This is a gem of a bed-and-breakfast located in the small but charming town of Blere in the Loire Valley. The ample continental breakfast (fresh baguettes and croissants, homemade jellies, cheese, fresh fruit, cereals and yogurt, coffee and tea) was served in a beautifully decorated dining room. Our bedroom, the Chambres de Dames, was spacious and airy; the bed was extremely comfortable, and the bathroom was enormous with room for coatracks to hang our things, twin sinks and a shower that was hot and strong.
Blere is situated but a short hop away from such chateaus as Chenonceau, Amboise and Chambord, and the real hidden treasure of Le Belvedere was the local knowlege of our hosts, Dominique and Jean-Renaud. With them, you can leave your guidebooks and your GPS in your room - they can tell you the best places to see and eat (and are eager to assist you with reservations), and the best ways to get there and back. (We did not have a chance to fly over the area with Jean-Renaud in his private plane, but were told by a fellow guest that the experience was "briliant.")
When the day comes that we return to the Loire, we certainly hope to be able to stay at Le Belvedere again.