My Week In

Le Saint Jacques, Sologne — This is not your usual B&B but one run by a very passionate Anglo-French (once owner a the Parisian bookshop Tea & Tattered) who wants share all the unique features of Sologne region with her guests. Whether it's hunting for 'Sangliers', learning the techniques of falconry or simply whipping up a fine French meal in the country kitchen, these are just some of the activities on offer. Or you may just choose to relax 'sur la terrace' in summer or snuggle up close to the fireplace in Winter.

Your stay at the Le Saint Jacques is deep in the Loire countryside. However, a short drive (10 mins) to the picturesque town of Beaugency and 30 minutes to Blois; even closer to the grand-- Chateau Chambord. These are just some of the 'must see' attractions.

The town of Ligny Le Rabault is small but has a few bistro style restaurants and is interesting for its numerous 16th century homes. You can take a courtesy bike and cycle to various museums and discover the surrounding forest, ponds as well as a few surprising chateaux.

Rooms: Small but compact and comfortable. Guests are encouraged to relax in the TV room close by or the salon downstairs. For families it's perfect as you can occupy the two rooms on the premier 'etage' and also have the TV room for at your disposal.

The Tariff: 2 persons for 1 night 60€ with a three-course dinner add 25€.
www.theamericanfrog.com
15, place de l’église, 45240 Ligny le Ribault

Le Manoir de la Giaudière — This is a relaxing hotel for families. With several apartments to choose from you are offered space and comfort. Located on the top floor of the Manoir are two very comfortable apartments, with a spacious bathroom and bath, which could easily accommodate families of 4 or 5. The large exterior garden is great for playing ball games or for the little ones to just run free.

The flat terraine of the Loire allow for easy cycling. In the evening, be sure to enjoy locals wines from the nearby vineyards producing delicious Chinon or Bourgueil wines. The hotel has a casual restaurant where a ‘menu enfant’ is available or perhaps choose a little bistro in the nearby town of Candes St Martin, famous for its beauty and classified as one of the ‘plus beaux villages’ in France.

The small village of Beauamont-en-Veron, is where the Loire, Vienne and Indre rivers meet. There are numerous longs walks in nature parks and lots of nearby museums and zoos to visit.

The Manoir can also accommodate pets in one of their exterior rooms. Breakfast at a reasonable €8 Reserve direct with Hotel.
www.giraudiere.com
37420 Beaumont en Véron t: 33 (0)2 47 58 40 36

The Old Quartier - A Boutique Hotel — New and given there's not a lot of choice of great hotels in Tours, this one is not bad. Be warned! you could have a problem with noise in the summer months as its located right in the heart of the 'old quartier' and many many restaurants surround, in fact you're facing one very big Italian. If you're looking for peace and quiet this may not be for you. There are also several stairs. Cute breakfast area.

Situated in centre of Tours so you can walk to the major shopping district. Its 2 stars and would be fine for 1 or 2 nights if you don't have a car. If you have a car I can think of much nicer places to stay. We can book you in from €90 standard room with shower or €110 for a larger room with bath. Breakfast 8 euros. Don't expect fluent English.
12 rue de la Rotisserie

Hotel Diderot — Hotel: It would be a challenge to find a more charming 15th century hotel in the middle of Chinon, which is a lovely village. The major renovation works carried out on the Castle, should finish by Summer 2009.

Rooms: Less than €80. This is a must for 2009 and beyond as the 'Castle Chinon' will be 'glistening'. I have inspected all the rooms and they are very charming for a two-star. While the interior ones are better furnished they also offer two exterior rooms. Parking is within the grounds or close by a a public car park for larger vehicles.

Run by two sisters and their brother it's very much a family affair. Breakfast comes with over 50 varieties of homemade jam. Perfect for a summer or winter escape. Walking distance to cafes, bars and restaurants.

Closed 17 -26 Nov and 18 Jan - 5 Feb, 2009.
4 rue Buffon, Chinon 37500

Small budget Hotel in Tours - Manoir — Hotels: While only a two star it seems to keep its clients impressed with its no frills but comfortable lodgings in 'centre ville'. Its within walking distance from the station and if you don't have a car I would recommend this modest accommodation. A pretty entrance the room are in a grand 19th century 'maison'. Its a calm street no traffic and walking distances to the shop. You'll need to book a Tour guide to visit chateaus or you could catch a train.

Rooms: Comfortable, clean, simple fittings. Large beds, buffet breakfast in a delightful room. Triple Bed available for families. Modern bathrooms, TV, telephone, wifi, nearby cafes and bars. Private parking also available.

For three person from 84 euros for 3.
2 rue Traversière, Tours, 37000 t: 02 47 05 37 37

Charming Chambres d'hotes and Gite in Massay — Situated in a small village, there's a choice of accommodation from a small apartment to several large gites. All rooms are equipped with modern comforts such as WiFi, TVs, CDs players, charming furniture and private bathrooms and kitchen area.

The town centre is convenient for supplies and meals at the local bistro. The English hosts have lovingly restored all the rooms for a comfortable and relaxing stay.

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

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

This accommodation will particularly suit families for its spacious rooms and relaxed gardens.

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

For weekly stays see the 'Gite' section prices from 175 euros per week off-peak-season.

Visit the link below for more information and to book direct with owners.
www.massaygites.com
52 Rue Pasteur, 18120 Massay, t: 0033 2 36 55 61 50 or 0033 6 80 64 47 02

Best Western Le Vinci — My how Best Western have changed. If you're on a budget and just want comfort and some style you can't go past this hotel. Its 3 minutes to the Chateau Amboise and of course a walk to the centre of this pretty village. The reviews on TripAdvisor are great, but I've visited and I can confirm, its a good deal for basic comfort.

Rates are from €49 for a double, but these are small. For a good size room, book a superior or double - allow €70.00
12, ave Emile Gounin 37400 Amboise 33 (0)2 47 57 10 90

A manor in the Forest - 2 stars — For a two star this manor house is great value, its peaceful, has a lovely restaurants, rooms are fine, large and quite comfortable. There's a good size, 2 bedroom family apartment.

However, to be honest it is not positioned well to explore the chateaus of the Loire. You will have a 1 hour drive to Blois and the same for Tours. If you don't mind driving, its a good budget stay and the quality of the food is the restaurant is superb. The Village is small and quiet so you would be best to reserve for meals at the hotel.

Surrounding the manor are large parklands and a small fishing river. You are five minutes to the town of Vendome which has all major shopping brands and is an interesting town. The larger and more popular Orleans and Chartes, allow 1 hour either direction.

Rooms from €51 to €.90 or €.90 - €120 for a suit. Breakfast €11.50, in summer on the terrace.
Fort Girard 41160 La Ville-aux-Clercs