Main Facade
Location: Chitenay, Centre-Loire Valley, France, Europe (Blois (7 mi); Tours Airport: 75 km/47 mi; Paris CDG:219 Km,) View Map
Accommodations: Cottage, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2.5+ Baths (Sleeps 6-8)
Keywords: French Country, rural Gite, Central Loire Valley, Blois, Cheverny, Sologne, a vacation rental for family reunions in the center of France, sleeps 6 to 8, all generations, vacation rental in the center of France, French Country lifestyle, Loire wines, Loire vineyards, wineries, chateaux hop and stop, gourmet cooking, large living room, three bedrooms two full bathrooms, three WC.
La Ménagerie is a late 18th century stone cottage and former wine-maker’s house, set on two floors in the midst of woods, fields and vineyards. It is a very tranquil location, near a small hamlet of four units. Yet, it is only 11 Km from the city of Blois and right in the heart of a golden triangle of world famous Grand Chateau: Chambord, Chenonceau, Cheverny.
A full renovation completed in 2005, preserved the character of the cottage while making it as comfortable as any contemporary home.
The house enjoys lots of sunlight, with the façades facing north and south. The four skylights on the Northern face give a great view of night skies full of stars. Windows on the west side look towards the pool and nearest hamlet; other windows have views on the surrounding woods and fields.
The house's surface is approximately 2045 square feet, or 190 m2; with its three bedrooms, it can accommodate up to six adults in comfort.
The cottage is typical of the traditional longère style, with a long façade and an upper floor with dormer windows. It is furnished with country style and a few French antiques, with a touch of international contemporary design, and decorated with antique paintings and tapestries. It features wooden ceiling beams, hardwood floors and a fireplace. The dining table can seat eight. The kitchen is equipped with gourmet cooking utensils and equipment. It is open to the living and dining room.
Two of the three bedrooms are on the ground floor. One of them has direct access to the wooden deck that is surrounding the pool. Also on this floor there is a laundry room with a SAUNA, a full bathroom with toilet and a powder room with a toilet and basin.
The third bedroom is upstairs and has a double bed under the roof. It is lightened with two dormer windows and is en suite with a bathroom that has a bathtub, and a powder room with a toilet and basin. The bedroom also opens into a library. On this same first floor, there is a family room with a flat-screen TV and sound system. This family room can accommodate two children or teenagers in a sofa bed. ?
For more details, take a look at the owner's website here-under; it includes a VIRTUAL TOUR and links to the property's PHOTO ALBUM and GUESTS BOOK.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : The washer is in the unit
- Dryer : The dryer is in the unit
- Linens Provided : Plush "American" towels
- Garage : In the barn
- Off Street Parking : 2/3 cars can be parked in the front yard, within the property
- Wood Fireplace : Wood logs at your dsposal
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Convertible Bed : Convertible sofas for 2 youngsters available in the family room
- Entertainment
- Sauna : Finnish sauna, fits 2 comfortably
- Cable/Satellite TV : TNT television provider (about 30 channels, mostly French)
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : Large selection of VHS and DVDs
- CD Player (2)
- Stereo System (2)
- Music Library : Large selection of CDs
- Ping Pong/Table Tennis
- Private Pool : South-West exposure, surrounded by a wooden deck with pergola and picnic table
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Top of the line stove top and oven for gourmet cooking
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Quality cooking utensils; copper pots and saucepans, fine cuttelry
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill (2)
- Deck/Patio : 2 decks/patios: one on the SW facade of the cottage, surrounding the pool; another on the NE facade with garden furniture (tables and chairs) and chaise long
- Gazebo : Pergola
- Communications
- Telephone : Local calls
- Computer : iMac (desktop)
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Free of charge. No WEP key is necessary to be connected.
- Other Amenities
- 6 bicycles for adults, plus 2 for kids; books and guide books, local and regional maps; Tennis, badminton and ping pong rackets; 1 set of basic golf clubs; Hammock; volley-ball and badminton nets; bocce/"petanque"; indoor games (Scrabble,etc.); Flat screen TV.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations) : First floor only (2 bedrooms)
- Kid Friendly : A foldable crib is available.
