Vacation Rentals by Owner

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:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A home away from home

Guest: Caroline (Sydney, NSW, Australia)
Date of Stay: 06/08/11 Review Submitted: 07/26/11

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+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

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:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

"Six Star" Loire Retreat!

Guest: Vicki (Oakton, Virginia, USA)
Date of Stay: 09/01/10 Review Submitted: 09/21/10

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:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Peaceful Countryside Retreat

Guest: Nancy and Sandy (Collin gwood, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/11/10 Review Submitted: 08/23/10

The picture of the long drive up to Les Petite Ouldes is what sold us on staying there and it did not disappoint! It is grand looking but without being too formal. This gite is comforting place to retreat to at the end of a long day of touring Chateaus and gardens and everything else this beautiful area of the Loire Valley has to offer. The owner Valerie, was warm and welcoming and upon arrival, provided us with a meal and starter provisions. She was very helpful in answering any questions we had. Also she set up a reservation at a local gastronomical delight called Auberge du Bon Laboueur, where we celebrated our Anniversary with a memorable dinner. We would recommend Les Petites Ouldes. It is clean, private and close to all you would ever want to see and do. The gites location in the small charming village of Francueil was perfect for walking to local amenities such as post office, pubs and market. It has short 15 to 45 minute drives to many local towns. Also a quick 3 minute drive to beautiful Chenonceau and walks along the Cher River. A lovely and relaxing place to stay!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Delightful in every way!

Guest: m b. (North Carolina USA)
Date of Stay: 06/02/10 Review Submitted: 06/08/10

Just returned from the most glorious stay in the Loire.... My daughter and I were so well cared for by the lovely and kind Valerie, we were quite reluctant to leave! I recommend this gite without hesitation and insist that those fortunate enough to discover this little gem deserve to reward themselves with a dinner either in Valerie's garden or at her table. Her creative cooking skills are not to be taken lightly! Can't wait to begin planning our return. We've not only found a wonderful place to stay, but a fabulous friend that we'll look forward to visiting time and again!

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Country Getaway

Guest: treeland (Schomberg, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 04/27/10 Review Submitted: 05/06/10

Have just returned from a wonderful week in France. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Les Petites Ouides with its gracious owner Valerie. Loved the supper provided for us when we arrived and found the apartment to be comfortable and homey. Spent our days visiting chateaux, churches and wineries in the Loire Valley and went to Paris by train for a day. Easy access to all the sites and great to have a cozy place to return to. Highly recommend this retreat. Thanks Valerie for a lovely stay. Paul and Linda Ontario Canada

Recommended for:Age 55+

Delightful Stay

Guest: John and Lynda (Kingston, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/14/10 Review Submitted: 05/15/10

We enjoyed staying at Les Petites Ouldes; a spacious and bright accommodation convenient to all the top ranked sites in the Loire. Located on a large property in a rural village, this gite is tranquil and idyllic. A favourite memory is basking in the early evening sun streaming in through the floor to ceiling windows, while sitting in the kitchen/dining room enjoying a glass of wine after a day of sightseeing. Valerie is the consummate host, leaving a very appreciated delicious supper for the first evening and many welcome items in the fridge. Valerie is readily available when needed to answer questions, to give suggestions, to recommend local restaurants, and helped with information about our train reservations when we fell prey to a French rail strike. She also makes a good white wine! What more can anyone ask! We will certainly recommend this gite to all our family and friends travelling in the area.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Bobby-Anne & Larry (Waynesboro, VA USA)
Date of Stay: 11/08/09 Review Submitted: 11/08/09

Our stay in the Loire Valley exceeded our high expectations in every way and our stay with Valerie was superb. She is kindness personified and genuinely cares about the comfort of her guests. The gite is well furnished and appointed and most comfortable for 2-4 persons. I can only imagine how delightful it would be in the summer to laze by the pool and enjoy dining al freco on the private patio. We feel very pleased to have found Les Petites Ouldes and hope to return in the future. It is a lovely place under the stewardship of a delightful individual and provides an excellent base to explore the Loire chateaux and vineyards.

Recommended for:

Guest: Micheline and J.P. Belanger (Montreal, QC Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/29/09 Review Submitted: 09/29/09

One of the better places we've been. The host, Valerie, welcomed us with many delicate attentions.The gite was spacious, clean and functional. The environment with the gardens, orchard, flower gardens and vineyard was simply gorgeous. Highly recommend this place.

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/10/09 Review Submitted: 07/10/09

Smaller than a chateau but bigger than a farmhouse this gite has vines, fruit trees, a vegetable garden, a swimming pool, and lots of peace and quiet. We especially enjoyed the walled terrace outside the apartment where we had dinner each evening made from the local produce that we found in the markets. A very enjoyable week. Bill and Lynda Toronto

Recommended for:

Guest: Susan and Francesca (St Augustine, FL, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/03/09 Review Submitted: 07/03/09

This is an amazing bit of heaven situated in the beautiful French countryside. It's an easy 2-3 hr car ride from Paris, well marked by road signs. I suggest you get a car; in 30 min to 2 hrs we drove to lovely castles, breathtaking gardens, local markets (like flea markets in the US but with great stuff!), forests for hiking and picnicking and of course, the picturesque villages that dot the countryside. The apartment and grounds are perfect. No exaggeration in the description. It feels spacious and sunny. Great comfy bed. Finally, it's delightful to visit a place where you feel you are a guest, rather than a business booking. I can not imagine a better place to stay.

Recommended for:

Guest: Julie & Kara (Oklahoma/USA)
Date of Stay: 06/28/09 Review Submitted: 06/28/09

What a magnificent stay! Valerie was a wonderful hostess. My sister and I loved the meal left upon our arrival - it was perfect after our drive from Troyes. The additional meal Valerie prepared was nothing short of gourmet and the conversation was delightful. We found touring the chateau's, wineries or just shopping was easy and quite convenient. Overall, this was the highlight of our trip around France. THANK YOU!

Recommended for:

Guest: Lewis and Elizabeth Johnston
Date of Stay: 09/03/08 Review Submitted: 09/02/08

We have spent a peaceful week here at Les Petites Ouldes - the house that cuddles. Thank you for a fine meal on Sunday - it was so good of you to let us include our friends. Thank you also for the take aways - especially the mother of all vinegars! Lewis and Elizabeth

Recommended for:

Guest: Rowena and Martin Brice
Date of Stay: 08/13/08 Review Submitted: 08/12/08

Our fifth time. Have booked for next year. Fabulous place, as always, Martin and Rowena

Recommended for:

Guest: Simon and Sally-Ann Davis Marks
Date of Stay: 06/25/08 Review Submitted: 06/24/08

What a special place! We have had a wonderful relaxing break in glorious surroundings and enjoyed Valerie's splendid hositality. It is such a lovely place - we will be telling all our friends ahout it- they will have to experience "Les Petites Ouldes" to believe it! With all good wishes for the future, Simon and Sally-Ann.

Recommended for:

Guest: Pauline and Colin Craft
Date of Stay: 07/25/07 Review Submitted: 07/24/07

We have thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quiet in this beautiful place. We just wish we didn't have to leave but hopefully it won't be too long before we can visit again. Thank you very much, Valerie, for a lovely stay. Pauline and Colin

Recommended for: