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Sleeps 2+1infant |
 | Toddler books, bath toys, DVDs, ride-ons, soft toys and general toys are provided. A ball pit may be provided on request. |
 | The grounds have toddler-Friendly swings, a sand pit, and a boules pitch. |
 | 2 x Cot (travel), Highchairs (2), Stairgates, Baby Bath, Steriliser, Changing Mat, Hand Blender, Sippy Cups/Plastic crockery, plastic cutlery, cupboard locks and socket covers are available on request. Please request prior to arrival. |
 | John and Annemarie offer a brilliant pre-arrival shopping service that can include baby essentials such as nappies, formula, food jars, wipes etc and a handy, optional, breakfast (delicious fresh-baked breads and croissants) and dinner service (15 per head). Both can be delivered to the gite or enjoyed in the main house dining room. |
Arrivals and Departures:
Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 10:30
Payment:
Reservation Deposit: 25%
Balance: 0 days prior to arrival
Capacity:
Sleeps: 2 + Cot-Sleeping Infants
Set in the heart of Burgundy, this pretty 18th century former merchant's house with its two stylish gites is a haven for foodies with tots in tow. The tastes of the region will be more than a little familiar to wine buffs, being one of the world's highest regarded wine producers, whilst the lush rural scenery will strike a chord with film fans, as it formed the backdrop to the film 'Chocolat', staring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. Whilst parents drink in the sights and tastes of the region, mini guests are quickly at home in the spacious grounds with ride-ons, sand pit and occasional ball pool, plus four-legged friend in the form of 'Percy' the potbellied pig.
Friendly owners and ex-pats John and Annmarie Williams run Manoir itself as a b&b but recently converted the barn opposite (across a quiet lane) into two loft-style 1-bedroom gites sleeping 2-4, and designed for small families. The well-equipped gites come with a host of baby and toddler gear, toys, DVDs and books, and chic interiors blending dark wood flooring, contemporary furnishings (including a sofabed) and a light bright colour scheme. There's central heating so it’s warm even in winter The original apex beams and large barn windows have been restored flooding them with light and space. The large windows are now Juliet balconies (safely enclosed) opening out onto inspiring views of the Auxois hills and bring the outside in - especially lovely on long summer evenings, especially if taking advantage of the meal delivery service in which guests of the gites can pre-order evening meals, and breakfasts, to be enjoyed at their own gite dining tables.
Annmarie's cooking comes highly recommended and her repertoire includes kiddie favourites so there's no need to cook at all, although with such modern and well equipped kitchens, as well as wonderful fresh produce markets on the doorstep, it would be criminal not to for at least one meal.
In addition to the meal delivery, the Williams' also offer a great pre-arrival shopping service allowing guests to pre-order anything from nappies, wipes and baby jars to wine, bread and cheese. Combined with the useful list of baby gear provided including cots, highchairs, changing mats and baby baths (full list in grey box below), it all makes for light packing and immediate relaxation the moment guests arrive. Simply unload the cases and relax with a chilled glass of Burgundy's finest, some fine French cheeses and let junior explore the toy collection or two acre gardens. Maybe enjoy a leisurely game of Pétanqe (Boule) under the dappled shade of trees, visit Percy the pet pot-bellied pig or set up a BBQ and sit at the barn's impressive communal table.
La Chouette qui Chante is set in the tiny village of La Motte-Ternant on the edge of the beautiful Morvan Park region renowned for its scenic rivers, lakes and forests, and featured in Celtic mythology.
As one of the world's most important wine regions, Burgundy has a wonderful combination of wealthy vineyards, historic towns and Romanesque architecture. It is also regarded as the gastronomic and wine capital of France and it certainly lives up to its name. Local bistros and Michelin starred restaurants sit side by side in picture postcard villages. Don't miss a chance to sample the Michelin star winner Bernard Loiseau's famous restaurant in nearby Salieu (10mins drive) and there's no need to get a babysitter as there's a kids menu and playroom, thanks to, executive chef, Patrick Berton's passion for children developing a knowledge of good food. There's also a spa so parents can take turns with pampering whilst the other enjoys a drink on the terrace and little ones play in the garden or play room... very civilised!
