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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Bathrooms | 4 |
| Sleeps | 6 |
| Cottage | |
| Suitability |
|---|
| No Smoking |
| Suitable for Children |
| Suitable for Elderly |
| Wheelchair Accessible |
| FlipKey traveler rating |
| 42 reviews |
| Stayed here? Write a review. |
Get the real scoop!
All reviews are written by verified travelers
Details
| Rental type | Cottage |
| Minimum Stay | 3 nights |
| Living space | 2045 square feet |
| Bedrooms | 3 Total |
| Bathrooms |
4 Total
Show Details ►
|
| Sleeps | 6 |
| Suitability |
Pet friendlyAsk Smoking allowedNo Suitable for childrenYes Suitable for the elderlyYes Wheelchair accessibleYes |
| Theme | Golf, Historic, Romantic, Rural |
Description from the owner
Experience the French country lifestyle at its best: and rent "La Menagerie", a late-18th century stone cottage and former wine-maker house, in the heart of the Grand Chateau golden triangle (Chambord, Chenonceau and Cheverny) in Central Loire Valley. This is the perfect vacation rental for family reunions, all generations, or a romantic getaway to a French region full of history and culinary tradition, that has been known as the "garden of France" for centuries.
If you have not already read the reviews from previous guests, please do so. They speak volumes about the home, location, hospitality and they say it more eloquently than I co...Read more
Amenities
Location
A Cosy French Cottage in the Grand Chateaux Area
Chitenay, Centre, France
What's Nearby:
Additional Location Information
The property is in the heart of the most famous French Renaissance chateaux area (Chambord, Cheverny, Chenonceau). It enjoys a very tranquil location in the countryside, although Chitenay --a lovely village, South of the Loire river-- is at biking distance (5 minutes or so). It is only 10 km from the Chateau de Cheverny and 15 km from the city of Blois.
The area is abutting the Sologne province, the best hunting grounds in France. This area has produced wines since at least the 6th century. That is why it is sometimes referred to as Sologne Viticole (the wine producing part of Sologne region).
This is a perfect getaway for a break from bustling cities to the "garden of France", as the kings and queens used to call that region: after all, it is a 2 hours drive from Paris and 40 min. from Tours Airport (47 miles).
Location Type Rural
Rates
Rates shown in $ USD (Rental listed originally in EUR) (change)
| Date | Weeknight | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Summary | $264 | $330 | $1,319 - $2,077 | $4,615 - $8,307 | 3 nights |
| Jan. 7 2013 - Mar. 15 2013 Winter 2013 |
$211 | $264 | $1,319 | $4,615 | 3 nights |
| Mar. 16 2013 - May. 3 2013 Early Spring 2013 |
$264 | $330 | $1,714 | - | 3 nights |
| May. 4 2013 - Jun. 28 2013 Spring Season 2013 |
- | - | $1,846 | $7,252 | 4 nights |
| Jun. 29 2013 - Aug. 30 2013 Summer Vacation 2013 |
- | - | $2,077 | $8,307 | 7 nights |
| Aug. 31 2013 - Oct. 25 2013 Late Summer/Early Fall 2013 |
$244 | $264 | $1,714 | $6,593 | 3 nights |
| Can't find rates for your travel dates? Contact the owner | |||||
| Oct. 26 2013 - Dec. 20 2013 Autumn 2013 |
$211 | $264 | $1,319 | $4,615 | 3 nights |
| Dec. 21 2013 - Jan. 3 2014 Holiday Season 2013-2014 |
- | - | $1,714 | - | 7 nights |
| Jan. 4 2014 - Mar. 14 2014 Winter 2014 |
$211 | $264 | $1,319 | $4,615 | 3 nights |
| All Other Dates | $237 | $237 | - | - | 3 nights |
| View all 9 Rate Periods | |||||
Rental fees
- Final Cleaning - $105 / stay - Fee
- Utilities - $26 / stay - Other - Electricity, Internet, etc
Additional notes from owner
The rates mentioned here above are for the main cottage (3 bedrooms, a den with extra single bed, plus sofa beds in the family room, 2.5 bath.6-8 guests). For those who rent the main cottage, there is a possibility of renting extra bedrooms, kitchen and full bath in the annexes, for extra/additional fees, upon request. The whole property is reserved for those who rent the main cottage, though. Therefore, renters of the main cottage will enjoy full privacy and won't share the property and its pool with other renters. Annexes with extra bedroom are optional and reserved for renters who want to accommodate larger parties (8-10 guests).
The basic rental rate include the provision of linen & towels, all utilities (water and electricity, garbage collection), internet access, local tel. calls, wood logs for the fireplace, bicycles, pool and garden maintenance, guide books and maps, indoor and outdoor games, DVD library, etc. This rate also includes local taxes. An 80 Euro fee is required for final cleaning in addition to the rental rate. A damage deposit (500 Euros) is requested upon arrival and refunded upon departure, provided that guests have left the place in good order and as they found it at their checking-in. A lease agreement that includes a cancellation policy, has to be signed by both parties to firm-up your booking. A 50% payment is required to book the place. The balance has to be paid off 45 days prior to our guests' arrival date at the latest.
Availability
AvailableUnavailable Last updated: June 06, 2013 ◀▶
What Past Guests Are Saying
Overall Rating
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KRoberton
Cascade, ColoradoWonderful base to see the Loire Valley
Left on 05/30/2013 for a stay in April 2013
Spent 5 days at Patrick's beautiful cottage in april. Everything was as described. Very cosy, nicely functional kitchen, plenty of space, washer and clothes dryer a definite plus! Patrick could not have been more helpful with area information, sites to see, etc...he even answered questions while we were there. Highly recommend!