- Smoking Not Allowed : Strictly not allowed. If smoke is detected during your stay and/or at checking-out time, the security deposit will not be refunded.
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Hiking
- Other Activities
- Historic Grand Chateaux of the Loire Valley (Cheverny, Blois, Chambord, Chaumont, Amboise, Chenonceau, among others), Golf at the Chateau de Cheverny Golf Course, Wine Tasting, outdoor market places for fresh food and GOOD LIFE !
Rate Details (In Euro)
Summer Vacation (July 15-August 31) 1500 Euros/Week. Minimum stay: one wk
High Season (Sept. 1-Oct. 31 and May 16-July 14: 1300 Euros/Week. Mini stay: 5
Intermediate (April 15-May 31): 1150 Euros/Week. Minimum stay: 4 nts.
Low Season: November 1-April 15. 900 Euros/Week Minimum stay: 3 nts.
Rates include linen & towels, utilities. Electricity at low season:100 Euros/Week
To reserve the property the client should pay 20% of the total rental fees.
30% due at contract signing, and the remainder (50%) 45 nts prior to arrival.
Credit cards are accepted through an online, secure server namely PayPal.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 1989
Why the Owner Chose Chitenay
This “Coeur de Loire” (central Loire River) section of the Valley is known as “The Garden of France” and the “Playground of the French Kings.” is really the heart of France, named a World Heritage site in year 2000. The French royalty indulged their love of nature and art in the Loire - creating some of the world’s finest examples of Renaissance architecture and gardens: the Royal Châteaux of Blois, and Amboise, Chambord, Chenonceaux, Cheverny…and so many others.
The Unique Benefits at this Cottage
Staying at “La Ménagerie” -surrounded by vineyards, woods and ponds- is so relaxing! For nature and history lovers it is ideally is situated in the middle of 300 km of bike and hike circuits throughout the Grand Chateaux area of the River Loire. Lovely villages and beautiful cities such as Blois or Tours, are only minutes away from the house by car and you never feel isolated. The house is really comfortable and matches the highest standards for an executive cottage. For food and wine enthusiast, it is one of the best places to stay in France. Last but not least, Paris is only 2 hours away from Blois by train or car.
Owner's Map of Chitenay
The owner is a Frenchman based in the USA and a retiree from an international organization. He has family roots in the Loire Valley: his grandmother was born and raised in this area; this is why he is so familiar with it. He often stays at "La Menagerie" with his wife, children and best friends.
Property Photos
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- Main Facade - France Vacation
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- Large Living Area (Kitchen, Bar Stand, Sofas, Coffee Table and Fireplace - France Vacation
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- Fireplace in the living room - France Vacation
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- La Ménagerie's Pool, Deck and Pergola
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- Western Facade of the Cottage with Outdoor Pool and Deck, Barn in the Background
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- Eastern Facade with Side Entrance to the Kitchen and barn in the background
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- One of the bedrooms on the ground floor-Has direct access to the deck and pool
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- Dining area, bar stand and open kitchen, all in one large living room
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- Room under the Rooftop (2nd floor), en suite with a bathroom and a library/den
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- Bathroom, En suite with the Master Bedroom under the Rooftop, 2nd floor
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- Family Room, upstairs
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- Eastern Facade, Patio and Hammock at La Menagerie
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- La Menagerie Property: the Cottage (on the left) and its two Annexes (Barns)
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- Vineyards, fields and woods around the property
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- The village of Chitenay, 7 min. bike ride from the property
Traveler Reviews (30)
Chateau Trekkers
Guest: Lizzy
(Boise, Idaho)
Date of Stay: 11/25/11
Review Submitted: 12/05/11
