Location: Francueil, Tours Area, Centre-Loire Valley, France, Europe (Walking Distance from Chenonceaux, 7 Km from Bléré)
Accommodations: Apartment, 1 Bedroom + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 1 Bath (Sleeps 2)
Keywords: Apartment
Try and imagine the perfect holiday paradise for two with no other "hidden" cottages/apartments to share the pool and garden ... well, this is it!
Les Petites Ouldes, offers you part of a wing of a wonderful manor, set in the heart of châteaux country (less than 2 km away from its crowning jewel, Chenonceaux) where you can relax to your hearts' content.
Valerie will welcome you warmly on your arrival and leaves you a light supper with wine as well as your first French breakfast basics. After that, all you need to do is relax and enjoy the many delights in this part of the world: châteaux, restaurants, wonderful open markets and bakeries, delightful villages and churches, wine tasting, golf or whatever grabs you! Or you may just wish to stay put on your own private terrace or by the pool to read, paint or lounge in the secluded 5 acre garden. Impressive towns such as Tours, Angers, Sancerre and Poitiers are all within a couple of hours' drive.
At certain times of the year there are fabulous music festivals, also ... shopping is always good, in elegant and bustling Tours - only 40 minutes away.
Valerie lives in the main part of the house and is only too happy to give advice and help, but will never invade your privacy. In the eight years of renting, many couples have returned year in and year out and are now good friends, the Visitors' book bears witness to this.
If you wish, and if the season is right - you can buy organic vegetables from Valerie's garden, she will also be happy to cook a meal that you may eat with her, as 'table d'hôte' or in the intimacy of your own accommodation. She also gives inspiring cooking lessons and will prepare dishes from fresh produce for you if you don't feel like cooking.
Now there are heating panels in each room for off season renting. Come in April or October, sightsee without the crowds and curl up after dinner with one of the many good videos available.
Booking is by weekly periods, Wednesday to Wednesday, and is for two people only. You can reach Les Petites Ouldes by car, train and car hire and Ryan Air flies from Stansted UK to Tours where you can hire a car.
Regrettably, pets, children and smokers are not admitted.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Beds
- King Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Ping Pong/Table Tennis
- Private Pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Communications
- Telephone
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Small vineyard in the property, house wines available. Booking Wed to Wed for ease of travel, cooking lessons possible,electric central heating in all rooms for off season bookings,
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations)
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations)
- Not Suitable for Children
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Hiking
Rate Details (In Euros)
Jun ............... €670/week
Jul & Aug ......... €720/week
All other months .. €600/week
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 1976
Property Photos
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- - Châteaux Country Vacation Rental Apartment with a pool, in Francueil, France.
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- - Châteaux Country Vacation Rental Apartment with a pool, in Francueil, France.
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- - Châteaux Country Vacation Rental Apartment with a pool, in Francueil, France.
Traveler Reviews (23)
Perfect Loire Valley Getaway
Guest: Stewart
(Charlotte, NC USA)
Date of Stay: 09/29/11
Review Submitted: 10/27/11
My wife and I stayed at Les Petits Ouldes as our base for exploring the Loire Valley. After a day of exploring chateaux, it was so relaxing to return home to the quietness and solitude for a glass of wine and a quiet meal away from the tourist scene. Valerie, our hostess, was charming, gracious and so hospitable, from providing some basic supplies and a welcoming quiche as an arrival meal to sharing a bottle of her own wine. Her recommendations for grocery shopping, sightseeing, and dining (especially assisting with reservations) added immeasurably to our enjoyment. Dinner one evening with Valerie was a special treat. The property was neat and clean, well maintained, and furnished with all the facilities one would require. I would, without hesitation, recommend this property to a friend and consider staying again in the future. Thank you Valerie (with a special pat to Ratatouille).
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway.
A wonderful week
Guest: Ssan
(Mansfield, MA USA)
Date of Stay: 09/19/11
Review Submitted: 10/03/11
Just wanted to echo so many of the other reviews already provided. Our stay couldn't have been better. The property is so peaceful, the accommodations were lovely. Especially enjoyed the sun-filled kitchen and the very large bathroom, particularly after the tiny shower we experienced during our previous week in Paris. We rented a car and visited a different village each day of our stay. Valerie was very warm and welcoming, and went out of her way to accommodate us during the last night of our stay when there was a mix-up with our reservation. I highly recommend spending a week at Les Petites Ouldes - you won't regret it!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway.
