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| Château
du Loroux
Languages: English Credit cards not accepted. Cash or checks only, please. Département: Maine-et-Loire (49) |
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| First impressions are often the longest lasting, thus we are convinced that the dramatic entrance gate and the Italian-inspired design of Château du Loroux will forever remain etched in your memory. This refined château, built in 1830, is not very old by castle standards, but you're in for quite a pleasant surprise. The site where it stands has great historic significance for it is here, pre-dating the château by over 700 years, where a Cistercian abbey -- Abbaye Notre-Dame-du-Loroux -- stood since 1121 and where active abbey life was conducted until 1820. All that remains of that abbey today are a few ruins, the chapel, porch and mill. Nevertheless, these are dramatic and beautiful with their graceful columns, arches and curved walls -- monuments to centuries of past lives. In 1974, the abbey's precious remains were classified an historic monument, confirming the importance of the abbey on the region's history. A book, written by Maurice Onfroy and entitled "L'Abbaye Notre-Dame-du-Loroux en Anjou" , might still be available for anyone interested in learning more about its long and fascinating history -- in French. The setting for Château du Loroux is pure delight -- a verdant 39-acre listed park of lawns and specimen trees with a small river wandering through it. For location, the château is ideal: on the edge of the Touraine, Anjou and "Nord Saumurois", it is convenient for visits to the Loire Valley and its grand châteaux as well as the area's serene forests and endless vineyards. The famous Cadre Noir equestrain school is nearby as well. Our Michelin map illustrates the richness of the département of the Maine-et-Loire -- the Loire and Vienne Rivers, huge woodlands and scenic drives. At the château guests will be accommodated in tastefully decorated large rooms, all en suite, and the common spaces set aside for their use are both charming and comfortable. Whether you choose to have dinner au château in the pleasant dining room or drive a few kilometers to a nearby restaurant, you will most certainly find that the regional cuisine and superb Loire Valley wines will be enjoyed and remembered. Visit the vineyards for tastings of appellations made from such grape varieties as cabernet franc, muscadet, sauvignon blanc, and chenin blanc (also known as pineau de la loire). Naturally, no stay in the Loire region is complete without a visit to one or more of the grand châteaux, many of which are state-operated but including those that are privately owned and occupied. If you choose to become a welcomed guest of Château du Loroux and its amiable owners, Monsieur and Madame Foisy, time will seem to slow down and you will experience the best of French country life. |
| Rooms:
3 doubles, with private baths; 1 twin with bath and shower
Price: For one night Chambre Verte (twin) et Chambre Rouge each € 120; Chambre Bleue € 100; Chambre Directoire € 100. Discount for a two-night stay ~ € 90 and € 110. Week long rate: € 550 to € 670. Breakfast included. Extra bed: Dinners: € 30 per person, offered for 4 persons or more, wine included. By prior reservation. Restaurants in Vernantes (3 kms) and others at a distance of about 10 kilometers. Deposit of 50% required at time reservation is made. No
dogs
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Directions:
From Paris the A10 autoroute to Tours and follow directions from Tours below OR the A 11 autoroute to A 85 before Angers to Vivy. Take the D767 to Vernantes, turn left at the traffic light, then right direction Mouliherne for 3 kms, and Loroux will be on the right. From Tours N152 direction Saumur. After Langeais right onto the D35 (becomes the D10) to Vernantes, follow direction of Mouliherne (D58) 3 kms, and you will find Loroux on your right. From Angers N 147 direction Longué, the D53 direction Vernantes. Airport:
Nantes
(take N23 direction Paris-Angers - at Angers follow directions above.
Car
Rental Angers Railway Station (click here)
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Entrance Gate |
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Chambre |
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Hall |
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Abbey Remains |
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Dining Room |
©2000
- 2008 au Château - Cold Spring Press. All Rights Reserved.