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JRP
Montrose, COWe Loved It
Left on 05/09/2013 for a stay in April 2013
My only complaint about La Menagerie was the fact we had to leave after our five night stay. If you ever plan on visiting the Loire Valley to see the vineyards and the many castles in the area, stay at La Menagerie. Everything about the cottage exceeded our hopes and expectations. As I write this review, I'm trying to decide what I/we liked best. Biking throughout the area was spectacular. Sitting outside with a glass of wine the sunset was spectacular. Taking the short drive to Chitenay for a wonderful dinner at the hotel was spectacular. Cooking our own dinner in the fully equipped kitchen was spectacular. Sitting by the fireplace in the great room was spectacular. Having the help and advice from Philippe was spectacular. If you were to look in the dictionary for a definition of "comfortable" you will most likely see the words, "La Menagerie." Having to leave was not spectacular.
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Maggie
Silver Spring, MDLa Menagerie far, far exceeded our expectations!
Left on 10/13/2012 for a stay in May 2012
Thank you so much for the wonderful experience that is staying at La Menagerie! Even with all of the pictures and great level of detail you provided, the "real thing" far exceeded expectations. The house, its location, grounds, beautiful decor and amazing collection of interesting objects and books were just terrific. We had dinner in the hotel in Chitenay the first night per your recommendation. Initially, they said that dining was for hotel guests only, but when we mentioned La Menagerie - viola - we were seated and enjoyed a fabulous meal. Another memorable dinner was in the Relais in Ouchamps - luscious food and gorgeous setting. Other terrific meals were had right at La Menagerie, in the lovely dining room or al fresco. The kitchen had everything one could want to prepare a meal; and buying fresh produce, meats, cheeses and pastries from the local towns was great. We rode the bikes into Chitenay in the morning for fresh croissants and pain au chocolat. We also visited Montresor per your recommendation. The town was a beautiful and the patisserie fabulous. We stopped at several wine caves and found that we really enjoyed several Loire wines.
We visited Chambord, Amboise and Chenonceau. Chambord is fascinating for its sheer size, stature and, of course, the staircase. Amboise was interesting for its position in the town, the Leonardo Da Vinci Chapel and statue, and lovely town of amboise itself. My favorite was Chenonceau. Just perfection in terms of situation - literally on the river! -beautiful, lushly furnished rooms and gorgeous floral arrangements everywhere. We spent our last full day visiting Chartres; the stained glass was amazing. We visited Vendome along the way to experience a market day. Thank you so much for making what, as you've said, is truly your home, available for others to experience and enjoy
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Jennifer
Toronto, OntarioA Delightful Stay in the Loire Valley
Left on 06/17/2012 for a stay in June 2012
My husband, two children (ages 9 and 7) and I recently stayed at La Menagerie, and it was an absolutely incredible holiday! The house and its gardens are even more beautiful than the pictures showed! Our children loved swimming in the pool and all four of us took advantage of the bikes that were provided! The location is perfect for exploring the region and its chateaux, as nothing is too far. In terms of arranging for this holiday, Patrick was a delight to work with. He is very kind and was extremely responsive to our queries. The package of information on the region that he sent prior to our holiday was extraordinarily helpful. We would highly recommend La Menagerie to anyone looking for the perfect house to rent in the Loire Valley!
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D. C
32825Would book a month if I could take time off work
Left on 04/19/2012 for a stay in October 2011
This is the best way to visit the Loire. The home is absolutely charming and exactly what you are looking for if you are done with touristy hotels and busy city streets. It is in rolling, rual farmland and just far enough away from anyone else to be perfect. It's central location makes it ideal to visit the chateauxs.
There are plenty of large markets and small specialty shops around to provide plenty of shopping and do your own french cooking. Be aware that many of the locals do not speak English. But they are universally gracious and with a little French and a lot of sign lanquage we did very well.
The home is comfortable, well appointed and would be perfect for a family. 2 Bedrooms down stairs could be used by folks who do not wish to go up. But I think the doorways maybe a bit small for a wheelchair. Having a washer/dryer and full kitchen really helps to defray expenses for the trip. The owner Patrick was delightful in providing lots of support on everything from where to shop, to how to run the appliances and where to eat out if that is what we wished to do.
The only caution that I would give is that you need to be sure to have a GPS device. This is out in the country and finding your way, especially at night, may be challenging without it. The one we had in the rental car took us right there because the home has it's own GPS location. -
Kamber
San FranciscoLoved La Menagerie
Left on 03/04/2012 for a stay in February 2012
We had a fabulous time and thoroughly loved La Menagerie. It was so warm, comfortable, inviting, and just perfect in every way for our family. It was hard to leave it so soon, and we can definitely see ourselves there in the summer enjoying the pool. Regardless of the winter season, we spent a lot of time outside playing croquet, riding bikes, and having picnics on the patio outside the kitchen. Speaking of the kitchen, I loved the stove and made several memorable meals on it. My husband was in charge of the fireplace, and our children loved the ambiance of the real wood fires every night. The setting was more lovely than I imagined. The surrounding woodlands dripping with fog were magical. My children went for many treks in the woods looking for deer and finding many frogs. The location was conveniently located to Chambord, Chiverny, Amboise, etc. I could go on and on and can not think of anything that should be change. It was enchanting.
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docteam
67125 Dannstadtexcellent cottage for leisure and culture
Left on 01/18/2012 for a stay in September 2011
We had a marvellous stay at la Ménagerie, which fulfilled all our expectations generated by the website.
The owner couldn't do better in providing all the help and information you could possibly need, and the caretakers are wonderfull people.
You can use your stay as an upfueller, relaxing at, or in, the pool ( which is nicer then it looks like on the website), sipping your wine, staring at the landscape, enjoying the amazing tranquilité, eating fresh baguette and croissants from Chitenay etc.
Then, on the other hand, all the wellknown chateaux are nearby, so you can visit them all day long without excessive driving. They are all recommendable!Cheverny is a nice bike ride. But better to bring your own bikes if possible. ( if you like cycling, this place is perfect)
Also recommendable is bringing your GPS, because the cottage is in the middle of nowhere, which is exactly the charm of it.
Also bring lots of supplies ( there is a huge fridge and freezer) because the nearest supermarket is a 20 minutes drive. In Chitenay they only supply bread.
It`s nice to start your vacance with a full fridge.
Washing and drying facilities are excellent, no need for excessive luggage.Wifi is functioning all the time, so is your mobile phone, so you're not that remote!
Thanks again Patrick, for letting us stay in your cottage, we will recommend it tho everybody!
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Chateau Trekkers
Boise, IdahoLa Menagerie is great for Chateau Trekkers and fun seekers!
Left on 12/06/2011 for a stay in November 2011
Great central location for touring the Loire Valley. The cottage is charming and the location very quiet and restful. Lots to see in close proximity. The cottage is also very functional with plenty of options for entertainment. Gps is a big help as you are in a rural area, but we really enjoyed starting and ending our day in this quiet, relaxing spot. Posted information on the cottage was very accurate. The owner was great to work with and provided lots of helpful information that added to our Loire holiday experience.
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Louise
LondonA peaceful getaway in The Loire
Left on 11/01/2011 for a stay in October 2011
Hello Patrick,
We had a fabulous stay at La Menagerie. Your home is beautifully located, cosy and very comfortable. Our boys loved the outdoor space and enjoyed playing in the woods behind the house.
We had a great week weather wise and spent our time visiting the chateaux in the area, walking in the nearby woods, bike riding, playing petanque and enjoying the local cuisine and wine.
Thank you for the bottle of cremant - we enjoyed it so much we visited the winery to purchase some to bring home!
Bernadette and Philippe were very friendly and helpful.
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Dotty from Southern Ca.
Southern CaliforniaMagical visit to the Loire
Left on 10/18/2011 for a stay in October 2011
We were 4 sisters travelling together in France. We travel internationally on a regular basis and were tired of the same old hotel scene. This was perfect. A charming home in the countryside yet centrally located to all of the chateaux sites. The home is cozy yet full of amenities that made the visit comfortable. A small but fully equipped kitchen allowed us to cook meals which allowed us to be flexible and relaxed. There are plenty of restaurants close by so if cooking is not on your agenda you can dine out. There is are both baths and bedrooms on the ground and first floor. In addition there is a very comfortable dining and sitting room. Wifi is running so you are not out of touch despite the quiet location. Plenty of small towns with wineries and groceries. Nice shopping in Blois nearby. I would recommend a GPS as the house is in the country and I would have been lost without it. We all commented that we would like to return if given the chance. I expect we will be paying La Menagerie a visit again.
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Kristin Cook
Geelong, AustraliaA perfect cottage to explore the Loire Valley.
Left on 10/16/2011 for a stay in September 2011
After at a week in an amazing villa in Provence we were definitely not disappointed with our cottage in the Loire Valley. Everything was so well presented from the excellent directions to find the cottage to our welcome from Patrick and all the wonderful features of the cottage. We had wonderful weather so could enjoy the outdoor living and plunging into the very cold pool! The countryside is lovely and we enjoyed the hot air balloons floating above us as we sipped a local wine. We felt happy we didn't see too many deer as we saw a lot of hunters along the roadsides!!
Extra building was being done to extend the accommodation which looked very interesting. We'd love to come back to see the results. The cottage was perfect and we ate in the local village which was great. We even learnt the inventor of the Pressure Cooker came from the little village of Chitenay.
Thank you Patrick for the prior information you gave us and for such a lovely stay.
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Dale K
WellingtonWonderful tranquil holiday
Left on 09/28/2011 for a stay in September 2011
The cottage was absolutely ideal for our extended family, some from Ireland and from New Zealand. So well set up, even for a baby. We enjoyed the tranquility, but being close enough to explore the region's wines, chateaux and villages. We loved exploring the local area on the bikes, setting off in the mornings and collecting our breads from the local boulangeries. The service that we received was great also.
Thanks for a wonderful memory -
Mary
Londonthe perfect french country house in the most beautiful setting
Left on 08/07/2011 for a stay in August 2011
La Menagerie was so memorable. With the owner's fantastic information pack, we were able to explore so many villages, a couple of chateaus, two vineyards and several enjoyable meals. we would all like to thank you for your oreganisation and use of your beautiful, perfect, french country house.
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Kirstin Fallang
West Alexandria, OHLa Menagerie is an ideal respite!
