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Le Clos des Guyons offers superb accommodation in a pre-revolutionary wine maker's house in the medieval village of Le Puy Notre Dame. Complete with its own caves and Chais, Le Clos des Guyons is an atmospheric base from which to discover the Royal Valley of France. Our 2 apartments (see our website for detailed info.) are fully modernised and equipped, but retain much of the old stone and beams and we provided all bedding and towels.
Centered around the gated, walled courtyard, our guests can expect total privacy, but to the right of the property is the village with its bar, bakery, supermarket, etc., and to the left the vineyards. Safe within its own walled garden is the attractive flower decked terrace and pool. Renown for its wine and its mushrooms, both stored and produced in its 120 kilometres of caves, Le Puy Notre Dame has been granted its own wine appellation with effect from 2006.
Situated as we are in the centre of the Loire Valley, there is easy access to the treasures of this famous region, including the glory of its historic Chateaux and famous edifices like Fontenfraud, the burial place of Richard the Lionheart and other Planteganants. In summer, the region is alive with festivals, both big and small, including several in our own village not least being the "Grand Prix Retro" when over 100 pre-1939 cars race through the streets.
The ancient towns of the Loire, where much of the history of France (and England) has been played out are all between 5 minutes and 1 hour from Le Clos des Guyons; these are towns like historic Angers with its priceless tapestries housed in its glowering chateau, pretty Saumur guarded by its fairy tale castle,Tours with its bustling restored city centre, Montreuil-Bellay, the last medieval, walled town in Anjou with its impressive Chateau and riverside walks one of which pays homage to Tolkien given that the area seems to be a replica of Middle-Earth, complete with cave dwellings, castles etc.
Two of France's greatest theme parks; Futurescope and Puy de Fou are within easy travelling distances and the upmarket coastal town of La Rochelle is just under two hours away. But don't forget that all this sightseeing can make you forget the essence of the region, the calm and laid back lifestyle which have led the French themselves to invent the term "le douceur angevine", literally the sweetness of life in Anjou.
Wine is a vital part of social life here in the Loire Valley and as an ex-wine buyer, I can help you to appreciate and discover some of the gems of the region, either by arranging structured wine courses or, if you don't feel up to that, by simply pointing you in the right direction and arranging "degustations". Our extensive website has a large photo gallery which will enable you to view all the facilities in great detail. |