Great central location for touring the Loire Valley. The cottage is charming and the location very quiet and restful. Lots to see in close proximity. The cottage is also very functional with plenty of options for entertainment. GPS is a big help as you are in a rural area, but we really enjoyed starting and ending our day in this quiet, relaxing spot. Posted information on the cottage was very accurate. The owner was great to work with and provided lots of helpful information that added to our Loire holiday experience.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Ideal Respite
Guest: KIF
(West Alexandria, OH)
Date of Stay: 06/09/11
Review Submitted: 08/03/11
My stay at “La Ménagerie” was wonderful. I immediately fell in love with the charm of the house, the flowers, and the beautiful peacocks. I think I took more photographs there than I did at any of the world-famous chateaux! I stayed in the bedroom upstairs, which was even better than I expected. From my bed, I could see the blue sky out the window, the wall full of books, the quaint writing desk, and the deep claw-footed bathtub. It was perfect. As I explained to friends at home, I was almost annoyed each day when it was time to go sight-seeing, because I didn’t want to leave my beautiful bedroom and I had an entire wall of books to try to get through before my stay was over! The entire house was very comfortable, delightfully decorated, and stocked with items to enhance the stay of its guests, such as DVDs, maps, travel guides, and a binder full of suggestions from Patrick about good places to eat and sites to see. A friend of mine who has a physical disability and is wheelchair-bound came to visit and was impressed at the accessibility. He easily maneuvered around the first floor and into the bathroom. “La Ménagerie” is an ideal place for anyone to stay; it is quietly situated in the countryside, but is a very short drive away from many of the chateaux of the Loire Valley and less than two hours away from Paris. I highly recommend staying at “La Ménagerie,” as long as it doesn’t interfere with my own future stays there!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, people with disabilities, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Perfect for relaxation-So Many things to do-Great location
Guest: Phil
(Vienna, VA, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/18/10
Review Submitted: 11/04/10
We were very excited with the description and photos of this cottage; but the reality exceeded our expectations: it is a truly beautiful place with stunning views across the countryside in all directions! The location is secluded but we never felt isolated: it is at walking distance to a little hamlet mostly composed of farmhouses; we biked to the village that has a great restaurant and boulangerie/general store; and the city of Blois is only 15 minutes away by car. It is perfect for a week (or more!) of relaxation! There is also a lot to do nearby and plenty of places to visit, with the most famous chateaux of the Loire Valley all being in a 50 miles radius. The house renovation has nicely maintained the 18th century character while including all of the modern conveniences. The well-equipped kitchen with its gourmet utensils made it easy for tasting and cooking the quality food and wine from the Loire Valley. The kitchen/dining/living area has an en suite design that works great for family get together. Everything, including the pool and the sauna, is well maintained and kept to the highest standards. The owner is the most pleasant person do deal with. We had a fantastic time over there and we cannot recommend it highly enough. Enjoy it!”.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Guest: Ellen Pomeroy
(New York, New York)
Date of Stay: 09/24/09
Review Submitted: 09/24/09
Our family of four (including two teen girls) very much enjoyed our stay. La Menagerie is well situated for touring the Loire Valley and Patrick provided us with so much helpful information ahead of stay that planning our vacation was effortless.
Recommended for:
Guest: Jim Etherington
(London Ontario Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/22/09
Review Submitted: 07/22/09
The Etherington clan from Ontario Canada enjoyed a wonderful two weeks at La Menagerie in July 2009. This was our first taste of renting a country home in Europe and Patrick's home met and exceeded all our expectations. Six adults and one excited grandchild swam, cooked, toured, cycled and woke to the sound of birds. Our visit generated memories for life. We have no hesitation in recommending a visit to Chez Canal.