Also not to be missed is a visit to pretty Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, which was the setting for much of the film 'Chocolat'. Sadly for Mums, Johnny Depp has moved on and Dads will no doubt be sad to hear that Juliette Binoche isn't still whipping up sinful chocolates, but the village still has its charm.
The surprisingly child-friendly city of Dijon is within a 40minute drive and has a wonderfully compact and well-preserved medieval centre, which is easy on little legs. The fountains in the Place de la Liberation are a magnet for children and the cafés surrounding the car-free square are a perfect place for parents to relax with a glass of wine while the kids dart around the fountains. For more sophisticated fayre try Restaurant Stephane Derbord in Place Wilson, which has a 'Little Gourmets' menu. Burn off the calories after with a visit is the Parc de la Colombieres where you can rent four-wheeled bikes to pedal on the park’s paths and there are also farm animals and jungle gyms.
Getting There: Approx. 2.5hrs from Paris Charles de Gaulle or Lyon Airports and approx. 4.5hrs from Ferry port at Le Havre
Past Guest Ratings* (Rated by 2 guests)
*BFB cross references all feedback scores with our own booking records to ensure they come from genuine past guests with young children.
Ratings Collated Since February 2010. Some Reviews May Pre-Date This.
Gorgeous place and owners were very charming and warm....
Gorgeous place and owners were very charming and warm.
Overall Experience Rating: 100%
We had a great time and would not hesitate to recommend this property to friends...
We had a great time and would not hesitate to recommend this property to friends. The gite was stylish, clean and comfortable, had stunning views of the countryside and was extremely baby friendly. The owners were extremely helpful and friendly. Overall a really enjoyable experience.
Overall Experience Rating: 100%
Gorgeous place and owners were very charming and warm. Overall Rating: Outstandi...
Gorgeous place and owners were very charming and warm. Overall Rating: Outstanding!
We had a great time and would not hesitate to recommend this property to friends...
We had a great time and would not hesitate to recommend this property
to friends. The gite was stylish, clean and comfortable, had stunning
views of the countryside and was extremely baby friendly. The owners
were extremely helpful and friendly. Overall a really enjoyable
experience. Overall Rating: Outstanding - 5 Stars
This was our second Gite on our three centre honeymoon in France and the most st...
This was our second Gite on our three centre honeymoon in France and the most stylish. We particularly loved the bathroom and the comfortable bed and decor. There were additional charges which we were unaware of when booking, but overall the Gite was very reasonable and we would have no hesitation in recommending it to our friends.
This was our second Gite on our three centre honeymoon in France and the most st...
This was our second Gite on our three centre honeymoon in France and the most stylish. We particularly loved the bathroom and the comfortable bed and decor. There were additional charges which we were unaware of when booking, but overall the Gite was very reasonable and we would have no hesitation in recommending it to our friends. Rated 5 out of 5. Owner responds: Not sure about the 'extra charges' comment - we do charge an extra 10 for baby cot, bedding and towels - but that IS itemised on BFB. We always provide a few essentials and a bottle of wine - but make no extra charges for this. They were model guests, and left super comments in our guest book.
Absolutely stunning and well equipped gite in the middle of most beautiful, rura...
Absolutely stunning and well equipped gite in the middle of most beautiful, rural Burgundy. John and Annemarie are wonderful hosts and provide an excellent meal (dinner/breakfast) service that we would thoroughly recommend. Our 20-month-old son loved playing outside in the (communal) garden and appreciated the toy train and bath ducks that we found in our gite upon arrival. Would recommend to friends with and without children.
Absolutely stunning and well equipped gite in the middle of most beautiful, rura...
Absolutely stunning and well equipped gite in the middle of most beautiful, rural Burgundy. John and Annemarie are wonderful hosts and provide an excellent meal (dinner/breakfast) service that we would thoroughly recommend. Our 20-month-old son loved playing outside in the (communal) garden and appreciated the toy train and bath ducks that we found in our gite upon arrival. Would recommend to friends with and without children.
