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The beautiful green river Loire Valley in central France is home to over 100 castles; many are world-famous including the Châteaux d’Amboise, de Villandry and Chenonceau. When you’re visiting castles by day, surely it’s only right that you should stay in one at night; enter Chateau de la Barre!
Location
The chateau is less than 2 hours south west of Paris, between Chartres, Le Mans and Tours in the heart of the Loire Valley. You are perfectly located for visiting the castles of the Loire Valley; each offers its own unique magic; Chinon with its prestigious vineyards, Cheverny with its gorgeous furniture, Villandry with its amazing garden and Langeais, the medieval fortress. There are also several charming French villages in the region and some prestigious gardens.
Style & Character
This stunning boutique hotel is privately-owned and has also been home to the family of Count and Countess de Vanssay for more than 610 years! It is the epitome of French elegance, as soon as you catch your first glimpse you begin to understand the opulence, style and understated luxury that await. There’s much to feast your eyes on at the chateau; with a magnificent collection of antiques, tapestries, chandeliers, grand fireplaces and family portraits dating back centuries to browse inside, and outside vast, romantic gardens surrounded by XVIth century fortifications.
Service & Facilities
The peace and tranquillity of the stunning 100-acre private park is immense; wander through the four fragrant flower gardens and take the path down to the pond and river. It’s the perfect place to return to after a pleasant day strolling around the castles of the region and there are plenty of quiet, shady spots where you can enjoy a glass of locally produced cider, read a book or just watch the sheep roaming. The reception rooms are magnificent; from the ornate Grand Salon to the inviting Billiard Room, make sure you don’t cram your days here and leave some time to spend in the castle rooms. Despite the historic setting, all the modern comforts of a boutique hotel are present here with an added luxury befitting of your surroundings.
The service here is simply extraordinary, the Count and Countess are exceedingly good hosts ad welcome you into their home with open arms. They are more than happy to assist you with anything you need throughout your stay; from planning local excursions and making your reservations at their favourite local restaurants, to filling you in on the history of their remarkable house and family. If you’re interested in how the French aristocracy lived, this is the place to live and breathe it.
Rooms
There are just 3 suites and 2 rooms which makes the experience even more intimate. Each guest room is unique and individually designed with antiques, oil paintings, designer fabrics and Versailles parquet floors. All have an en-suite bathroom, most of which include a bath; if bathrooms are your thing then it has to be Suite Marin de Vanssay with a simply exceptional bathroom. If you love a view, Suite Esprit de Jouy enjoys a Juliet balcony and a large window overlooking the garden and park. The suites can be combined with single or small double rooms which would be ideal for a travelling family. It’s tough to choose which room as they are all so beautiful; several of the rooms are based around a colour so why not pick your favourite and see if there’s a room to match!
Food & Drink
The highlight of your stay is very likely to be the elegant formal dinners hosted twice a week by the Count and Countess in the Grand Dining Room. It’s a fascinating opportunity to socialise with your fellow guests and hear tales of the history of the family. The Count likes to select a vintage wine or two from the chateau wine cellar which is home to 150 different French wines to ensure a really memorable evening. A generous English breakfast is served daily with local delicacies aplenty, when you’re off sightseeing, a picnic hamper can be provided and come the evening, enjoy a three-course brasserie style dinner served on the terrace or in the small dining room. There are also a number of gourmet restaurants in the nearby villages and your hosts will happily furnish you with tips of the best.
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