Château de la Ballue  is an exceptional and romantic getaway in Brittany, enjoying a prominent position above a beautiful valley.  Set on the border between Normandy and Brittany and only twenty kilometers south of Le Mont Saint-Michel in a uniquely preserved agricultural landscape of rolling hills, forests and wild, unspoiled coastal scenery, Ballue is a listed 17th century castle.  Yet it has moved easily into the 21st century becoming a retreat for writers and artists.  Its luxurious guest rooms and modern en suite bathrooms offer comfort and privacy for their guests.   The contemporary art found throughout the château and grounds is an expression of the creativity of famous artists -- and the unfailing artistic sense of your host and hostess, Marie-France Barrère & Alain Schrotter, contemporary art collectors and publishers.

As an artist's haven, having hosted many famous artists and sculptors in recent years, Ballue has become a center for a fine contemporary art collection.   Examples of the work can be found within its walls and throughout the main attraction at Ballue:  enchanting theatrical gardens.  It is here,  amid those gardens,  that one can get lost in the silence and calm -- disturbed only by the call of birds or the rustling sounds as branches move gently in the breeze  -- or literally lose oneself in a small yet intriguing maze!

Each of the thirteen garden themes at Château de la Ballue creates a mood for the visitor.  Marked by clever signs, the simple but imaginative gardens provide pleasant surprises as you move from one to the other.  Occasionally, a piece of sculpture, always perfectly positioned among the plantings, brings whimsy or artistic complement to the scene.  Visitors can take guided tours with Monsieur Schrotter or guests staying at the château can meander through the gardens at their leisure.  Emerging from the green enclosures,  one is pleased to see the lovely façade of the château, perfectly maintained and elegant, as it stands like a sentinel watching over its domaine.

Thus, Château de la Ballue is much more than a chambres d'hôtes, although no one will deny that it is a superb one!  The guest rooms with en suite modern baths or showers are very romantic and private.  The views toward the main gate, into the courtyard or over the gardens and countryside beyond,  convince guests that they have discovered a very special place indeed. 

There are four guest rooms with king-sized beds, one of which is a suite, also with a king-sized bed and shown in this photo --  the Suite de France.  The other photo is of the very romantic Chambre Victor Hugo, a spacious yet cozy room, with its own sitting area and view of the courtyard and ornate entry gate. 

Beyond the dramatic gardens and delightful guest accommodations, Ballue's location is also a reason to stay.   It is very near the Channel for visits to such outstanding towns as Saint-Malo, Cancale and the island attraction of le Mont Saint-Michel (and its abbey) or the Channel cities of Dinard and Saint-Malo -- or, if you wish to venture inland, wonderful medieval Dinan along the River Rance, or Combourg and Fougères with its monumental fortress. 

The Breton coastline near Château de la Ballue is very familiar to travelers from Britain who come by ferry to Saint-Malo and Dinard from Portsmouth and Weymouth, England, or Channel Islanders who come from Jersey, Alderney, Sark and Guernsey.  But others may not be as aware of what this area has to offer visitors.    East of Dinard and Saint-Malo is the coastal route to Pointe du Grouin which continues southward to Cancale as far as Cherrueix.  Drive inland to connect to the D976 where one turns left and arrives very soon at Le Mont Saint-Michel.  Aside from interesting tourist attractions, exceptional seafood is available everywhere.   Breton cuisine, famous for its crêpes, luscious pastries and shellfish,  is one of the main attractions of this region.  Charming seaside villages and viewpoints make day trips from the château very worthwhile.

The Temple of Diana

Guests will enjoy copious breakfasts in the attrractive dining room at the château, dinners by advanced reservation, and the Château & Gardens Privileged Stay which is two nights in the Suite de France including arrival night dinner with champagne and light meal à la française, with breakfast the next morning and private visit of the gardens with the owners.   All prices and other details can be found on the château's pages on our web site.

We hope we have given you some incentive to visit Brittany and Château de la Ballue on your next trip to France.  Although this year many commemorative events are taking place for the 60th Anniversary of D-Day in nearby Normandy, if you are participating in any of those do make time to explore the easternmost regions of Brittany.  And, reservations at Château de la Ballue would be an excellent idea!
 

[Photos of Château de la Ballue & Gardens:  ©Cold Spring Press - 2004;  Guest Rooms: ©Château de la Ballue]

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