My Week In

French Charm and Heritage -Le Chai de la Paleine — Situated in a classified 'Village de Charm' this is one of those picturesque places that transports you back into history. There's a beautiful local church and other quinessential French village scenes, some parts of buildings date back to 1123!

This region is famous for its wine production, mushrooms and various of other products of the 'terroir' which can be sampled and purchased in the boutique of this chambre d'hotes. Not only can you purchase local wines but a selection of English beer is also available.

On offer are twelve, individually designed rooms all equipped with modern comforts - TV, heating, WiFi, all are air-conditioned. There is a choice of small or larger suites for families and a special suite with handicap facilities. Some rooms have their own kitchenette for preparing light meals. You can expect simple and elegant French country style furnishings in all the rooms.

STOP PRESS: You can also stay in one of their special Carré d'étoiles cabins, contact us for more information (pictured left).

All guests are invited to relax in the large library area. There is also a communal kitchen with fridge, dining table and cooking facilities which is offered to guests without their own kitchenette.

Breakfast is served in a large tuffeau stone salon and in the evening why not dine in a romantic wine barrel (pictured).

The is a large garden to enjoy the sun and a newly constructed 'orangerie' where guests can relax and enjoy views of the gardens or in the cooler months, the fireplace. Ample security parking is available inside the grounds.

The village boasts a couple of popular restaurant which are within walking distance. The main town, of Doue La Fontaine, is 5 minutes by car for shopping and more dining choices.

This is a perfect spot for either cycling, wine or french food enthusiasts who want to discover the calmness and beauty of rural life in France.

Prices are very reasonable from From 59 to 79€ for 2 persons. Breakfast: 5 € per person.

Our favourite is the Chardonnay room (pictured) with its lovely 'shabby chic' looking and spacious interior. All rooms have full bathrooms and some with separate toilets. Book direct with owner and see more information at the link below.
www.relais-du-bien-etre.com
10 place Jules raimbault 49260 Le Puy Notre Dame t: 33 (0)2 41 38 28 25

A contemporary and elegant hotel - Pavillon des Lys — I can say it is beautifully positioned in 'centre ville' Amboise so walking distance to shops, bistros and the Castle. The restaurant has a strong focus on vegetarian dishes. The exterior is very pretty, shiny white tuffeau stone. The courtyard is modern and a wonderful spot to relax. Rooms (only 7) are very modern with old world charms with King size beds in most. Some bathrooms have a large cast iron tubs. There is a clever combination of the old antiques with modern touches. The owner and staff are attentive, young and energetic and there's non-stop room service. Expect Wifi, MP3, DVDs, CDs. Mick Jagger lives nearby so bit of rock star spotting?
9 rue d'orange, Amboise

Walk to Chateau Chenoneau - Bon Laboureur — A charming stay that is only walking distance to Chateau Chenonceau. The restaurant is particularly renown in the region and is a truly gastronomic experience, don't expect 'Steak et Frites' here. Rooms within the main building are not as luxurious as the exterior ones, but extremely comfortable. Accommodation in the exterior cottages are quite sumptuous. The apartments would suit a family as they open out into a little garden and offer a little more privacy.

The Chateau Chenonceau is the "Jewel in the Loire'. The village of Chenonceau is small and curious and offers a number of bistros for casual dining. There is also dining within the Chateau Chenonceau. This area will suit cyclists or those looking for a rural and rustic stay.

Area: Centrally located to explore nearby regions such as Amboise, Chaumont, Chambord and Tours. No swimming pool or tennis court. More of a country style inn.
6, rue Docteur Bretonneau 3715- Chenonceaux

2 star comfort at the Manoir Bel Air — A comfortable hotel offering over 40 rooms on the banks of the Loire. The rooms are large, nothing too fancy all equipped with private bathroom, television. Restaurant is reasonably priced from €28 to €52 for four/five courses.

On offer are activities such as horse riding, swimming, golf, tennis, hunting (seasonal) go-karting, canoe rides and of course walking and cycling.
www.manoirbelair.com
1 route d’Orléans, 41500 Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire t : 33 (0)2 54 81 60 10

Troglodyte accommodation at Les Hautes Roches — A different type of stay as many of the rooms are actually a Troglodyte. This 18th Century manor is quite impressive on approach. Positioned high above a hill and alongside the Loire Valley River there are great river views from the terrace. The restaurant is a respected gastronomic venue well frequented by an external clientele. Its signature dishes are numerous seafood specialities such as Langoustines, Lobster and local fish but prepared very traditionally. You can walk to nearby 'caves' and the wine district of Vouvray is minutes by car.

Rooms: Larger than most, particularly the Superior rooms which are built into the cliff-face and furnished with a modern look. Parking is ample. This is a great base to explore the region. There was no air-conditioning but rooms are promoted as naturally insulated.

Closes 20 January until 21 March.

www.leshautesroches.com
86, Quai de la Loire, Rochecorbon t: 33 (0)2 47 52 81 30.

Chateau Reignac — A four star stay in the small French village. Elegant, spacious rooms with inviting bathrooms. Large grounds and its own private chapel. Breakfast and dinner available. Each rooms has been tastefully and thoughtfully decorated. Few chateaus constantly rate 5/5 on www.tripadvisor, but this one does! Well at least when I last looked.
www.lechateaudereignac.com
19 rue Louis de Barberin, Reignac-sur-Indre, 37310

Le Manoir Les Minimes — It is with good reason that this charming hotel won an Award from Johanses. You will find extraordinary attention to detail, not only in the design of the rooms but also the service. Not really a hotel but an exquisite family home whose treasured belongings are shared with international guests who appreciate French refinery.

This is the only accommodation with direct views of the imposing Chateau d'Amboise. The Manoir provides breakfast however there is no restaurant. Evening drinks are accommodated ‘sur la terrace’, however with less than minute's walk to the village, you can choose between a number of a casual bistro dining (and one very famous Patisserie, Bigot).

All the rooms are individually themed and decorated with French antiques and rich fabrics. Most have beautiful exposed wooden beams and all have elegant, spacious bathrooms. Spoil yourself in the ‘prestige suite decorated in blue 'toile de Jouy'.

Located on the banks of the Loire, you are centrally located to visit the nearby chateaus of Chenonceau, Blois, Loches and Leonardo da Vinci’s last resting place, Clos Lucé. Also in Summer a famous annual garden festival held at Chateau Chaumont.

A rare stay, that is really 5 star in my book! See any 'Special Offers' direct on their site.
www.manoirlesminimes.com
34 quai Charles Guinot Amboise t : 02 47 30 40 40