A Four Seasons/Five Stars Loire Valley Cottage, Grand Chateaux Area

About Patrick

Retired Frenchman in his early sixties, based in the Washington DC area, former staff of an international organization based in the USA's capital city. Very familiar with the Loire Valley area where part of his family (mother and grandmother side) were born and raised.

Why Patrick chose Chitenay

First: location. It is hard to find a better base for grand chateau hopping. But this is also a great place for relaxing and enjoying the French lifestyle at its best in a region that is famous for its 'art de vivre' (gardens, food & wine, etc.). Second: location: “La Ménagerie” sits in a exceptionally quiet and relaxing environment, immensely enjoyable for nature lovers! Walk-out from the house and follow the 300 Km of secure and well signaled bike paths and hiking trails throughout the chateau country. Third: location: “La Ménagerie” enjoys a secluded location, but it is not in the middle of nowhere: it belongs to the jurisdiction of Chitenay, a charming village with a boulangerie/grocery and a gourmet Auberge-Restaurant. Farmers markets, restaurants and supermarkets are countless in the neighboring localities such as Bracieux or Cour-Cheverny, Contres or Amboise, and even medium size cities such as the Royal city of Blois, being only 15 min. away by car. Best of all, the internet connection is wireless, fast and reliable! Fourth: Not only charming but also very comfortable! At “La Ménagerie”, charm does rhyme with comfort (see list of amenities). Fifth: It is ideal for family and reunions with friends. The cottage’s layout guarantees unforgettable moments all around. Sixth: kids (and young at heart) love it! In addition to the pool, pond and garden, they will love the amusement parks and children museums around the area: the Beauval Zoo that belongs to a very exclusive club of Panda zoos, the Titntin Museum or the House of Magic in Blois, The Chateau d’Ussé (also called the castle of the sleeping beauty), etc.

What makes this Cottage unique

This property (main cottage, side cottage and barn) is typical of winemaker's houses in the region, with dormant windows sitting on the roof, local stones and tiles that become so bright at sunrise and colorful at sunset. In this cottage, charm does rime with comfort and it is elegant without being pretentious. There are interesting views of its stunning environment from every single window. When the sky is clear you see the shining stars through the skylights of the first floor and at day time hot air balloons ('Montgolfières') flying over the property. If you read the guests comments, you will actually better understand about many of the properties' unique features that have made their stay at ':La Ménagerie' a memorable time.