Child friendly stays
A little adventure for the whole family at la Belle
There are two options, sleeping in a tree house or a room in the chateau. We opted for the latter and it was great fun for one night!
When you arrive you are given a backpack full of the necessities for your stay, as there's no electricity or running water in the cabins you are provided with lanterns, torches, clean sheets etc. Breakfast arrives in the morning in a basket and you use the outdoor pulley to your balcony.
I wouldn't recommend more than two nights unless you are the 'real' outdoors type and love to camp. After a night I was missing the luxury of a toilet. But all is very well organised and the cabines are clean, comfortable and very well designed. You really tune out and listen to the nature around you. Lots of birdsong and lots of unusual bugs, insect repellent may come in handy.
For the under 8s, its a short climb however older children (12+) can ascend quite high for that real 'nuit dans les arbres'. Combine this with a visit to the Vallee des Singe and eat in the local town 5 mins away (Le Loup Blanc was great).
Showers and flushing toilets in the main chateau building about 5 minutes from the campsite. A memorable time for the kids! Prices vary slightly from 110 to 115 per night and includes breakfast.
rue Anatole de Briety, 86160 Magne
A fairytale garden at Chateau L'Epinay
Looking for comfort, style and space for the family? This small intimate chateau offers eight elegant rooms, some can accommodate four or more guests. All are equipped with large, modern luxurious bathrooms. As soon as you step into this chateau you sense the warm family environment. Guests are invited to make use of the many salons; the games rooms with chess and darts, the gym for a quick workout, the cinema room or the 'grand salon' for a little evening music or reading.
Children will love playing in the lush parkland. There's a small lake for a pleasant stroll, bird and wildlife watching. Other on-site activities include tennis, swimming or cycling around the gentle, quiet countryside. For the more adventurous, a Kayak or canoe ride. However, there's lots to see nearby, Zoo de Doue, performances at chateaus, Futuroscope and much more.
You can choose to dine one night in the chateau (with advance notice) or at one of the nearby bistros. The ancient town of Angers is only 20 away. Don’t miss this ‘special’ accommodation that has something to please everyone.
www.chateau-epinay.com
49170 Saint Georges sur Loire, France t: 33 2 41 39 87 05
Chateau Rochecotte
This grand chateau sits high above a hill and is renowned in the region for its magnificent valley views. Space is always an issue with families so the owners have carefully considered their needs and offer connecting rooms, one in particular that is adjacent to the large terrace which allows children some outdoor space, or the enormous 80m2 suite.
The large 19-acre park should have children tired after a day’s exploring. There’s also a heated swimming pool and pergola, a small playground area. Plenty of attractions, including two great zoos within an hour’s drive. The elegant restaurant offers a ‘menu enfant’ while mum and dad can enjoy a gastronomic meal prepared by one of the region’s respected chefs.
You are nearby to Chateau Langeais (in Summer actors roam in medieval costume), Saumur (horse enthusiasts must visit the Cadre Noire, see Kids section) and Fortress Chinon. Summer is a hype of activity in Loire Valley so book yourself somewhere that will guarantee complete relaxation after a busy day of chateau hopping.
www.chateau-de-rochecotte.fr
Saint Patrice (near Langeais) t: 33 (0)2 47961616
Le Manoir de la Giaudière
Love French Wine? Cycling? Or simply being lost in an idyllic spot of regional France? This Manoir is well suited for a rural break. The exterior is made of the famous ‘tuffeau’ stone, which was once carved out of the nearby cliffs and used to construct many famous chateaus of the region. Centrally located on the ‘Route du Vignoble’ you are nearby to the famous vineyards of Chinon or Bourgueil.
Don't miss the ‘écomusée du veron’ nearby see our activites for Kids.
Evening meals can be taken in the Manoir’s restaurant where the chef focuses on local prized produce, particularly the region’s world famous mushrooms, and of course local ‘chevre’ cheeses, or you may choose a little bistro in the nearby town of Candes Saint-Martin, famous for its beauty and classified as one of the ‘plus beaux villages’ in France. The Manoir is situated in Beauamont-en-Veron, a small village where the Loire, Vienne and Indre rivers meet.
