best - Chateau de L'Epinay — Looking for comfort and style and all the little touches that make a holiday great? This luxurious Chambres d’hôtes is unlike any other. Firstly, you are surrounded by 25 hectares of lush parkland. There’s even a small lake for a pleasant stroll or catching a glimpse at the wildlife living under the Louisiana bald-cypresses. For the more adventurous, a Kayak or canoe ride.

The chateau’s rooms and bathrooms can only be described as ‘elegant and spacious’. Each room combines modern elegance with old world French charm. Many rooms have their own fireplaces for the cooler months.

The only problem will be deciding whether to go sightseeing or just relax by the ‘biological’ pool, after a game of tennis or a gentle bike ride around the village. If you don’t wish to dine at one of the quaint French bistros nearby, with advance notice, Madame Montuoro will prepare your evening meal featuring the best regional products matched of course with some fine Angers wine.

The chateau offers many services not normally available; a small gym room, a cinema room, games room (chess & darts) you can even organise a facial and massage chez-chateau. The tariff is more than reasonable; spoil yourself in the Palais Royal at €230 per night, just like royalty.

So you can catch up on all your email, rooms are equipped with wifi. Pet lovers can request a place for their ‘pooch’. The chateau is situated 20 minutes from the historic town of Angers.
www.chateau-epinay.com
49170 Saint Georges sur Loire, France t: 33 2 41 39 87 05

Le Chateau de Reignac — You won’t find another chateau in the Loire Valley where exquisite ‘interior design’ comes close to perfection.

Guests are invited not to stay, but rather to enjoy the home of Monsieur Charrier. It is sumptuous! Both the rooms and the bathrooms (many of which have the original, deep cast-iron bathtubs that Monsieur managed to salvage and restore!)

All rooms are perfectly proportioned, and more spacious than most in the region. The ‘Axel de Fersen’ has a King size bed and large tower bathroom overlooking the garden!

Others rooms are just as appealing with 19th and 17th century furniture. All rooms bear the name of French celebrities or historical figures (including some notorious ones that frequented the chateau).

Guests are invited to relax either in the Zanzibar Bar or the Salon Louis de Barberin before dining in the ‘Salon Aymard de Chouppes’.

The grounds are vast, inviting you to just relax, read and generally enjoy the gentle countryside of the Loire.

For history buffs, the alleged tomb of the Marquis de la Fayette, the French General pivotal to the American War of Independence, lies in the chateau’s private chapel. Although he was initially buried with his wife in the Picpus Cemetery in Paris.

While this is a hotel for anyone who appreciates refinement, it will particularly appeal to couples seeking a romantic stay. As the only Chateau with its own chapel what a perfect place for a wedding ceremony or a proposal! Guests are close-by to Loches, Amboise and Tours. Book direct with the chateau below.
www.lechateaudereignac.com
19 rue Louis de Barberin, Reignac-sur-Indre, 37310