Left on 08/03/2011 for a stay in June 2011
My stay at "La Ménagerie” was wonderful. I immediately fell in love with the charm of the house, the flowers, and the beautiful peacocks. I think I took more photographs there than I did at any of the world-famous chateaux! I stayed in the bedroom upstairs, which was even better than I expected. From my bed, I could see the blue sky out the window, the wall full of books, the quaint writing desk, and the deep claw-footed bathtub. It was perfect. As I explained to friends at home, I was almost annoyed each day when it was time to go sight-seeing, because I didn't want to leave my beautiful bedroom and I had an entire wall of books to try to get through before my stay was over! The entire house was very comfortable, delightfully decorated, and stocked with items to enhance the stay of its guests, such as maps, travel guides, and a binder full of suggestions from Patrick about good places to eat and sites to see. A friend of mine who has a physical disability and is wheelchair-bound came to visit and was impressed at the accessibility. He easily maneuvered around the first floor and into the bathroom. "La Ménagerie” is an ideal place for anyone to stay; it is quietly situated in the countryside, but is a very short drive away from many of the chateaux of the Loire Valley and less than two hours away from Paris. I highly recommend staying at "La Ménagerie,” as long as it doesn't interfere with my own future stays there!
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Lynn S.
San Carlos, CAIncredible home away from home!
Left on 07/21/2011 for a stay in July 2011
Thank you so much for opening up your wonderful home to us. It is a lovely, tranquil place and we felt right at home. All three generations enjoyed it very much. Our daughter (8 y/o) especially enjoyed the pool, the hammocks and the peacock! We had a chance to visit many chateaux and wineries and after busy days sightseeing we loved coming home to the peaceful La Menagerie to enjoy the sunsets, some wine and each other's company. Philippe and Bernadette were so welcoming and helpful, too. All of your help and information was very useful and very appreciated. It all made our stay even more enjoyable and really gave us a taste of life in the French countryside!
Thanks again, Patrick, very much. We have wonderful memories of our stay at La Menagerie and hope to visit again one day. -
David Fallang
Middletown, OhioA pleasant month in the French Countryside
Left on 07/18/2011 for a stay in June 2011
We spent the entire month of June, 2011 at the house. The amenities were very nice. The high speed internet worked well, even enabling me to use my sling box. The television worked well and I found the subtitles (in French) very helpful. I would prefer that a television also be available downstairs by the fireplace but not a big problem.
The kitchen was modern and functional. The bathrooms were fine. The sauna worked fine but the outside pool was cold. We didn't need heat or a/C. The bicycles were a bit old but worked fine.
The setting and location were great, if you like being out in the country (we do). We walked and biked and it was great. We made friends with the peacock and saw deer walking through the adjacent field. The nearest town (5 minutes) was a bit sleepy, but shopping and dining were easily available about 20 minutes away in the nearest city.
If you're interested in French Chateau, this place is perfect. Many of the most well known are within 30-45 minutes such as ... (Chambord, Chaumont, Chenonceau, Blois, Cheverhy, Valencay, Amboise and others). There are also lesser known chateaus such as the one in the second nearest town (Beauregard) and even a secret, hidden not-open-to-the-public chateau in the nearest town.
Paris is a two hour train ride from the nearest city and we also took the three hour car trip to Normandy to visit the beaches and Mont St. Michel. We had a great visit and the house was a perfect staging platform. Some days we just stayed home, walked, ate, drank wine and fed the peacocks. -
Sir_Thicket
Houston, TexasA beautiful and traquil get away
Left on 05/02/2011 for a stay in April 2011
The owner Patrick is a very easy to deal with guy who has a simple and very good website where you can see a lot of photos.
We stayed in mid april for a week to relax and see a few of the local sights and take in rural France in the Loire Valley. Patrick provided a lot of very detailed notes and instructions on location, directions, things to do, restaurants. We used these a lot and were a great help.
The cottage itself really was fantastic. The place is modern, very clean and has everything you could need for a relaxing stay in France. The cottage is called La Menagerie, has several bedrooms to choose from, dining area, pool and DVD and book libraries. We stayed in the top room with ensuite bathroom and traditional bath. Upstairs has a DVD library with a very nice area to watch movies with surround sound and all the trimmings. There are hundreds of books to read if you finish your own. Patick also has many guide books and local brochures to use.
Downstairs has a full kitchen, dining area, laundry room and seating area around an open fireplace. The thing that makes this place great is that this is someones home, its not an empty holiday home. It has everything, even a computer for guest use!
The outside has a pool, barn with bikes for use and a space for parking. There are a couple of hammocks and an outside dining area too. The location of the cottage is great. Its far enough away from civilization that makes it feel like a secret and it is close enough to life go see lots of local chateaux and wineries.
I highly recommend this to any age group and to anyone looking for somewhere quiet and relaxing that is close to the local sights but far enough away that you feel you're alone. -
Hui Lin Ho
MalaysiaAll the comforts of home in a beautiful setting.
Left on 04/28/2011 for a stay in April 2011
We had a wonderful stay at your cottage. La Menagerie was very comfortable and felt just like home. Your cottage is beautiful, cosy, and wonderfully decorated. Location was superb, and we were able to explore all the corners of the Loire with such ease - in the car, and on the bikes in your shed. Thank you for organising everything to accommodate our baby too. We also enjoyed your restaurant recommendations, the most memorable being the meals we had at Le bistriot du cuisinier in Blois, and our meal at "Aux rendez-vous des pecheurs". Never to be forgotten! We enjoyed our daily ritual of finding a good boulangerie to buy our morning breakfast and bread for the day. You are right...the one at Chitenay was pretty average, but we loved the boulangerie in Cours-Cheverney, Cellettes, and one that Thierry took the guys to on their bike ride (Chaille?? - where the bread was great!). We visited many of the local markets, and also cooked many meals in the cottage. You have everything (and more) in your kitchen for the passionate cook!