Rooms are comfortable and I would strongly recommend asking for number 12. While the most expensive at €135 (pictured) is it large and the best in the Manoir. Other rooms are very well priced from €55 for the night. Breakfast is also reasonable at €8pp. Monsieur runs a very relaxed and friendly stay for those seeking a slice of rural France.
www.giraudiere.com
37420 Beaumont en Véron t: 33 (0)2 47 58 40 36
Chateau du Breuil
This intimate and elegant chateau is situated deep in an enchanted Loire Valley forest (75 acres) ; great for walks and lots of outdoor space for children. However, you are only moments away from the historic monuments such as Chateau Chiverny (5 mins) and the even more popular Chateau Chambord (20 mins) which is great for children as there so much to do; hire bikes, horse ride or take a boat around the moat.
Hopefully you will have time to shop and eat at the historic and pretty villages of Amboise and Blois which are less than 15 mins away and also boast numerous attractions for the family.
The chateau is intimate with only 16 rooms. Families can relax relax by the heated swimming pool after a day’s adventure. Don’t miss the nearby Zoo in Beauval, a visit to the caves and the famous Tin Tin museum in Cheverny.
An evening meal is offered in the chateau but is not compulsory. The village of Cheverny offers a number of casual eating options such as a Pizzeria. Families will be comfortable in either the connecting rooms or the apartment which can easily accommodate a family of 4 or 5.
The Sologne region boasts a wonderful terrain for cycling and horse riding. If you are after adventure and culture in regional France you will certainly find enough activities for the whole family for several days.
Book direct to the chateau via the link below.
www.chateau-du-breuil.fr
41700 Cheverny t: 33 (0)2 54 44 20 20
Space and Luxury at Chateau Sept Tours
Dad loves to Golf. Mum likes to Shop and kids just want to have fun. Everyone can be happy in this wonderful country chateau not far from the pretty villages of Langeais, Luyns Saumur and Tours.
Families are afforded comfort in the Orangerie, (once very fabulous stables). Don’t worry they have been converted into elegant rooms and several small apartments suitable for family members of 4 or 5. They are located only a 'stone throw' away from the chateau.
A heated outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi and vast grounds should also keep the children amused. Another benefit for families is the choice between either casual dining in the bistro or, if you wish, more formal dining in the chateau’s elegant restaurant. Babysitting is organised via prior arrangement.
Nearby attractions include horse-riding, chateau hopping (don’t miss the Summer attraction at Langeais when themed actors roam in medieval costumes) as well as La Flèche Zoo, only 30 minutes away and the historic town of Angers just under an hour.
It would be hard to find another that offers both luxury and comfort and enough activities to please everyone!
37330 Courcelles De Touraine t: 33 (0)2 47 24 69 75
Domaine De La Tortinère
You can tell your children that legend has it that Charles Perrault was inspired to write ‘Sleeping Beauty’ while walking the magnificent gardens of this chateau. If that doesn’t impress them then all the activities on offer will.
The Domaine de la Tortinière welcomes families. They understand that parents want to combine a luxury stay with comfortable family accommodation. The exterior cottages are perfect for families particularly ‘The Genêts Pavillion’ which boasts over 300 metres and, while situated outside the property, is less than two minutes to the chateau for meals or drinks.
This family owned chateau offers numerous touches that keep children occupied. From the ‘game trolley’ that is brought to the table while dining in the restaurant to all the activities and games in the garden. Then, of course, there’s the heated swimming pool, cycling and fishing.
Alternatively the chateau offers only 29 rooms. See the website for interior photos. A summer in the Loire Valley is magical. Even more with a stay at the Chateau de la Tortinière.
www.tortiniere.com
Route de Ballan Miré, Montbazon: 33 (0)2 47 34 35 00
