Vacation Rentals by Owner

Loved La Menagerie

Guest: Kamber (Fairfax, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/23/12 Review Submitted: 03/11/12

We had a fabulous time and thoroughly loved La Menagerie. It was so warm, comfortable, inviting, and just perfect in every way for our family. It was hard to leave it so soon, and we can definitely see ourselves there in the summer enjoying the pool. Regardless of the winter season, we spent a lot of time outside playing croquet, riding bikes, and having picnics on the patio outside the kitchen. Speaking of the kitchen, I loved the stove and made several memorable meals on it. My husband was in charge of the fireplace, and our children loved the ambiance of the real wood fires every night. The setting was more lovely than I imagined. I was thrilled with the peace and quiet. The surrounding woodlands dripping with fog were magical. My children went for many treks in the woods looking for deer and finding many frogs. I could go on and on and can not think of anything that should be change. It was enchanting.

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

Chateau Trekkers

Guest: Elizabeth C. (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:Families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Ideal Respite

Guest: Kirstin F. (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, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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.

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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.

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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

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Guest: Mary O. (-)
Date of Stay: 07/03/09 Review Submitted: 07/02/09

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Guest: Tony Ioannou (Vancouver, BC, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/31/08 Review Submitted: 07/31/08

Patrick, Thanks so much for arranging our stay at La Menagerie - we had a great time (and great weather!) and it was everything we hoped for. All six of us fitted in with no issues, and the condition, location and quality of La Menagerie made our holiday in the Loire Valley complete. The location was a great starting point for all our tours throughout the area - chateaus like Chateau Chenonceau are not to be missed. Thanks again, and we look forward to our next visit to la Menagerie! Tony, Pete, Deb, Megan, Christine and Jacqueline.

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Guest: Rich S1 (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/16/08 Review Submitted: 07/16/08

Great visit!! La Menagerie exceeded our expectations. It was a perfect location right in the middle of where we wanted to be but still well into the country for a different perspective. The house was perfectly furnished with newer parts built around a historic shell so you had modern design mixed with a sense of history. The kitchen/dining/living areas have a grand open design so it works great for families. Everything including the pool is spotless and well maintained. Make sure you visit Bernadette and her rabbits - our 3 yo had a great time picking berries with her.

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Guest: Petra vd Boomgaard (Bethesda/MD USA)
Date of Stay: 07/09/08 Review Submitted: 07/09/08

We loved our stay at the Menagerie and felt very gratefull that we were able to stay in such a tastfull and also personal decorated cottage. Moreover the Menagerie is very close by all the major Loire castles. We will reccomend the Menagerie to all our friends and family in the Netherlands and in the USA. It was really great!!!

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Guest: Marjo Federley (Helsinki, Finland)
Date of Stay: 06/29/08 Review Submitted: 06/29/08

We (2 families/6 people) spend 5 nights in June 2008. By train from Paris and by taxi to location. Then rented a car the next day in Blois. There is no service (Avis) at the railway station. Although you've reserved a car in advantage, you have to call them (and speak french) when you arrive. The house was just as told in the website. Nice, in good condition, clean and all there worked just fine. Decoration was also made with good taste. Location was really good - a lot to do near by. It's maybe good to know that in june there are not many restaurants and boulangeries open in the smallest villages. But Blois is near and there are some good ones. Try Le Castelet, 40 Rue St-Lubin. Really good food and reasonable price! We thank Partric also for good instructions; directions, lists of restaurant, zoos, museums etc. The area is good for kids too. Our 11 year old son liked Cheverny - "Moulinsart" - a castle of Captain Haddoc (Tintin), a really nice Zoopark Beauval in St Aignan and Chaumont castle with a nice park. We really recommend La Menagerie to everyone interested in Loire and countryside in France.

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Guest: Mark and LeAnne (Calgary, Alberta, CANADA)
Date of Stay: 06/17/08 Review Submitted: 06/17/08