Bernadette is wonderful - she is such a lovely person, and helped to babysit for me one night. And as luck would have it, the only night my baby woke up was the one where she babysat! But she took it in her stride, and we were still able to enjoy our evening out. She also organised for us to do some wine tasting at Domaine de Veilloux - just a stone throw away. The wine was delicious there - we came back with many bottles in our suitcase! While we never got to meet Phillipe, we read all the little notes he left for us around the house! We got to know Thierry, and he took my husband and our friend on a long scenic bike ride, off the tourist paths, ending up at his place for a beer with his family. He was very friendly and helpful.
We would love to come back some day - and will bring our two daughters next time as well. They would enjoy riding around the beautiful countryside, visiting the chateaux, and tasting all the lovely French cuisine. -
Tony
Vancouver, BCFabulous!
Left on 01/20/2011 for a stay in July 2008
"We had a great time (and great weather!) and it was everything we hoped for. All six of us fitted in with no issues, and the condition, location and quality of La Menagerie made our holiday in the Loire Valley complete. The location was a great starting point for all our tours throughout the area - chateaus like Chateau de Chenonceau are not to be missed.
Thanks again, and we look forward to our next visit to la Menagerie!
Tony, Pete, Deb, Megan, Christine and Jacqueline."
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T Barlow
SydneyVery relaxing holiday in rural France
Left on 01/09/2011 for a stay in December 2006
I would definitely recommend La Menagerie. The design of the cottage is fantastic - it has maintained its country house character while including all of the modern conveniences. The well-equipped kitchen made it ideal for cooking and tasting the quality food from the region. And the location is fantastic- only a couple of hours from Paris, close to the Chateaux of the Loire and in a quiet spot away from other houses and traffic.
Thanks again
Todd
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The Clark Extended Family
Hong KongFamily Holiday
Left on 01/07/2011 for a stay in August 2007
We are still "glowing" from our holiday. Blois is such a wonderful area. We enjoyed a delicious last lunch at your recommended restaurant on the south bank of the Loire (I can't remember the name now, but you called it your "canteen"). Many thanks again for the comforts of your lovely house, your attention to detail was greatly appreciated by all.
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LeAnne and Mark
Calgary Alberta CanadaA dream fulfilling, memory making experience!
Left on 01/06/2011 for a stay in May 2008
As first time internet accommodation travelers, we
were unsure what our experience may turn out to
be. What a joy! Patrick was kind, generous and
most professional. Not the same experience we
had with our other stays in France... as a matter of
fact, his charming and pleasant attitude ensured we
booked his flat in Paris on our return trip there.
La Menagerie is charming, cozy, comfortable and
made us feel us right at home. It was an
extraordinary week of sun, pool, sauna and ping
pong ( a recent addition by our thoughtful host). I
confess we rarely left the place as it was so lovely
just to sit and listen to the birdsong, and to utterly
relax. Phillipe is the most endearing man, and
Bernadette, although notre Francais est tres mal, we
managed to communicate with smiles and laughs.
We had possibly the best meal of our 5 week trip at
the auberge du Centre in Chitenay, and our
daughters enjoyed their menu enfants la aussi.
The kitchen was so pleasant to cook in and we
shared many meals in the large downstairs room.
We played opera, old Elvis and Miles Davis CDs and
danced with our daughters in the middle of the
room. My husband and I had a 'date night' and
watched a movie in the upstairs loft. The beds
were comfortable and the rooms dark and quiet.
The bath and shower, most luxurious. I could
imagine we lived in France, with the girls giggling
in the pool, the laundry in the washer, and the
Opera on the Tivoli (and the wine in my glass, mais
oui!) We were also lucky enough to host the
neighborhood peacocks frequently on our last days
there. They were very engaging for our girls and
we have numerous photos of the 'parade'.
I recommend without hesitation dealing with
Patrick, and upon our parting, we already plan a
return trip to La Menagerie!
Recommended for: Age 55+, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, People with Disabilities, Romantic Getaway
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James
LondonOutstanding!
Left on 01/03/2011 for a stay in December 2010
We booked a stay at La Menagerie on the basis of the excellent reviews and very detailed information provided by the owner and set off for a week in the Loire Valley.
We cannot put it more simply - this is a gem of a find. Situated in rural countryside, but only a short drive to supermarkets, this located ideally for all the major chateau of the region with the "Big 4" all within 30 mins drive. The owner kindly provided a very detailed pack before we arived with recommendations of where to go, what to see and various helpful tips. One in particular is the Zoo Parc de Beauval (about 35 mins drive) which is outstanding and where we spent Christmas Day.
Coming home to what we rapidly termed "our" cottage, the log fire would be lit, we would cook dinner together (the French supermarkets are excellent) and then just relax.
The cottage itself is very spacious and homely and our little daughter loved the space to be able to roam around.
We have already recommended the cottage to some friends of ours and will be back in 2011.
Special mention must be made of Philippe, the caretaker, who met us on check-in and check-out who was fantastic. We would recommend La Menagerie without hesitation.
