The Loire Valley in France has an abundance of wonderful places to stay, ranging from grand hotels in old chateaux to simple hostels.
But, for something really special head for the lovely Le Moulin l'Etang, just 2 km out of medieval Loches. The old sprawling stone building, which was a 16th century watermill, has rooms and nooks and crannies on different levels. Situated on a tiny lane in a small village, this is rural elegance. You can live well, but far from the usual tourist crowds. The owners, Sue and Andrew Page, originally from Britain, offer dinner, bed and breakfast in their three double guest rooms (all with private bathroom). Guests can also use a communal lounge and wander round the gardens overlooking a large pond (the etang). Our room overlooked the gurgling mill stream and the constant sound of running water soothed us to sleep every night.
Bed and breakfast costs Euros 65 per night for a double. Dinner is an extra Euros 25 per person per night, and well worth every cent, as that includes a four-course meal and beer, wine and coffee. Andrew, the chef, prepares tasty, gourmet dishes. Provided it's not raining, meals are taken outside in the old courtyard, the table set with flowers, shining silver and crystal. There are old coach lamps and a bell on the walls, leading us to wonder about the mill's history. Every morning we enjoyed a late breakfast in the courtyard, doves cooing nearby, a neighbor's cock crowing, bees buzzing in the masses of roses, and geese wandering around at will. It's very peaceful, relaxing, and a great place to use as a base for this part of France. Many of the Loire Valley's famous chateaux are within easy reach, as are some of Touraine's vineyards.
Contact Andrew and Sue Page.
Postal address: Le Moulin l'Etang, Chanceaux Pres Loches, 37600, Loches, France.
Tel and Fax: +33 (0)2 47.59.15.10
Email: Moulinletang37@aol.com
Web Page: www.moulinetang.com
At the moment they have no credit card facilities, and require payment in cash or travelers' checks.
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