Quality Gites / Cottages and B&B accommodation in the Loire Valley.
The Loire Valley is the perfect destination for Family holidays, Romantic get-aways or just a Short week-end break.
We are able to arrange holidays specially suited to what you are looking for : whether it be a Christmas market shopping trip, New Year break (with restaurants etc..all arranged for you), French cookery classes (with a local French lady), French Language lessons, Wine tasting corporate events, Weddings (we had Australians married here in 2006! 2 x French weddings and a 60th birthday celebration!!), Quad biking through the forests, local fishing and Horse riding holidays - if we have missed your particular choice then please do ask and we are sure we will be able to help out!!
During your stay in the area, there are of course many beautiful Chateaux to visit, a few are mentioned below.
However, there are many other attractions which merit a vist, as well as some of the less well-known smaller Chateaux.
There are plenty of options for children from Futuroscope, the Puy de Fou (medieval show in summer with falconry, jousting etc.) Holly Park - mini theme park, rare-breed zoo at Doue la Fontaine, Steam engine and lake at Rille etc...
Chenonceau Chateau
The Loire River is France's longest river (1,000km), The Loire was a crucial trade and communications route for centuries and was the main playground of medieval kings and nobles. The Kings would come here for their holidays, for their hunting expeditions and try to create the most beautiful chateau.
The climate is gentle, without too many great variations of temperature. For this reason the Loire is known as the 'garden' of France - fine wines, fruit and vegetables thrive here.
While you are in the area and staying at La Prairie we have various literature about the countryside, best routes to take, how to avoid the crowds etc.... please ask and we shall do our best to give you all the information you require!
Loire valley wines are light and fresh, which blend perfectly with the local food - asparagus tips, melons, mushroms (grown in cliffs close to Saumur), Game, Pork, Fish from the river.......we will take great pleasure in directing you to the best vineyards and the best restaurants, but not necessarily the most expensive!
Take time to visit the Forests (we have Mountain bikes you may use), visit the pretty town of Montreuil Bellay, Langeais and off the beaten path Vallee de Courtineau! Golf at Baugé and a super lake to windsurf, swim etc... at Rillé
Visit a Trogolydte village (completely built into the local stone!) - Rochemenier, which has barns, wine cellars, stables etc... all built into the stone.
Not far to the North is Le Mans, famous for it's 24 hr car races. To the South Poitiers very often hosts the start of the Tour de France at Futuroscope (which is a super place for children to visit - a sort of scientific theme park!)
Saumur beside the Loire river
Cadre Noir and Saumur Chateau
Saumur, in the Loire Valley is particurlarly well known for the 'Cadre Noir' Equestrian centre, well worth a visit - there are many International dressage, showjumping and Three-day eventing competitions held here. Ask us for more information and we shall let you know the official dates of various events at the centre.
The beaches of the Sable D'Olonnes are not far away and can be visited in a day trip.
Normandy is to the North of the Loire, which is of course forever linked with the D-day landings in 1944. We have some friends who have a B&B in this area, if your journey takes you in this direction, please do ask and we shall put you in touch with them!
