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

Chateau de Curzay - Poitiers — An exceptional chateau for horse lovers or for those seeking a rural retreat. The chateau dates back to 1710 and is surrounded by 300-acres of parkland and is crossed by the Vonne River.

Part of the 'Relais Chateau' group it is approximately 20 minutes from Poitiers. Fine dining is on offer in their restaurant, the chef boasting that many of the vegetables are sourced directly from the chateau's garden. The restaurant is now situated in the original kitchen area of the 15th Century building, before the chateau was eventually built!

Rooms: From Classic to a grand suite or apartment Julie (pic). All individually decorated with antique furniture. Most have larger than average bathrooms.

Activities: Choose from different horse riding trials, cooking workshop at their 'Ateliers de Cuisine", explore vineyards and nearby towns or simply cycle around the chateau and enjoy roe-deers spotting. There is also Beauty centre, swimming pool and games room. Perhaps a row boat on the Vonne River. Whether you are a family or wishing a romantic stay, this is a wonderful chateau to consider.
Curzay-sur-Vonne

BREAKFAST ANYONE? Chateau de Beaulieu — This is a 'monument' listed chateau is minutes away from Saumur, a small but pretty town in the Loire with quaint shops and bistros. The chateau is historic and elegant. Pictured below is the salon for the 'petit déjeune'.
Built adjacent to the River Cher, its wonderful venue to take a daily evening stroll. Its architectural elegance has been featured in many magazines across Europe.

Why not learn a new hobby. There is a choice of Billards or popular French garden game, 'Boules'. There is also a heated swimming pool Expect comfort and dramatic furnishings in the style of Louis XIII. This is a small Bed and Breakfast but shouldn't disappoint.

Rooms: While comfortable, they are not equipped with televisions. The Suite would suit a family of four.

Evening meals are not on offer so you will need to visit Saumur or nearby villages.

98 Route de Montsoreau 49400 Saumur

15th Century Charm at Chateau de Brou — Situated between Chinon and Azay-le-Rideau, this historical chateau also conducts private visits for those interested in the tapestries of yesteryear and the history of the Lords of Sainte Maure of 1475. (These tours however only operate during the summer months). There are many unique features in this chateau including the stained-glass windows, views of the 'Vallée de Courtineau' and its troglodyte caves.

Ten elegant rooms, each dedicated to a French historical character such as Balzac, Rabelais and decorated appropriately. The Charles VII suite, located in the XIIIth Century Tower, has a a pre-1940s bath (280 euros).

37800 Noyant-de-Touraine t: 02 47 65 80 80

Chateau de L'Aubriere — This is probably one of the more 'convenient' chateaus is your are looking to be closed by to a major town as Tours is a 10 minute drive. The chateau is perched on a rather high hill for valley views and is quite impressive on approach.

A variety of bedrooms and sizes with most more than 25m2. The suite, pictured is 66m2 at €230. All rooms are individually designed expect lots of 'toile de jouy' prints combined with simple but comfortable furniture.

There is no restaurant but meals can be prepared upon reservation. All rooms have bar, television, telephone and bathrooms with bath and shower.
37390 La Membrolle-sur-Choisille t: 02.47.51.50.35

Chateau Varrieres - Saumur — An extremely elegant and charming chateau is close by to Saumur. This is a luxurious chateaus with many of the rooms and suites with Kind size beds.

Surprisingly, the interiors are modern. However the chateau itself is abundant with lots of wood panelling, elegant drapes and furniture of the XIXth century.
www.chateau-verrieres.com

Chateau des Tertres — This quiet and secluded chateau has had numerous great reviews in established guides such as Alastair Sawday & Tripadvisor; you'll first notice the calm and tranquil surroundings of this 19th Century home. Situated in the small village of Onzain, you are close to the chateaus of Chenonceau, Amboise and Chambord, a short walk across the bridgeway, Chateau Chaumont. This area is perfectly positioned to enjoy cycling or walking along the Loire River.

Within the chateau there are 14 rooms however families might be more comfortable in one of their Pavillon rooms which have their own garden area and are more spacious; while the interior rooms of the chateau combine French elegance with some modern touches, the pavillon rooms are rather 'modern and arty'.

Breakfast is served in the grand salon however evening dining recommendations are made at nearby villages and, as often is the case in France, after a large lunch, perhaps a light snack on the chateau's terrace of local charcuterie and cheese while you enjoy the sweeping valley views. Close by is the Chateau Chaumont which annually stages a spectacular garden festival in their grounds commencing from April till late October.

This three star chateau offers great rates; starting from €72 to a superior Chambre from €122; family rooms in the Pavillion from €100 to €150.

Book direct via the chateau's link below, let us know you have booked and we'll email your free Loire Valley agenda ahead of your arrival.
www.chateau-tertres.com
11 rue de Meuves, 41150 Onzain t: 33 (0)2 54 20 83 88

Chateau Essards Langeais — The owners have lovely antiques which they have decorated throughout their elegant chateau which is buried within a gentle forest. Its a 19th Century chateau built as a hunting Domaine for a famous french family, Lefevre-Utile. Lots of vineyards in this area including the famous Bourgueil, Saint Nicolas, Chinon and Saumur wines.

There are only four bedrooms, simple and harmonious, not too fussy and all with polished floorboards! All rooms are priced 110 euros for two persons with breakfast which is a good value for its location and fine lodgings.

Activities: Heated swimming pool, large park, Library close by to horse riding, golf, tennis. Evening meals at nearby restaurants.
37130 Langeais