The owner, Mr Canel, was a pleasure to deal with and exceeedingly helpful and we look forward to staying at the property again. -
Jennifer
OttawaBeautiful home away from home
Left on 11/12/2010 for a stay in October 2010
We had a wonderful time at La Menagerie place. The house is so comfortable and relaxing that we wished we had had much more time there. We explored amboise and several castles. One of the kids favorites was Chateau du Clos Luce and the Leonardo Da Vinci inventions. The grounds are beautiful and the inventions in the garden are very hands on.
I can't think of any negatives about the house. It was beautifully decorated, comfortable, relaxing and we share a lot of the same books! We had a fire Sunday afternoon and evening and made dinner. It was a great low key evening preparing for our trip home. We would love to return some day for a longer stay. The kids were disappointed that we did not have time to ride bikes, play tennis or croquette.
Thank you for your hospitality and opening your lovely home for others to enjoy. -
The Gordon Family
Vienna, VAPerfect for relaxation-Loads of things to do
Left on 10/27/2010 for a stay in October 2010
We hit the road to "La Menagerie” (only a couple of hours from Paris) after staying a few days at the owner's apartment ("Under the Rooftops) in the city of lights. We were very excited with the description and photos of this cottage, but reality exceeded our expectations: it is a truly beautiful place with stunning views across the countryside in all directions! The location is secluded but you never feels isolated: it is at walking distance to a little hamlet mostly composed of farmhouses; it is at biking distance to the village with a great auberge/restaurant and boulangerie; and the city of Blois is only 15 minutes away by car. It is perfect for a week or two of relaxation! There is also a lot to do nearby and plenty of places to visit, with the most famous chateaux of the Loire Valley all being in a 50 miles radius.
The design of this remodeled wine maker's house has nicely maintained its character while including all of the modern conveniences. The well-equipped kitchen with its gourmet utensils made it easy for tasting and cooking the quality food and wine from the Loire Valley. The grand open kitchen/dining/living area has an en suite design that works great for family reunions and parties. Everything, including the pool and the sauna is well maintained and kept to the highest standards. We had a fantastic time over there and we cannot recommend it highly enough. Enjoy it!
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Jim Etherington
Ontario, CanadaA Perfect Holiday
Left on 09/26/2010 for a stay in July 2009
The Etherington clan from Ontario Canada enjoyed a wonderful two weeks at La Menagerie in July 2009. This was our first taste of renting a country home in Europe and Patrick's home met and exceeded all our expectations. Six adults and one excited grandchild swam, cooked, toured, cycled and woke to the sound of birds. Our visit generated memories for life. We have no hesitation in recommending a visit to Chez Patrick".
Jim Etherington, London Ontario Canada July 2009 -
Pam
chicagoOutstanding
Left on 09/17/2010 for a stay in July 2008
We greatly enjoyed our stay at La Menagerie. We have stayed in many homes throughout France, and this is one of our favorites. The home is very comfortable, with all the amenities you need for a lovely vacation. It's a great home in a great location. It feels like a real "home."
The caretakers were charming & helpful and certainly added to the pleasant experience we had. Thanks again for everything!!”
Pam Gordon,
Chicago, IL, USA -
Steve and Annemarie Lechner
SF Bay AreaWonderful Country Cottage In Loire Valley
Left on 09/12/2010 for a stay in June 2009
"After a week in Paris, we were delighted to arrive at La Menagerie in Chitenay! Such a peaceful, serene setting. We marvelled at the comfort of every piece of furniture! The petit salon became a favourite hangout for our teenage sons - not for the TV (which we did indulge in one evening) but for reading and relaxing.
We could sit out under the trees or lie in the hammock to stay out of the sun. We could hang out by the pool and have a dip (the water temperature is just right!). We rode bikes to Chitenay to gather our daily baguette and pastries. We took a bike tour with Thierry on Saturday afternoon and had a great trip through the countryside. Thierry grew up in Chitenay and knows the area in detail. There were many villages to explore and larger towns like Blois and amboise to wonder through. Chateaus, chateaus, chateaus - take your pick!
Patrick, the owner, has complied interesting facts and guidance on things to see for fun and places to go for necessities. Very helpful!
We all had a great time, ate well, rested well and combined all that with touring the countryside - much of it still left for us to discover - there's so much to see and do.
It's not too far from Paris although we did have a challenge finding La Menagerie at first. Look for Cellettes and then you'll see signs for Chitenay. Once we got used to the roads and villages we were fine.
We had a wonderful time! We are very grateful to Patrick for renting his home to us. It made our trip!
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S Fisk
Oosterbeek, NLFantastic Stay
Left on 09/05/2010 for a stay in July 2009
We indeed had a nice visit to your home in France. Excellent location and close to some very good local wineries and fun villages and of course the Chateau's for which this area is very well known. We have in fact also recommended this to some friends that just moved to Paris if you in the future have availability for a long weekend. Also, Philippe was a great and extremely helpful addition!
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Charles Gibb
LondonThe location!
Left on 08/28/2010 for a stay in June 2008
We had the most fantastic and enjoyable few days at "La Menagerie", from the warmth of welcome from Patrick to all the help and support from the locals! Ideally located, amidst some stunning villages, slightly isolated and so very quiet, but with the bikes from the barn, the local area became easily accessible! The house itself is awesome for relaxation, but has so much to offer from the Swimming Pool to the sauna and open fireplace...we only had 2 problems...insufficient time to enjoy everything, and of course too much stunning fresh food from the local Markets!!! Thank you again for a fantastic week".