A home away from home
Guest: Caroline
(Sydney, NSW, Australia)
Date of Stay: 06/08/11
Review Submitted: 07/27/11
We had a wonderful week at this quiet, character filled property, located in the chateau region of the Loire valley, very close to Chenonceau. The property is very private, providing a refuge away from the "maddening" crowds which swarm many of the chateaux in the area. There is a small village within walking distance but a car is essential to see places of real interest. The property is spacious with everything you need for self-catering or just relaxing with a bottle of local wine and goodies from the regional markets. The outdoor grounds are also charming and include a private terrace attached to the apartment, a small vineyard and pool area. However, our fondest memories of our week at this charming property are in relation to the owner, Valerie and her four legged friend, Ratty (Ratatouille). I left this property feeling that I would like to be long term friends with both. It is wonderful to travel to the other side of the world and meet strangers who are so warm, welcoming and thoughtful. Thanks again Valerie (and Ratty)!
Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, tourists without a car.
A Great Place to Relax or Be on the Go
Guest: Margaret
(Washington, DC)
Date of Stay: 07/06/11
Review Submitted: 07/26/11
The stay at Les Petite Ouldes was everything the reviews we read said it would be. The welcome by Valerie was warm and the amenities were first rate. We arrived in the late afternoon and were able to enjoy a swim in the pool and the light dinner that was prepared for us. The location was ideal for visiting various chateaux in the middle Loire Valley but it was also a great place to just hang out. The patio was nice for meals and the living room and kitchen sitting area were both ideal for reading, writing and just relaxing. The kitchen had all the equipment for a simple meal and there was a supermarket not far away for supplies. All in all, it was a great place to decompress and get into the vacation mood.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway.
Paradise in the Loire Valley
Guest: Charmaine and Ed
(Oakville, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/24/11
Review Submitted: 07/19/11
We spent an amazing month at Les Petites Ouldes between the latter part of March and April of 2011. The owner was a gracious hostess and believe us when we say she made us feel like part of her family. A vehicle is essential if you want to discover a good portion of the Loire Valley and we managed to cover comfortably about a 150 km radius from home base. Even at that, there were areas we could not manage during our month long stay as we simply ran out of time.There is so much to see and do. For those not quite so adventurous, there is plenty to do much closer to home or simply relax and chill out by the pool. The pool area hadn't been opened during our early in the year visit and we can only imagine the comfort of having a swim during the hot weather. Coming from a northern climate we found the shower more than adequate with plenty of hot water! The apartment was spotless and most comfortable. The owner is usually alway on the premises and she is at your service to answer any questions you may have. The apartment while spacious only sleeps two persons comfortably.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers, romantic getaway.
Loire Paradise
Guest: Betsy and John
(New York, NY USA)
Date of Stay: 03/20/11
Review Submitted: 07/18/11
When we read about Les Petites Ouldes on VRBO we thought it sounded too good to be true. It WAS too good, but it was true. The location -- just one and a half kilometers from Chenonceaux -- was ideal for our week of exploring beautiful chateaux, gardens and picturesque villages on the eastern end of the Loire. We loved fixing our own breakfasts in the bright, airy kitchen/sitting room, and looked forward to getting home in the late afternoon for a bottle of Valerie's superb cabernet from her vineyards on both sides of the long driveway. The best dinners we had were those Valerie prepared for us, but on other nights we shopped at whatever traitteur we happened to see. And best of all, elegant, caring and informed Valerie, born in England, has lived in the Loire Valley for 30 years, and can advise you on every chateau, garden, abbey, village and beautiful drive from Blois to Angers. Les Petite Ouldes is a dream. GO!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, age 55+.
For Visitors of All Ages!