As first time internet accommodation travelers, we were unsure what our experience may turn out to be. What a joy! Patrick was kind, generous and most professional. Not the same experience we had with our other stays in France... as a matter of fact, his charming and pleasant attitude ensured we booked his flat in Paris on our return trip there. La Menagerie is charming, cozy, comfortable and made us feel us right at home. It was an extraordinary week of sun, pool, sauna and ping pong ( a recent addition by our thoughtful host). I confess we rarely left the place as it was so lovely just to sit and listen to the birdsong, and to utterly relax. Phillipe is the most endearing man, and Bernadette, although notre Francais est tres mal, we managed to communicate with smiles and laughs. We had possibly the best meal of our 5 week trip at the Auberge du Centre in Chitenay, and our daughters enjoyed their menu enfants la aussi. The kitchen was so pleasant to cook in and we shared many meals in the large downstairs room. We played opera, old Elvis and Miles Davis CDs and danced with our daughters in the middle of the room. My husband and I had a 'date night' and watched a movie in the upstairs loft. The beds were comfortable and the rooms dark and quiet. The bath and shower, most luxurious. I could imagine we lived in France, with the girls giggling in the pool, the laundry in the washer, and the Opera on the Tivoli (and the wine in my glass, mais oui!) We were also lucky enough to host the neighborhood peacocks frequently on our last days there. They were very engaging for our girls and we have numerous photos of the 'parade'. I recommend without hesitation dealing with Patrick, and upon our parting, we already plan a return trip to La Menagerie! LeAnne and Mark Calgary, Canada

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Guest: Charles Gibb (London)
Date of Stay: 06/15/08 Review Submitted: 06/15/08

We had the most fantastic and enjoyable few days at "La Menagerie", from the warmth of welcome from Patrick to all the help and support from the locals! Ideally located, amidst some stunning villages, slightly isolated and so very quiet, but with the bikes from the barn, the local area became easily accessible! The house itself is awesome for relaxation, but has so much to offer from the Swimming Pool to the sauna and open fireplace.......we only had 2 problems....insufficient time to enjoy everything, and of course too much stunning fresh food from the local Markets!!!! Thank you again for a fantastic week.

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Guest: Nick Macy (Aptos CA)
Date of Stay: 04/12/08 Review Submitted: 04/12/08

I stayed at La Managerie with my family in March. This house is fantastic. We felt like we were home. Patrick was great to work with. I was somewhat sketical booking with someone I hadn't met-but everything went smoothly. Travel is stressful, and having a place like this to relax was perfect. We will be back!

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Guest: Ken Denson (St. Louis, Missouri USA)
Date of Stay: 03/30/08 Review Submitted: 03/30/08

This is just a wonderful place to stay. You see from the preserved original beams in the house and the stone walls in the out buildings that this is an historic cottage, but everything is so new, elegant, and comfortable that you don’t give up any modern conveniences to get that sense of ties to the past (although tall people do need to watch their head downstairs!).We were only able to stay for three days in a cold, wet, even snowy, late March, but we thoroughly enjoyed our time in the cottage. The elegant stone plate radiant heaters in the downstairs main space had their work cut out for them to bring the temperature of the large living/dining/kitchen area up from an extended period of not being occupied with temperatures hovering not much above freezing, but they eventually made the space quite comfortable, and the heaters in the bedrooms were able to make things cozy in relatively short order. Most visitors, however, aren’t going to pick such an inhospitable time to visit!The surrounding area is magical, even in the late winter/not-quite-spring. The Chateaux are just astonishing, and there are many magnificent ones within easy driving distance. The trips to them are just as enjoyable, through the beautiful fields and woods and little towns with their juxtaposition of the ancient and the modern.Philippe and Bernadette are charming and extremely helpful, and Patrick is very accommodating in making arrangements. His local information, including copies of Google maps left in the house, is extraordinarily helpful. We stayed over an Easter Sunday/Monday, so we didn’t have much opportunity to sample local establishments, but we did eat dinner at Patrick’s favorite Bistrot in Blois, overlooking the Loire, and it was the best food we had in France, after having spent a week in Paris.You will love staying at La Menagerie!

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Guest: May Family (England)
Date of Stay: 10/28/07 Review Submitted: 10/28/07

We were lucky to stay at LA MENAGERIE for a week in October! We have two girls around 5 years and it was just great. Our family often stays in holiday rental homes all around the world so we are picky. It is great to find a holiday villa that HAS EVERYTHING you need, and has style and where everything is new and looks good. Swimming pool, large washer/dryer, totally complete kitchen, TV with cable, PROPER BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS with WiFi, every towel and piece of linen, sauna, and so on. LA MENAGERIE is a real country retreat in the middle of the lovely fields and vinyards of the Loire. You are absolutely in the center of all the famous castles of the Loire, you will love it. We went to a different one every morning and afternoon. Everything is very convenient. There is a big supermarket ("Super U") down the road in Contres, there is every sort of mega-shopping up the road in Blois (example, sporting goods superstores, etc), and there are of course a million wine caves, etc. at hand. We found, for example, horse riding lessons for our child very easily, minutes away. This is an "executive" house - very stylish, maintaining a country feel. It was remade just a coule years ago so everything is new and fresh - you never get that annoying "run down" feeling when you are in a brand-new "executive country retreat" like this. You are completely in the country, in the middle of a field, you will love it. You do not feel isolated as Bernadette is just down the "block" in the next field. Phillipe who is fantastic is up the road in Blois and Patrick the owner is extremely accessible - he answered one million email questions for us about wineries, etc. Sundry villages with bakeries, pubs, etc, are within a couple miles. Outstanding! An "executive" country retreat, all new and fresh, stylish design - absolutely fully equipped.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/25/07 Review Submitted: 09/25/07

