Bluebell is a delightful self-contained upstairs apartment with access via external stairs, and being part of our 19th century Maison bourgeoisie. The open plan floor design gives you a very well equipped kitchenette, lounge and dining area. The bathroom has both a large bath and a separate shower, and the large beamed bedroom offers you
a Queen-size bed fitted with adjustable comfort control for you to enjoy individual comfort. You are provided with Free WiFi and UK TV. Very importantly, should you want to bring your dog(s), the Bluebell apartment has a very dog-secure, attractive garden/lawn area for the personal use of your dog(s). We are situated on the edge of Gizeux in the Department of Indre-et-Loire and surrounded by farmland with delightful forests close-by, and is a perfect base from which to explore the magnificently stunning cultural and natural heritage of the Loire Valley. The chateaux of the Loire Valley extend over three ancient provinces outlined by the great loop which the Loire forms and defines a vast, rich area, united by its history.
Gizeux has a fine chateau dating from the middle ages built on the site of a 14th century castle. The chateau has two large galleries decorated with Italian paintings from the start of the 17th century, and with panels representing royal palaces and rural scenes. The Chateau de Gizeux has been listed since 1945 as a monument historique by tyhe French Ministry of Culture. Gizeux is also blessed with a post office, a pharmacy, a superb boulangerie, and a general store/boucherie. There is a medical centre approximately 7 kilometres away in Vernoil, while the excellent Centre Hospital de Saumur is 25 kilometres from Gizeux and has a 24 hours emergency service. While there are many delightful restaurants and cafes in nearby towns, of particular interest is the "Le Musee Bar Tabac" situated next to the famous Jules Desbois Museum in the next village of Parcay-les-Pins. Run by the charming English couple Darren and Louise who offer a good choice of lunch and evening meals.
The beautiful historic town of Saumur has a famous weekly market. Every Saturday morning hundreds of stalls open for business in the streets and squares of the old town, from 8am. The town is also home to the Cadre Noir, and the National School of Horsemanship. Not to be missed are visits to the various wineries of the area. For example, Saumur is famous for Saumur Mousseux sparkling wine and the Saumur red wine Champigny. Chinon is probably best-known for producing Cabernet Franc, while the area of Bourgueil and St Nicholas-de-Bourgueil are infamous for medium bodied wines. Visits to sparkling wine producers such as Gratien & Meyer, Bouvet-ladubay, and Verve Amiot really are a must!
We feel this area offers something in the way of sporting and leisure pursuits for everyone; there are two superb and delightful golf courses each within 30 minutes driving from Gizeux, The two courses - Golf-de-Bauge and Chateau-des-Sept Tours are very different to each other, but both offer a really enjoyable and challenging game of golf; tee times can be arranged, and both courses are members of the Golfy Network. the Lac de Pincemaille a part leisure complex offering water skiing sailing and fishing, and part wetlands home to wildfowl such as golden plovers cormorants and peregrine falcons, and only six kilometres away. Furthermore, the surrounding forest area is ideal for cycling and walking and there are two mountain bikes available for the use of guests.
The channel ports of St Malo, Caen, and Le Havre are only three to four hours distant with Calais some 550 ks away. The local towns of Bourgueil, Saumur, Angers and Tours are but a short drive.