Loire Valley Retreat - La Boulangerie

BFB's Overview

Arriving at this pretty Chateau, nestled amongst rolling Loire Valley scenery, it’s easy to see why its friendly Anglo-French owners, Charlotte and Jerome Field, were so enthralled by it that they ditched high flying careers and international travel to roll up their sleeves and transform it into the luxurious yet family friendly small hotel visitors find today.

The spacious cottages are perfectly set up for families to enjoy the best parts of self catering combined with thoughtful boutique hotel style extras to ensure a relaxing break! Cottages have been designed and finished with style, comfort and families in mind. Contemporary bathrooms feature indulgent touches such as deep free-standing baths and luxury toiletries along side rubber ducks and toddler toilet training seats (on request). The beds are all memory foam and modern additions have been included such as iPod docks, TVs, DVD players, hairdryers, dishwashers and washing machines. Although accommodation now all comes with fully fitted kitchens guests can take a break from the cooking with daily breakfast included and optional to book a thrice weekly evening meal service which usually consists of an arrival night family meal on the Saturday, Tuesday night children's tea following by four course gourmet treat for the adults and a Friday night pizza party extending into a light supper for the adults. The perfect solution for families looking for the flexibility of self catering with the pampering and added relaxation which comes with not having to do all the cooking! It is your holiday after all!

The Chateau's grounds are as equally fabulous with a shared, heated outdoor pool, toddler-friendly play area and lots of tranquil seating spots nestled amongst them. The attractions don’t end there as, for wine enthusiasts (and enthusiastic amateurs), the Fields offer free tastings, as well as the opportunity to visit their wine making rooms, as well the opportunity to visit their six hundred year old vaulted cellars.

All of the above combined with the friendly bonhomie of hosts Charlotte and Jerome with their mini-guest instant playmate sons, means it is hardly surprising that just a year after opening, the guest book is crammed with promises to return. Book in now, while you can!

Accommodation Overview - La Boulangerie

This beautiful, cosy cottage faces the Chateau's courtyard and takes its name from the original bread oven which is still visible behind the fireplace. On the ground floor there is a comfortable sitting room with feature fireplace and welcome mod cons including TV (UK and French channels), DVD player and iPod dock. There is a fully fitted, eat in kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine and glass doors which lead out into the courtyard. There is a children's bedroom on this floor with three 80cm single beds and an en-suite bathroom.

Upstairs there is a cosy yet comfortable parent suite with beamed ceilings and double bed. This room also has an en-suite with WC, vanity unit, bath and rain shower.

Location Information

Château de Chargé is located in the heart of the Loire Valley, amongst rolling farmland just 6km south of Chinon between the hamlets of La Roche Clermault and Marcay. Seuilly, the famous home of Rabelais, is just 5km to the west. The wine producing towns of Saumur, Saumur Champigny and Bourgeuil are within 20 kms, while the major historic Châteaux of the region are all within easy access for daytrips (Chinon 6kms, Ussé 12 kms, Azay Le Rideau 25 kms, Villandry 40 kms.).

Owners, Charlotte and Jerome are a mine of useful information on things to do, places to visit and eat out in the region, plus, thanks to their two very young children, they have up to the minute advice on the most suitable places to visit with tots in tow. Top tips include: the local zoo and velo rail, the Chinon 'Petit Train' tour, the Aquarium and Mini Châteaux park.

Getting There: By Car: It is approx 45mins from the A10 travelling south and 30 mins from the A10 when travelling North. By Train: The nearest TGV station is Tours / Saint Pierre des Corps with regular connections from Paris (55 minutes) and Brussels (3 hours). Car hire is available at this station. There is also a TER regional train link from Tours to Chinon town centre. By Plane: It is approx 1 hour from Angers, Tours and Poitiers airports, and 2hrs from Nantes.

Location Map

Nearest Medical Services: Pharmacy in La Roche Clermault (2kms) Paediatrician in Chinon (7kms) A&E department at the Francois Rabelais hospital (9kms)