First the Chateau: It is beautiful, rich with history and the rooms are exceptio…

First the Chateau: It is beautiful, rich with history and the rooms are exceptional like all the other reviewers said. I paid an entrance fee to see places that were less nice to see! All the rooms are spacious, beautiful and have Hermes toiletries. Going for a walk on the property is also definitely a pleasurable experience. You will not be disappointed with your accommodation, so don’t worry about that. Now for the real reason for this review - The hosts. When we arrived, we felt like we were visiting old friends. We were warmly welcomed just like one would expect from a place like this. We were given a tour of the property on request which was very nice. What we didn’t expect is how genuinely friendly and pleasant our host were. We returned to the Chateau after a very unpleasant experience at a restaurant and shared it with our hosts. They were as supportive as the best family would be and had us feeling better within a couple of minutes. The experience was something that might have put quite a damper on our holiday, but thanks to our hosts we were all laughing again a little while later whilst enjoying a nice bottle of French red wine. Their home-made “medicine” may also have helped some… ;-) Not only did they turn a nasty experience into a nice story to tell, but they also made sure the experience didn’t repeat itself. They phoned and made a booking at a restaurant in the town we would be staying the next evening and we had a very nice meal there. Thank you, we will definitely be back.

Staying here is like going back in time. This beautiful family owned chateau wit…

Staying here is like going back in time. This beautiful family owned chateau with original furnishings was a special four days for my wife and I. The owners were gracious hosts, helpful with suggestions of places to visit along with maps and directions. Be sure to accept their invitation to dinner. The food and wine parings were perfect and the host has a wine list to die for. Mornings started with a delicious breakfast and you might get to visit with Kakoo, a colorful Blue and Gold Macaw. On our last night we had a picnic, with a Montrachet, overlooking the garden and enjoying the setting sun.

One would have to go a very long way to match this Chateau vacation experience. …

One would have to go a very long way to match this Chateau vacation experience. Proprietors are committed to sharing all that is wonderful and beautiful about the Loire Valley and have extensive knowledge of the rich history and numerous amenities of the environs. They have thoughtfully and lovingly restored this historic property and created rooms that are sumptuous and luxurious. I enjoyed a wonderful breakfast with them while planning the day's activities, and later on, a divine dinner! If setting is important to you, this is the place. The chateau is situated conveniently between Chartres and Tours, and is an amazingly quick ride on the modern TGV train from Paris - 43 minutes to Vendôme. But more importantly, one finds oneself at this Chateau, in the midst of peaceful romantic gardens, in the heart of all that is Loire. If wine is important to you, this is the place. Viticulture has played an important role for centuries in this region, and the diversity of fine wines will enthral you. Take a vineyard tour or simply enjoy regional specialties with a meal overlooking the valley. If history is important to you, this is the place. A quiet retreat in the midst of the legacy of the Kings of France and today a Unesco World Heritage site. Chenonceau, Amboise, Chambord, Blois......the dramatic love triangle between Catherine de Medici, Henry II and Diane de Poitiers is palpable, as are the poignant final days of Leonardo da Vinci in Clos Lucé , where Francis I installed the Italian artist. If gardens are important to you, this is the place. The Chateau is set in magnificent grounds - 100 acres of enchanted gardens, ponds, paths and meadows. Known throughout the world for their splendour and beauty, the gardens of the Loire serve as inspiration for all. Le Jardin du Petit Bordeaux, the Garden of Sasnieres, the National Forrest Park of Bercé, Valmer, la Possonnière and the renowned Villandry may all take your breath away. A 3-day, "Gardens of the Loire Valley" tour can be arranged. If classic cars are important to you, this is the place. Imagine driving in your own unique convertible, along country roads, visiting vineyards, castles and stopping for a cool glass of Loire wine. The owner can set you up! If people are important to you, this is the place. The owners take the time to personalize your experience and ensure the success of your holiday. They work tirelessly to ensure your comfort and to help you prioritize your time. They are interesting and genuine people, and it is most likely you will leave having made new friends. My time at this Chateau was special and unforgettable. For me, it was all that a holiday could be.

Staying in a Chateau owned by the family of a Count and Countess for 600 years s…

Staying in a Chateau owned by the family of a Count and Countess for 600 years sounded like a once in a lifetime experience: but now we've been there we would love to go again. From the moment we booked and received an email from the owner welcoming us and offering tips on our trip to the Chateau, we knew we had found something very special. Their gracious welcome and the ambience of the historic Chateau were just the beginning. The owner, a charming raconteur, explained the history and culture of the area as he guided us through his home. His wife provided delicious food, and detailed daily trip itineraries to Loire chateaux and gardens, including dinner bookings on our way home. He told us about terroir and how important it is to complement food with wine from the same soil. She taught us about what to see and do. On 2 of the 4 evenings we ate at the Chateau - once experiencing the Grand Siècle dinner in the formal dining room and drawing room; and once a relaxed charcuterie in the billiard room where centuries ago everyone would have lived. There is a renaissance feel about the hospitality here: travellers and hosts sharing their interesting experiences and insights. We met some fascinating people. Our room, the Suite aux Fleurs, was absolutely charming with a stunning bathroom in the watchtower overlooking the old fortifications and family chapel. We cannot recommend this chateau enough. As the owner would say " your mission, if you choose to accept it"!