Guest: Justin & Sarah
(New York)
Date of Stay: 06/01/11
Review Submitted: 07/17/11
C'est magnifique.... those are the two words we'd use to describe our experience at Les Petites Oudles. The owner, Valerie, is pleasant and extremely prepared to make your stay a memorable experience. The bedroom has a comfortable queen sized bed and is quite large enough for 2 people to live comfortably. The kitchen is well equipped; when we arrived the kitchen was already stocked with some provisions so that we wouldn't have to go to the grocery immediately upon arrival... Thanks Valerie, you think of everything! The sitting room is cozy, has Cable TV, and a VCR with a variety of classic movies for your enjoyment. We spent quite a bit of time simply enjoying meals and quiet conversation on the private patio space, which is fantastic. The pool is enjoyable and convenient. There are grills available for you to use. Go to the local farmer's market in Montrichard and pick up some food to grill for your evening meal! The grounds of the estate are pleasant and ideal for wandering around peacefully. When we initially found this this property available, we noticed posts and recommendations for age 55+ visitors. As visitors who are in our early 30's, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would certainly stay at Les Petites Oudles again. We hope the title for this review, "For Visitors of All Ages", helps encourage all of you to seriously consider this excellent rental. We're confident that you'll be happy you selected this location. Happy Trails! Justin & Sarah
Recommended for:Sightseeing, families with young children, girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, families with teenagers.
Gorgeous Loire Manor in Franceuil lives up to its name
Guest: Marileno
(Novato, California, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/06/10
Review Submitted: 12/03/10
My partner and I stayed at Les Petites Ouldes in the Loire Valley in October of 2010, and found it to be one of the loveliest experiences of our lives. The listing photos do not do it justice. The grounds are green and immaculate, the property itself beautifully maintained. Valerie Faccini, the owner, could not have been more charming, warm and helpful, generous with her time, endlessly patient with our questions. I would recommend this property to a friend, relative, or stranger! Because it was so comfortable on the premises themselves, and because we had just come from a very full ten days in Paris, we stayed close to "home", except for a visit to the magnificent chateau at Chenonceau. And we took long walks around the beautiful little town quite often, when the weather cooperated. Valerie gave us a cooking lesson, and also cooked us a delicious five-course meal on the night before we had to leave. (To say she is a gourmet cook is tantamount to saying the Eiffel Tower is nice.) I cannot praise the whole experience much further without sounding too effusive. Suffice to say that if we are given a chance to revisit the Loire Valley, the delightful apartment at Les Petities Ouldes will happily be our destination of choice.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway, tourists without a car.
"Six Star" Loire Retreat!
Guest: Vicki
(Oakton, Virginia, USA)
Date of Stay: 09/01/10
Review Submitted: 09/22/10
If it were possible to give "Les Petites Ouldes" six stars, we would certainly do so! It was everything the listing promised - and more. The apartment was charmingly decorated and fitted with all the little amenities that make a stay so comfortable. Best of all was the walled-in terrace - a peaceful retreat at the end of a day of sightseeing. And while we felt that we were out in the peace of the countryside, it was very conveniently located for touring all the sites of the Loire Valley, though you will need to have a rental car. Valerie made us feel completely welcome - from the first night supper to our last day. She provided wonderful recommendations for places to eat and happily made reservations. One of the highlights of the trip was our cooking lesson and subsequent dinner with her and a friend. We truly felt that we were spending an evening with gracious friends! You cannot go wrong with a booking here! (One note - the washing machine was a wonderful asset and we made full use of it, as we like to pack light. Be warned however that it is tiny - holding 2 - 3 pairs of blue jeans in one load.)
Recommended for:Sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway.
Highlight of our Holiday
Guest: Maggie
(Melbourne/Australia)
Date of Stay: 05/25/10
Review Submitted: 09/19/10
After returning from 2 months in Europe, the highlight of our holiday was our week spent at Les Petites Ouldes with Valerie. The "gite" offers lovely comfortable accommodation with lots of special extras as well - flowers in the rooms, beautiful food prepared by Valerie awaits you upon arrival but most importantly the care Valerie takes of her guests without being intrusive. What a wonderful experience it was and a marvellous place to stay as a base for the Loire Valley. We will hopefully return in a couple of years to once again enjoy this gorgeous and serene setting. Our advice to anyone considering a week or 2 in the valley - Les Petites Ouldes is perfect. Maggie and Charles (Melbourne)
Recommended for:Sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #222100
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