Tag: Loire Valley

“A Place of Calm” – yes, exactly as advertised! After spending a few glorious (but cold and busy) days in Paris, including running the Half-Marathon, it was a pleasure to unwind at this beautiful gem. We were warmly greeted by George and Jean Pierre, but we must confess we most appreciated the friendly welcome by Charlemagne (Charlie), their beautiful bi-lingual Bernese mountain dog! (We missed our dogs at home!) The owners’ hospitality, recommendations, and attention to detail (both in their gorgeous chateau and the guest accommodations) were much appreciated. Thank you for the wine and flowers, and milk in the fridge! Our vineyard suite looked exactly as pictured and was extremely clean, comfortable, and well-designed. Perfect location for chateau-hopping (we visited 8 in 3 days at a leisurely pace).

We were lucky to arrive on a Monday, so we stocked up at the fantastic Tuesday outdoor market in Bourgueil, and enjoyed cooking several meals in our apartment. Don’t miss the Cafe Metry (patisserie/ salon de the) for their outstanding pains au chocolat and coffees. We also very much enjoyed dinners at La Rose de Pindar and La Trattoria (excellent crepes – but cash only unless you have a credit card with la puce). Everyone was very friendly. The village center is a 15 minute pleasant walk. Yes, we were there during the off-season, weather was chilly and not much was in bloom, but that was offset by the lack of crowds and the solitude – merci George, Jean Pierre, and Charlie, for sharing your place of calm. We hope to rent from Historic Rentals again, perhaps one of your lovely Paris apartments.

A la prochaine!

– Carlsbad, California USA

What a wonderful place! I planned on staying at the Chateau des Sablons few weeks and ended up staying eight after seeing the place. George and John-Pierre are gracious hosts who have thought of everything (not just flowers and wine, but ice cubes in each apt)! They are always available to assist, and never intrude. I’ve stayed in five different suites, and each are beautifully furnished (great beds), peaceful, and private. The grounds are magnificent, and are as shown in the photos. The location could not be better to enjoy everything the Loire has to offer –  nice walk to town, great bike riding, and a day trip to anywhere. To all singles, couples, families, friends, lovers, etc.  I recommend this place without reservation to any and all! Oh, and there great wifi too – a rarity. Thank you gentlemen for such an ideal start to my time in this beautiful country.