Fit for a Princess
The former playground of the kings and queens of France; the chateaus of the Loire were built to display all the grandeur and splendour of France and today are your museum chateaus…no modesty here; wealthy courtesans followed the royal court and built elegant, however, smaller châteaux which are now refined and intimate accommodation. We’ve made a short-list of some dreamy castles that are perfect for short stays. Lon ger stays might be more comfortable in a Gite (French cottage) or a Chambre d’hotes. (Bed & Breakfast), either way here’s some the best:
Chateaus have been chosen based on their beauty and prestige; bookings can be made direct via their link.
Châteaux & Chateaux restaurants
Sleeping Beauty - Domaine de la Tortinère
— Not far from a small french village, Montbazon, lies this majestical Loire Valley chateau. The romantic chateau is glistening from a recent renovation.
From the terrace, where pre-dinner drinks are normally served, there are sweeping valley views across 15 acres of parklands. Birdsong is everywhere in the surrounding woodlands and yet you are a short drive to all the major attractions of the Loire Valley. However, you may not get time to visit as many as you would like as the chateau offers lovely garden walks, an outdoor heated swimming pool, tennis court and cycling to the nearby towns.
After a day’s activity you can relax and dine in the Chateau’s restaurant before retiring to one of the elegant ‘chambres’ decorated with French flair. This intimate chateau offers 29 rooms and several exterior cottages. See the website for more information. A summer in the Loire Valley is magical. Even more so at this Chateau.
Myweekin recommends you book Room 31 for valley views and private terrace or No.34 for good value.
www.tortiniere.com
Route de Ballan Miré, Montbazon: t: 33 (0)2 47 34 35 00
Chambres d'hôtes
Chateau de Charly
— This elegant chambre d'hotes lies close to the town of Bourges. The chateau offers six 5 star suites all equipped with beautiful bathrooms in gorgeous grounds.
www.chateaudecharly.com
1, Route de Nerondes, 18350 Charly
STAY
French Elegance at its best - Chateau de L'Epinay
— Looking for comfort and style and all the little touches that make a holiday great? This luxurious Chambres’d’hôtes is unlike any other. Firstly, you are surrounded by 25 hectares of lush parkland. There’s even a small lake for a pleasant stroll or catching a glimpse at the wildlife living under the Louisiana bald-cypresses. For the more adventurous, a Kayak or canoe ride.
The chateau’s rooms and bathrooms can only be described as ‘elegant and spacious’. Each room combines modern elegance with old world French charm. Many rooms have their own fireplaces for the cooler months.
The only problem will be deciding whether to go sightseeing or just relax by the ‘biological’ pool, after a game of tennis or a gentle bike ride around the village. If you don’t wish to dine at one of the quaint French bistros nearby, with advance notice, Madame Montuoro will prepare your evening meal featuring the best regional products matched of course with some fine Angers wine.
The chateau offers many services not normally available; a small gym room, a cinema room, games rooms (chess & darts) you can even organise a facial and massage chez-chateau. The tariffs are more than reasonable; spoil yourself in the Palais Royal at €230 per night, just like royalty.
So you can catch up on all your mail, rooms are equipped with wifi. Pet lovers can request a place for their ‘pooch’. The chateau is situated 20 minutes from the ancient village of Angers.
www.chateau-epinay.com
49170 Saint Georges sur Loire, France t: 33 2 41 39 87 05
Le Chateau de Reignac
— You won’t find another chateau in the Loire Valley where exquisite ‘interior design’ comes this close to perfection.
Guests are invited not to stay, but rather to enjoy the home of Monsieur Charrier. It’s sumptuous! Both the rooms and the bathrooms, (many of which have the original deep cast-iron bathtubs that Monsieur managed to salvage, and restore! )
I can’t recommend one room over the other as they are all perfectly proportioned, and more spacious than most. However, it would be difficult to spend only one night in the ‘Axel de Fersen’ with its king size bed and large tower bathroom overlooking the garden!
Others rooms are just as appealing with 19th and 17th century furniture. All rooms bear the name of French celebrities (including some notorious ones that frequented the chateau).
Guests are invited to relax either in the Zanzibar Bar or the Salon Louis de Barberin, before dining in the ‘Salon Aymard de Chouppes’.
There are vast grounds to relax, read and generally enjoy the gentle countryside of the Loire. For history buffs, the tomb of the Marquis de la Fayette, the French General pivotal to the American war of independence, lies in the chateau’s private chapel.
While this is a hotel for anyone who appreciates refinement, it will particularly appeal to couples seeking a romantic stay. As the only chateau with its own chapel what a perfect place for a wedding ceremony or a proposal! Choosing which pretty village to visit first will be difficult as you are close-by to Loches, Amboise and Tours. Book direct with the chateau below.
www.lechateaudereignac.com
19 rue Louis de Barberin, Reignac-sur-Indre, 37310