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tnahler
Fegersheim, FrancePeaceful stay; could be improved.
Left on 08/27/2010 for a stay in July 2010
Having stayed at several different rental properties, hopefully we can provide some useful feedback for you about 'La Menagerie.' Some things we found nice about the property were: the quiet, peaceful location, the pool, the home decor, the proximity to many chateaux, the bicycles(allowing trips to the boulangerie), the fact we could bring our dog, the selection of music, books and games on hand, the abundance of tourist information, well-supplied kitchen for cooking, very comfortable upstairs bedroom and nice bathrooms, sauna, and your helpfulness throughout our travel preparations.
Some things we think could be improved upon would be: ensure that the pool is clean upon guest arrival (it was not cleaned until the 2nd full day of our stay), make sure the computer is available since it is listed on the website (one was not available for us during our stay and we intentionally left ours at home), periodically remove old products from the pantry and refrigerator with a thorough cleaning of the pantry (we found products with an expiration date of 2006 in the pantry and it was not at all clean), give the guests their privacy if they desire it (for example have the cleaning person call before stopping by the house; twice contractors came while we were there; once to mow and another to pick up equipment that was being stored on the property), make sure the electronic equipment is in proper working order before guests arrive (we had a problem with the surround sound that the contractor was unable to fix, and also the dishwasher which he promptly repaired); provide instructions for the oven and its settings; remove some clutter from the kitchen countertops and floor.
The owner of this property has informed us that he is aware of all the suggestions made here, and has already addressed nearly all of these issues. -
Dennis O'Neill
San Martin, CAThis is a fabulous find - go!
Left on 08/23/2010 for a stay in June 2009
We were delighted to find such a great place in the Loire Valley. The home is clean, nicely furnished and remodelled and in a very quiet and quaint spot. We enjoyed the bicycle rides, wine tasting and of course the chateaux in the area. We enjoyed the home so much we stayed an addition day.
Patrick was also very professional and pleasant to work with. We highly recommend him and his home. We have a vacation rental ourselves in Lake Tahoe, Ca and are well acquainted with the necessary steps in the rental process. -
Happy Family
Burgogne, FranceAbsolutely Fantastic Gite in the heart of France.
Left on 08/23/2010 for a stay in May 2010
My family loves La Menagerie. It is great to find a holiday villa that has everything you need, and has style and where everything is new and looks good.
Swimming pool, large washer/dryer, totally complete kitchen, TV with cable, proper Broadband Internet access with WiFi, every towel and piece of linen, sauna, and so on.
La menagerie is a real country retreat in the middle of the lovely fields and vineyards of the Loire. You are absolutely in the center of all the famous castles of the Loire, you will love it. We went to a different one every morning and afternoon.
Everything is very convenient. There is a big supermarket ("Super U") down the road in Contres, there is every sort of mega-shopping up the road in Blois (example, sporting goods superstores, etc), and there are of course a million wine caves, etc. at hand.
Outstanding! An "executive" country retreat !!! -
Steve
BelgiumAn ideal location for a relaxing holiday
Left on 08/22/2010 for a stay in August 2009
We arrived at La Menagerie with some trepidation, having had previous bad experiences, so imagine our delight when we pulled up outside and the house was exactly like the photos. Inside the property was also as described with every possible need catered for. We spent an idyllic 8 days, we had planned to do more touring but to be honest everyone was so happy and relaxed that we spent more time at the house, well by the pool really, especially the girls!! Even the sun shone for us... The local area was beautiful, especially amboise, and the locals have a much more relaxed view to life than in other areas of France. Bernadette was fantastic, she couldn't do enough for us and the girls enjoyed their visits to her garden to see the animals and returned with eggs from her chickens or tomatoes that she had grown - all of which tasted better than anything you can buy in a supermarket!!!
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Denver Mom
Alpharetta, GA (formerly Denver, CO)Fabulous Experience!
Left on 08/21/2010 for a stay in September 2008
"Wow! What a lovely experience we had at La Menagerie! I went with two other Mom girlfriends on a "chick trip" for two weeks in France. Our favorite time by far was the time spent at your home. It is beautifully decorated without being pretentious, and comfortable without being frumpy. We loved the ample supply of reading material, quality cooking utensils, bikes, plush "American" towels, great CDs, and other little extras that made our stay feel luxurious. We have so many rich memories of lovely, full sunsets seen out the dining room window (Denver sunsets are cut short by the mountains to the west), hot air balloons over the fields all around, walks and bike rides around the surrounding country roads, and the general peaceful air of being in the country without being isolated from amenities. We all 3 hope to come back to La Menagerie with our respective families someday. I've seen a lot of France, but I have to say that my stay at La Menagerie has now made the Loire Valley one of my very favorite places. Thanks again for everything you've done to assure your guests are blown away by La Menagerie." Denver, Colorado, USa
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Gretchen
Edisto Island, SCIdyllic Retreat in the Loire Valley
Left on 08/21/2010 for a stay in May 2010
La Menagerie was everything we had hoped for and was the perfect spot for our group of 4 friends to spend 8 nights. The house is in a great location - just off of a very quiet, rural road surrounded by fields and trees. As peaceful as could be, and even included two little bunnies who each morning ventured out of their warren in the side wall of the garage. We loved sitting out on the patio with a glass of wine (or two!) after a full day of sightseeing. We cooked at home almost every night, and though the kitchen is a bit small, we certainly managed to turn out some great meals with local meats and produce. The house is well situated geographically, with great access to all the beautiful chateaux. The charming towns of Blois and amboise are not to be missed, as well as the incredibly wonderful local restaurant in Chitenay (Auberge du Centre). We would love to stay here again and highly recommend it to others.
