My Week In

Cosy accommodation at Chateau de Bezonnais — There are some beautiful chateaux in the Loire Valley but very few actually contain their own moat and private woodlands. This family run chateau in the Sarthe region has over 15 hectares of woodlands that once would have been extensively hunted by royalty.

There is a choice of three rooms in the chateau, or for families, 'Le Pavilion' which can accommodate up to 4 people might be more suitable. All have private bathrooms and are reasonably priced from 75€ for two, which includes breakfast in the chateau's 'salle à manger'.

Longer stay might be more comfortable in one of their Gites (see our Gite section).

This property will particularly suit those wishing to explore the rich countryside of Le Mans and Loire Valley. Le Mans, the historic town know for its annual world-racing event, has a wonderful 'old quartier' to explore and is only 30 minutes by car. Other historic and pretty towns and villages such as Tours are also close by.

Services include internet, phone, babysitting, bikes and play area for children as well as visits to the family's own farm animals. Horse riding is very popular is this district and the chateau has its own stables for private horses. Pets are welcomed upon request.

Open all year. Your hosts, Madame and Monsieur Pingeot speak English, French and German. Visit now for more information.
www.bezonnais.com
72220 Ecommoy, t: 33 (0)2 43 21 64 58

Heart of a French village — his lovely quiet Chambres d'hotes is situated in a small village. It's conveniently located so guests can walk to the baker, butcher, delicatesen and weekly markets, one of the highlights of experiencing life in rural France.

Guests stay is one of four pretty gites. There is the choice of L’Annexe with its huge round art deco window, La Petite Grange, which is shaded in summer by two beautiful lime trees, La Petite Maison which is a 200 year old timber and stone building full of quirky character and the apartment in Maison Coutat which is full of fascinating Art Deco objet d’art, parquet floors and marble fireplaces.

The English hosts have ensured that whilst the character of the old buildings has been carefully restored and retained, the gites are all very comfortable and the beds are of the highest quality. They are equipt with WiFi, TV, DVD players.

Staying in a gite for bed & breakfast means that not only do guests have access to a private bathroom and a bedroom, but there is also a kitchen area should you wish to prepare your own meals. For those wanting to go out for dinner, there are several local bistros for casual meals and gourmet restaurants for something more extravagant.

The large courtyard garden is enclosed and safe for children or for those wishing to benefit the gentle summers of this region. There is off-road, private parking.

The closest town, Vierzon has direct access to Paris (1hr 20 via Train) or the popular touristic towns such as Tours, Bourges, Saumur, Chinon, Amboise and their historic Chateaux can be reached in just over an hour by car.

The Berry region is rich in agriculture, quaint antique stores, markets, vineyards and other activities that your hosts, Alice & Damian, will be only too happy to assist with.

This accommodation will particularly suit families for its spacious rooms and relaxed atmosphere. Cots and high-chairs are available upon request.

Prices for short stay start from 55 euros per night for two.

For weekly stays see our 'Gite' section or visit the link below to book direct with owner.
www.massaygites.com
52 Rue Pasteur, 18120 Massay t: 0033 2 36 55 61 50 or 0033 6 80 64 47 02

Domaine de Givré — You will find lots of 'creature comforts' in this charming Chambres d'hôtes close by to Chinon.

The rooms (choice of two) have direct views of the surrounding woodlands which are full of birdsong and animals. From your small terrace, or poolside, you can enjoy the calm weather and scenic countryside of the Loire.

Both rooms are equipped with a large comfortable bed and modern bathroom. The owners will gladly assist with any information to ensure your stay is pleasurable.

Courtesy bikes are available to cycle along one of the many dedicated tracks or cycle to one of the nearby bistros offering authentic Tourangelle cuisine. The town of Chinon has numerous shops from fashion, gift and French homewares.

Some very popular vineyards are close by and offer degustations to sample some of the famous Chinon reds. Priced at 75 euros, please visit the link below for more information and book direct with owners for a wonderful country stay.
www.domainedegivre.fr
Givré, Cravant Les Coteaux 37500 t: 33 (0)2 47932923 Mob: 33 (0)6 79445329

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

Le Manoir de la Giaudière — A stylish Manor equipped with restaurant and large rooms. The elegant exterior is the famous ‘tuffeau' stone, once carved out of the nearby cliff face to build many famous cheateaux of the Loire. The large garden is wonderful is great for ball games. This country style accommodation is situated in the middle of the great wine growing region of Chinon. Evening meals and breakfast are served in the rustic style restaurant. The evening menu focuses on traditional meals and sourcing only local prized produce.

This is budget accommodation with many rooms less than 80 euros for two and one with special dedicated space for the 'pooch'.
www.giraudiere.com
37420 Beaumont en Véron t: 33 (0)2 47 58 40 36

Manoir de la Remoniere — A rather large property with six rooms named after famous French personalities throughout the history of the Loire Valley and France. Agnes Sorrel, Charles VII, Jeanne d'Arc.

All room feature period pieces and modern bathrooms. Grounds are pretty, with numerous 'Pierre de Ronsard', a wonderful pink rose that flourishes in the Loire, climbing several walls. The Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau is the closest monument attraction but you are a few minutes drive to its location and the town of Azay-le-Rideau. The property is well position to explore the other attractions of the Loire however you will need to allow around 45 minutes driving in either direction (North or South) see our map.

The surrounding countryside is classically 'Loire', large open fields and fertile grounds ready for the next sow and moulins. This accommodation is for those who want to step back in time with a few modern comforts along the way.
La Chapelle Saint Blaise, Azay-le-Rideau

Manoir de Clairbois — Elegant accommodation in meticulous grounds right the heart of the Touraine. Countryside but only 15 minutes from 'centre ville' of Tours. I would describe this accommodation as very convenient to explore the attractions of the Loire. Lots of space is offered in all rooms but particularly the Suite (Rose salon) which has two bathrooms - 'his' and 'her' as well as a lovely sitting area (pic).

Run by retired couple, you are welcomed into their home to enjoy the beautiful treasures they have collected from different countries over the years. Breakfast is included and meals can be prepared upon prior arrangement.
www.manoirdeclairbois.com

Manoir de Restigne in the Bourgueil wine district - 4 stars — I believe the French classify this property as a 'Maison Demure', mean a very beautiful house. Located in the centre of the Loire Valley's popular wine district Bourgueil, the hotel is surrounded by vineyards. It is close to the quaint town Saumur and only a few minutes from Bourgueil which is small and has a few basic stores. The restaurant, Le Chai, has been enjoying good reviews by local press and is now featured in the Michelin Good Food Guide.

Rooms: Larger than most of the surrounding chateaux. Simple and elegant, all in the mood of 18th Century design, not overloaded with colour and fabric but a few elegant pieces. Floorboards and rugs, rather than carpet and all feature walk-in wardrobes. Choice of either shower or bath.

After a day's exploring enjoy an aperitif in the Chardonnay bar located next to the restaurant with also welcome external clients.

Enjoy: Swimming, fitness area, bar and restaurant and nearby activities. More in your itinerary.
15 rue de Tours, 37140 Bourgueil