What are you seeking for your next vacation in France?  Perhaps you, like so many of us, want to get away from the big cities and experience the delights of small villages in the French countryside.  If you do, we have many châteaus on our web site  --  moments away from quaint villages and historic country towns.  The small village of La Roë and Château Le Boulay  provide a perfect illustration of this  --  here you will find the Abbey Church of La Roë, a well-preserved example of eleventh century architecture and just a stone's throw from Château Le Boulay .  The Abbey Church is, in fact, one of the many interesting attractions for guests at the château,  although certainly not the only one. 

There are certain regions of France that tug at your heartstrings long after you have returned home, and the beautiful Mayenne is  one of those.  Quiet, green and inviting, the Mayenne and the genuinely lovely Château Le Boulay beckon visitors to come and experience a unique lifestyle, if only for a few days.  In addition to enjoying the village and the château's six acres of parkland, guests of the château can enjoy tennis nearby, an interesting water sports center and bird sanctuary at less than five miles distance, and a great game of golf a short drive from La Roë. 

But, history plays an important role in the region as well, as you will discover when you visit the fortress town of Fougères overlooking the Nantron River from its hilltop vantage point,  or the medieval Vitré, filled with 15th and 16th century timber frame homes lining snakelike narrow streets in the oldest part of town.  And, be sure to visit Vitré's medieval château.  A great town to head for if you want to stroll along the Mayenne River, take a river cruise, shop in rather exclusive stores,  or try a Michelin-starred  restaurant is Laval.  It is only 20 miles from the château. Whatever you choose to do, day trips are easy from Château Le Boulay, and returning to the château at the end of the day will make you wish you never had to return home! 

The château is much loved by its owners, Robin and Geneviève Mitchell, and they are eager to welcome guests will enjoy their home as much as they do.  This photo is of La Chambre Bleue, tucked away on the top floor.  Please visit them on our web site for more photos and details about a star at Château Le Boulay.   Delightful breakfasts and browsing in their basement brocante are just two ways to start the day at the château, and, of course, the beautiful grounds are perfect for strolls at any time.  Your helpful hosts will arrange visits to the Abbey or the local windmill, as well as make dinner reservations on your behalf.  Fluent English is spoken. 

Château Le Boulay  is ideally located to explore the Mayenne.  Whether you are an avid walker, a devout golfer, a passionate fisherman, a cyclist with a desire to explore, or a true history buff, a stay at this classical home will provide a perfect base to do them all -- and it will guarantee a comfortable and cozy retreat at day's end.  

We have so many photos of Château de La Barre that the few we were able to use on our web pages seem almost inadequate!  Its grandeur and 100 acres of stunning landscape make it memorable from the moment you lay eyes upon it.  And one must not forget that this elegant château has been in the same family since 1421.  That fact alone can take your breath away!

Located in the département of the Sarthe, a place of beauty and calm, this inviting château is a further oasis of tranquility for any vacationer.  The comfortable and well-appointed guest rooms and the friendliness of your host and hostess, Count and Countess de Vanssay, will make your stay very special.  Excellent English and German are spoken.

                      Verdant park at the château                                  La Petite Salle à Manger 

The château hosts many special events during the year -- this month there is a special four-day wine tasting course offering a variety of Loire Valley appellations for the enjoyment of participants. The château is only closed for the month of February, so no matter what other month of the year you wish to visit,  you will find that you are most welcome.    In fact, château guests find that the Christmas and New Year holidays are just enchanting at Château de La Barre, and those who make arrangements in advance can partake of exquisite gourmet dinners throughout the holiday season.   The other important meal of the day, breakfast, is a sumptuous buffet experience at the château and is included in the price of a guest room.

On château grounds guests are invited to stroll through the park, borrow bicycles or come inside to take advantage of the games room or library.  Nearby attractions include winery visits, the towns of Vendôme, Chartres and La Ferté-Bernard or a visit to the famous auto racing venue near Le Mans.  Day trips include visits to the famed château of the Loire Valley.  No matter what visitors decide to do or see during daylight hours, returning to Château de La Barre will allow them to unwind, relax and fully experience château life.

We hope that Château de La Barre will find itself on your itinerary for your next visit to France.  We are confident that several nights here will convince you that staying in château chambres d'hôtes really is the ultimate lodging experience in France.
 

The southwest of France offers visitors a wide variety of landscapes and attractions combined with pleasant weather and excellent cuisine.  For those vacationers interested in experiencing château life but also seeking a self-catering facility for a large group of friends or family, we have found something that might perfectly combine the two!

On the grounds of the stunning Château de Garrevaques in the Tarn of the midi-Pyrénées region, a farm house has recently been opened to receive guests.  Only fifty meters from the château, this totally renovated house has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a total of four WCs, in addition to a very practical laundry room, an office and a large kitchen and dining room.  Especially welcoming and inviting for a large group of guests are the two living rooms, one with a fireplace.  Satellite television and a computer plug complete the amenities.

Available for rent year 'round, guests will enjoy the private garden and barbecue, as well as the château's beautiful swimming pool.  Prices are very reasonable and range from € 1200 to € 2300 per week.  For exact prices and more details, contact Marie-Christine Combes, your hostess and former flight attendant with Air France, by Email at m.c.combes@wanadoo.fr, by phone at 33.5.63.75.04.54 or FAX at 33.5.63.70.26.44 (Phone numbers are from outside of France.  From within France replace the 33 with a zero.)

Château de Garrevaques has been on our web site for over two years, and offers visitors much more than a bed and breakfast.  The converted ancient barn (now an Orangerie) is suitable for weddings and large gatherings, the château itself  -- in the same family for 15 generations --  has ten guest rooms and is filled with antiques in rooms of authentic French décor, and family-style dinners featuring regional cuisine are available to guests staying in the château.  Nearby are golf courses, cruises on the Canal du Midi and many more activities.  Visit the château on our web site for all the options available to their guests.