Recommended for:
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/06/09
Review Submitted: 07/06/09
Dear Patrick, After a week in Paris, we were delighted to arrive at your home in Chitenay! Such a peaceful, serence setting. We marvelled at the comfort of every piece of furniture! The petit salon became a favourite hangout for our teenage sons - not for the TV (which we did indulge in one evening) but for reading and relaxing. We could sit out under the trees or lie in the hammock to stay out of the sun. We could hang out by the pool and have a dip (the water temperature is just right!). We rode bikes to Chitenay to gather our daily bagette and pastries. We took a bike tour with Thiery on Saturday afternoon and had a great trip through the countryside. Thiery grew up in Chitenay and knows the area in detail. There were many villages to explore and larger towns like Bloise and Ambroise to wonder through. Chateaus, chateaus, chateaus - take your pick! Patrick has complied interesting facts and guidance on things to see for fun and places to go for necessities. Very helpful! We all had a great time, ate well, rested well and combined all that with touring the countryside - much of it still left for us to discover - there's so much to see and do. It's not too far from Paris although we did have a challenge finding Le Menagerie at first. Chitenay is not on the map! Look for Cellettes and then you'll see signs for Chitenay. Once we got used to the roads and villages we were fine. We had a wonderful time! We are very grateful to Patrick for renting his home to us. It made our trip! Steve and Annemarie
Recommended for:
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/03/09
Review Submitted: 07/03/09
Dear future guest, You will not be disappointed with this home in the Loire Valley. It is very well situated amongst the Chateaus's in the area. Patrick has considered everything for his guests comfort. The house has all amenities and is in a very peaceful pastoral setting. We happened upon Patrick's Montmarte apartment in Paris and when we told him of our plans for visiting the Loire he told us of his home here. We initially planned to stay 3 nights but when we arrived and found it so comfortable, and needing a rest after the rigors of Paris, we actually asked to stay a 4th night. This is a great find. Come, enjoy, ride a bike, go wine tasting, tour a few chateau and RELAX. You will be pampered and happy with this find. P.S. be sure to get directions before trying to mapquest this. It is easy to get to and well located when you have proper directions.
Recommended for:
Guest: Lamalle
(Massy/ France)
Date of Stay: 12/31/08
Review Submitted: 12/31/08
Bonjour,Le gîte est très agréable et bien situé pour qui veut profiter du calme de la campagne à proximité de la ville.Un tout petit bémol sur la cuisine, pas toujours très pratique à l'usage mais suffisamment fonctionnelle pour que nous ne soyons pas morts de faim :)L'accueil de Mme Rabotin a été charmant et nous avons apprécié sa grande disponibilité.
Recommended for:
Guest: Rachel Dines
(Denver, Colorado, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/30/08
Review Submitted: 10/30/08
Wow! What a lovely experience we had at La Menagerie! I went with two other Mom girlfriends on a "chick trip" for two weeks in France. Our favorite time by far was the time spent at your home. It is beautifully decorated without being pretentious, and comfortable without being frumpy. We loved the ample supply of reading material, quality cooking utensils, bikes, plush "American" towels, great CDs, and other little extras that made our stay feel luxurious. We have so many rich memories of lovely, full sunsets seen out the dining room window (Denver sunsets are cut short by the mountains to the west), hot air balloons over the fields all around, walks and bike rides around the surrounding country roads, and the general peaceful air of being in the country without being isolated from amenities. We all 3 hope to come back to La Menagerie with our respective families someday. I've see a lot of France, but I have to say that my stay at La Menagerie has now made the Loire Valley one of my very favorite places. Thanks again for everything you've done to assure your guests are blown away by La Menagerie.
Recommended for:
Guest: Travelling Mum
(Vancouver, BC, Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/03/08
Review Submitted: 08/03/08
We had a lovely quiet time at La Menagerie, after a jolly greeting from Bernadette who was thrilled to pieces that we speak French. The house is truly delightful, the setting peaceful yet central to the sights, and all the details made our stay really pleasant. We never met Philippe, but he watered the garden and tended the pool in our absence. La Menagerie is a charming base from which to explore the chateaux by car, follow the well- marked bike loops, hike the Grand Randonnee (GRP) footpaths, browse the markets, and then laze by the pool with a book. We would return after our day's adventures and Lizzie would bathe while I poured wine, put on a CD and enjoyed your well- appointed kitchen. All the best comforts of home in a charming setting. Merci for a lovely stay. Debbie & Lizzie Matheson
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #82937
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