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Happy Traveller
AberdeenWonderful Country Retreat
Left on 08/18/2010 for a stay in June 2010
We had the most excellent time staying at the Menagerie...it was perfect for us and our folks. The farmhouse was situated in the most central location for our touring the area and the owners recommendations for historical towns to see was brilliant- We especially enjoyed Vendome, Amboise and Lavardin. Mostly we did short day trips and enjoyed the tranquility of the surroundings of the farmhouse in the evenings. We really enjoyed having nice walks around the neighbouring country roads and taking in the sights then always stopped off for the folks to enjoy the croaking of the frogs. Bernadette was so much fun to communicate with and made us feel so welcome and a part of the neighbourhood further adding to the wonderful visit we had. I will forward you a copy of the travelogue we sent to our friends once we returned home- these will certainly make you want to be there now. Since our return home we have been longing for sleeping with the windows wide open and enjoying the morning bird calls...ahhh- I wish we were there still.
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Alison
Houston, TXAmazing French Country Get-Away
Left on 08/13/2010 for a stay in July 2010
We had such a lovely time at La Menagerie, and couldn't have been more pleased with our choice of this cottage for our stay in the Loire Valley. We were away from home for a month visiting various places in the UK and France, and La Menagerie was, by far, the most comfortable and accommodating place we stayed. It's far enough away to be peaceful and quiet, but a short drive from shopping, and right in the center of amazing chateaux. The house and property are absolutely beautiful, and we really would have liked to stay longer.
While we are americans, we have been living in Qatar for a year now (no garden, no playground, no trees, only desert). My children had such a wonderful time being in the outdoors again, riding bikes, collecting stones, picking flowers, counting frogs in the pond - all of the things they miss not being able to do anymore. The experience for them was invaluable and they all agree this was the highlight of our vacation.
M. Canel was a gracious host and easy to do business with. He provided a good deal of information on the local area, everything from local markets to the best restaurants.
We would stay at La Menagerie again, without hesitation, and have already recommended it to friends.
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Paul + Deb
West Chester, PAWe will return
Left on 08/13/2010 for a stay in September 2009
My husband and I spent one of our best vacations ever at Le Menagerie in the Val de Loire near Chitenay, France. The home, surrounded by fields and woods, is stunning inside and out. It is everything we hoped for and more. This property offers the best of both worlds: a quiet country retreat with access to lovely French towns, including Blois, which is only 12 miles from the house.
Each morning we set out on Patrick's bikes to explore a different trail. The bike trails are very well marked and safe. Several chateaux are accessible via bikes from the home. After several miles of riding, a visit to a chateaux, and lunch in a lovely village, we couldn't wait to get back to the house to relax around the pool and watch the sunset with our bottle of local wine. As a testament to the comfort of the home, we only ate dinner out twice (both times at the wonderful Auberge du Centre in Chitenay).
Patrick's neighbor, Bernadette, took care of us as if she were a life-long friend. The time we spent chatting with her is a highlight in a trip full of highlights.
We are returning to Patrick's beautiful home in October with friends.” Paul & Debbie (Pennsylvania)
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Philip
LincolnSimply the best...
Left on 08/13/2010 for a stay in August 2007
I would recommend the Menagerie without reservation. Everything about it was excellent - the setting, the furnishings, decor, kitchen. If you want to stay in the Loire then you must give this place a try - it's superb. My wife is extremely difficult to please and she says it's the best place we've ever stayed!
Dr. Philip Davies (August 2007).
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Richard & Hannah Steventon
Macclesfield, Cheshire, EnglandTruly Amazing
Left on 08/13/2010 for a stay in August 2007
La Menagerie is a truly beautiful place to spend a week or two. The house if tastefully decorated inside with spacious rooms, sauna, private outdoor pool and sits in a very secluded hamlet with fantastic views across the countryside in all directions. This house ticks every box and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The location is secluded and perfect for anyone wanting a week of relaxation. But there are also plenty of places to visit nearby. We had high expectations from the description and photos on-line, but the real thing is even better. Thank you very much!”
Richard and Hannah, Cheshire, England. August 2007 -
Mum/Teacher/Traveller
Vancouver, Canada"Quiet, seclusion, and comfort in the Loire"
Left on 08/13/2010 for a stay in July 2008
My eleven-year-old daughter and I had a lovely quiet time at La Menagerie, after a jolly greeting from Bernadette, who was thrilled to pieces that we spoke at least school-girl French. The house is truly delightful, the setting peaceful yet central to the sights, and all the details made our stay really pleasant. We never met Philippe, but he watered the garden and tended the pool in our absence. La Menagerie is a charming base from which to explore the chateaux by car, follow the well-marked bike loops, hike the Grand Randonnée (GRP) footpaths, browse the markets, and then laze by the pool with a book. We biked over hill and dale to local smaller chateaux, with strategic stops for creme glacée. Other days, I drove us farther afield on epic outings along the Loire, Cher or Indre. We would return after our day's adventures, dip in the pool, and my daughter would bathe while I poured wine, put on a CD, and made dinner in your well-appointed kitchen. A sunset bike ride along the country lanes rounded off the evening. All the best comforts of a quiet home in a charming setting. Merci for a lovely stay!