Usually a smaller châteaus or grand maison where you will be offered bed and breakfast and sometimes dinner. Generally, smaller than a hotel, but always on a tourist route. They are usually privately owned and should not exceed more than eight rooms. If you want someone else to make the coffee then a Chambre d’hôtes might be a good choice.
Chambres d'hôtes
Domaine de Givré
— You will find lots of 'creature comforts' in this charming Chambres d'hôtes close by to Chinon.
The rooms (choice of two) have direct views of the surrounding woodlands which are full of birdsong and animals. From your small terrace, or poolside, you can enjoy the calm weather and scenic countryside of the Loire.
Both rooms are equipped with a large comfortable bed and modern bathroom. The owners will gladly assist with any information to ensure your stay is pleasurable.
Courtesy bikes are available to cycle along one of the many dedicated tracks or cycle to one of the nearby bistros offering authentic Tourangelle cuisine. The town of Chinon has numerous shops from fashion, gift and French homewares.
Some very popular vineyards are close by and offer degustations to sample some of the famous Chinon reds. Priced at 75 euros, please visit the link below for more information and book direct with owners for a wonderful country stay.
www.domainedegivre.fr
Givré, Cravant Les Coteaux 37500 t: 33 (0)2 47932923 Mob: 33 (0)6 79445329
Le Fief des Cordeliers - Close to Angers
— Moments from the mighty Loire Valley river lies this pretty chateau and your own private 6-hectare parkland. The surrounding area is perfect for picnics, longs walks and cycling.
There are four cosy rooms. The largest, the grand suite, has two separate bedrooms and can accommodate up to five people. All rooms have valley views and their own bathrooms. Simple and comfortable design, this Chambre d'hôtes is ideally positioned to explore nearby Angers and the chateaus of the Loire Valley. A short drive to the pretty and historical villages of Saumur, Fontevraud l'Abbaye and the large Textile town of Cholet.
Your stay includes: Heated pool, air-conditioning, breakfast and excellent tariffs starting from €70 for two persons. Book direct with the owner via the link below. If you are a larger group see our 'GITES' section.
Popular activities: Hot air ballooning, cycling, golf, horse riding and of course, the majestical Chateaux of the Loire at your doorstep.
www.lefiefdescordeliers.com
49570 Montjean sur Loire, t: 33 (0)2 41 43 96 09
Le Manoir de la Giaudière
— A stylish Manor equipped with restaurant and large rooms. The elegant exterior is the famous ‘tuffeau' stone, once carved out of the nearby cliff face to build many famous cheateaux of the Loire. The large garden is wonderful is great for ball games. This country style accommodation is situated in the middle of the great wine growing region of Chinon. Evening meals and breakfast are served in the rustic style restaurant. The evening menu focuses on traditional meals and sourcing only local prized produce.
This is budget accommodation with many rooms less than 80 euros for two and one with special dedicated space for the 'pooch'.
www.giraudiere.com
37420 Beaumont en Véron t: 33 (0)2 47 58 40 36
Le Saint Jacques, Sologne
— This is not your usual B&B but one run by a very passionate Anglo-French hotellier who wants share all the unique feature 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 to the fireplace in Winter.
Your stay at the Le Saint Jacques is deep 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 are 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 bike from the B&B and cycle to various museums and discover the surrounding forest, ponds as well as a few surprising chateau sites.
Rooms: Small but compact and comfortable. Guests are encouraged to relax in the TV room close by to your room or the salon downstairs. For families its perfect as you can occupy the two rooms on the premier 'etage' and relax in the adjacent TV/games room.
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
Chez Teresa
— If you have always wanted to stay in a quintessential French village you won’t find a prettier one than Fontevraud L'Abbaye. Two charming rooms in the heart of the village, below is an English Tea house. The owners also offer creative writing courses, more details at the site link below.
www.chezteresa.fr
Right next to the Abbaye Fontevraud.
A Chateau of the Templiers
— Chateau: Dates back to the period of 'Knights of the round table' in the 12th Century, the new owners have recently completed their renovation (2008) with new bathrooms and refreshing the rooms with simple modern touches.
Accommodation: Five bedrooms are located in the transformed stables, 10 minutes from the chateau and are quite spacious (24m2). You have the benefit of the grounds with old-aged trees, swimming pool and close to the main town of Tours. From 95 euros
There is also a gite which would suit a family of up to four, situated in the old rose garden of the Templar castle.
17, rue de la Commanderie, Ballan Miré
Manoir de Clairbois
— Elegant accommodation in meticulous grounds right the heart of the Touraine. Countryside but only 15 minutes from 'centre ville' of Tours. I would describe this accommodation as very convenient to explore the attractions of the Loire. Lots of space is offered in all rooms but particularly the Suite (Rose salon) which has two bathrooms - 'his' and 'her' as well as a lovely sitting area (pic).
Run by retired couple, you are welcomed into their home to enjoy the beautiful treasures they have collected from different countries over the years. Breakfast is included and meals can be prepared upon prior arrangement.
www.manoirdeclairbois.com
Manoir de Restigne in the Bourgueil wine district - 4 stars
— I believe the French clasify this property as a 'Maison Demure', mean a very beautiful house. Located in the centre of the Loire Valley's popular wine district Bourgueil, the hotel is surrounded by vineyards. It is close to the quaint town Saumur and only a few minutes from Bourgueil which is small and has a few basic stores. The restaurant, Le Chai, has been enjoying good reviews by local press and is now featured in the Michelin Good Food Guide.
Rooms: Larger than most of the surrounding chateaux. Simple and elegant, all in the mood of 18th Century design, not overloaded with colour and fabric but a few elegant pieces. Floorboards and rugs, rather than carpet and all feature walk-in wardrobes. Choice of either shower or bath.
After a day's exploring enjoy an aperitif in the Chardonnay bar located next to the restaurant with also welcome external clients.
Enjoy: Swimming, fitness area, bar and restaurant and nearby activities. More in your itinerary.
15 rue de Tours, 37140 Bourgueil