My stay at this chateau was absolutely wonderful. The count and countess, were v…

My stay at this chateau was absolutely wonderful. The count and countess, were very warm and welcoming. My room was beautifully decorated in the style of the period, having most of the original furnishings, yet without being overly ornate. The bed was extremely comfortable and I had no problems sleeping. To add to all that charm, the view from my window was idyllic. The owner, an amazing cook prepared delicious meals effortlessly and her husband was a walking wine encyclopedia. The 100-acre property offered opportunities for long walks through nature to refresh and calm the soul. . The hosts have managed to give their guests the experience of a true castle combined with the feeling of being comfortable in your own home. I look forward to returning and bringing more people with me.

This place is a real gem. The owners offer a very personal service. The rooms ar…

This place is a real gem. The owners offer a very personal service. The rooms are lovely, and although the house is packed with art and furnishings worthy of a museum, the place is very much alive and relaxed. The food was excellent, but was very special was the attention that our hostess gives to ensure her guests get the best from visiting the locality, and the tour of the Chateau by her husband, who gives a fascinating insight into its history. Perhaps for a long stay the place could become a little claustrophobic, but as a base for exploring the area for two or three nights there could be nowhere better.

What more to say. I went with my with for five nights in late July and we loved …

What more to say. I went with my with for five nights in late July and we loved it. Each day was better than the previous. While its location can be a bit challenging for some of the day trips we took, the room, grounds, and most importantly the hosts made it an incredibly special and unique trip. The proprietors and hosts make this a very special experience. The hostess in particular made each day special, helping us plan our itinerary, booking restaurants, wine tastings, and outings and quickly learning what worked for us. She booked an amazing hot air balloon ride, and we departed from the front lawn of the chateau. Additionally, the other guests were all interesting and engaging. The other guests were all Europeans and indulged us by only speaking English. Each morning, the lovely breakfast with just a few other guests around a single table made for an environment that encouraged conversations and engagement. The room was beautiful and the chateau was amazing. While the plumbing is a little noisy, everything worked well and we had no problems or issues. Truly a special experience.

Booked for two nights and stayed for three. Lovely greeting with a bottle of hom…

Booked for two nights and stayed for three. Lovely greeting with a bottle of home made Cider, lots of information about what to do, reservations made for restaurants and golf, nothing was a bother to our hosts. We were made to feel welcome from the start and it is obvious that our Hosts enjoy what they do, which makes a stay of this kind so enjoyable. The accommodation is excellent as was the breakfast each day and the elegant dinner given one evening by our Hosts. The location is good and handy to some very fine restaurants and attractions. We would happily stay there again and highly recommend it to anyone.

Magic! The owners insure each guest’s needs are met, including assisting in trav…

Magic! The owners insure each guest’s needs are met, including assisting in travel changes. Thoughtfulness resembles what one gets when you go to the home of dear friends or relatives. Amour et enthousiasme En ne secret sont demeurée!

All I can say is, definitely do the Grand Siecle Dinner. It was the highlight of…

All I can say is, definitely do the Grand Siecle Dinner. It was the highlight of our stay at the Chateau. The hosts here will go out of their way to help you. All in all, a wonderful (if expensive) addition to our time in the Loire.

Stop searching..if you want to stay in the Loire Valley you've found the place! …

Stop searching..if you want to stay in the Loire Valley you've found the place! The chateau is the elegant yet cozy home of the Comte and Comtesse de Vanssay. You will know them as the owners and they will make you feel as though you are a part of their historical family for your entire stay. The owner is a lovely gentlewoman who takes her role as the ultimate hostess very seriously. Her husband is very knowledgeable and witty and will provide plenty of lively conversation! Meals are served in an easy but opulent style, touring itineraries are thoughtfully composed according to your personal style and wishes, sleeping and bathing chambers are outfitted with the finest accoutrements to insure your comfort. She cheerfully sees to your every need which will even include baggage handling! Ask her husband for a tour and history of his family and be sure to see the family chapel on the property. This was our second visit to this chateau, the first being our honeymoon five years ago. They went beyond the call of duty to insure our anniversary stay was perfect. We truly felt like well cared for royalty and will plan a return trip as soon as possible!

Stayed 5 nights at the chateau and it was fantastic. From guys home made cider w…

Stayed 5 nights at the chateau and it was fantastic. From guys home made cider welcome to marnis detailed touring plans, everything was perfect! We stayed in the yellow room and it was lovely. The grand siècle dinner was a feast! Tours of castles and wineries were arranged every day comple with maps and lunch reservations. A great base to see the many interesting towns of the Loire valley!