I cannot say enough positive things about our stay at "La Menagerie." The home is well maintained and kept up to a high standard. It is extremely comfortable, clean, and well furnished. We found everything we could possibly need covered! The area around "La Menagerie" also provides countless activities, and Patrick's restaurant suggestions (at least those we tried) were all top-notch!!! In addition, the caretakers of the property were helpful and friendly, and a pleasure to deal with. And, finally, Patrick handled every step of the rental process professionally. There were no surprises, and no hidden charges as so often seems to be the case with property rentals. We have already recommended the home to others, and would be delighted to return ourselves one day.

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Guest: Richard&Hannah (Cheshire, England)
Date of Stay: 09/18/07 Review Submitted: 09/17/07

La Menagerie is a truly beautiful place to spend a week or two. The house if tastefully decorated inside with spacious rooms, sauna, private outdoor pool and sits in a very secluded hamlet with fantastic views across the countryside in all directions. This house ticks every box and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The location is secluded and perfect for anyone wanting a week of relaxation. But there are also plenty of places to visit nearby. We had high expectations from the description and photos on-line, but the real thing is even better. Thank you very much!

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Guest: Dr Philip Charles Davies (Lincoln)
Date of Stay: 08/30/07 Review Submitted: 08/30/07

I would recommend the Menagerie without reservation. Everything about it was excellent - the setting, the furnishings, decor, kitchen. If you want to stay in the Loire then you must give this place a try - it's superb. My wife is extremely difficult to please and she says it's the best place we've ever stayed!

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Guest: Pam Gordon
Date of Stay: 08/19/07 Review Submitted: 08/18/07

“We greatly enjoyed our stay at La Menagerie, and we have already recommended your property to 2 other people! The home is very comfortable. You can tell it is a real "home" ... that is just what it feels like! Bernadette & Phillippe were so charming & helpful... they certainly added to the pleasant experience we had. Thanks again for everything!!”

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Guest: Spencer Fisk
Date of Stay: 08/19/07 Review Submitted: 08/18/07

“We indeed had a nice visit to your home in France. We have in fact also recommended this to some friends that just moved to Paris if you in the future have availability for a long weekend. Also - Philippe was a great addition and extremely helpful ! Best regards.”

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Guest: Todd Barlow
Date of Stay: 01/09/07 Review Submitted: 01/08/07

"I am living in Hong Kong at the moment. And it must be a coincidence that there are others who have stayed in your cottage because I found it simply by searching on the internet. I would definitely recommend La Menagerie. The design of the cottage is fantastic - it has maintained its country house character while including all of the modern conveniences. The well-eqipped kitchen made it ideal for cooking and tasting the quality food from the region. And the location is fantastic- only a couple of hours from Paris, close to the Chateaux of the Loire and in a quiet spot away from other houses and traffic. It was the perfect retreat from a place like Hong Kong. Thanks again", Todd

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Guest: Graham Cameron
Date of Stay: 09/20/06 Review Submitted: 09/19/06

"We arrived this evening and Philippe met us at the house. Its wonderful! Cheers", Graham

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Guest: Carla Bastos Clark
Date of Stay: 09/01/06 Review Submitted: 08/31/06

"We are still "glowing" from our holiday. Blois is such a wonderful area. We enjoyed a delicious last lunch at your recommended restaurant on the south bank of the Loire (I can't remember the name now, but you called it your "canteen"). Many thanks again for the comforts of your lovely house, your attention to detail was greatly appreciated by all. Best regards" Carla

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Guest: Marianne Grant
Date of Stay: 08/25/06 Review Submitted: 08/24/06

"You are so fortunate to own it and we are certain to have a wonderful time. Phillippe and Bernadette are delightful also. Thank you". Marianne

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Guest: Michaela & Mick O'Neil
Date of Stay: 08/10/06 Review Submitted: 08/09/06

"...we had a lovely stay at La Menagerie with very fond memories now".

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Guest: Rochelle Hewitt
Date of Stay: 05/30/06 Review Submitted: 05/29/06

"Thanks very much for allowing us the use of your home. We had a very good time and expect to stay there again next year!" Rochelle and Jess Hewitt

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