 ~ News
and
Reviews |
|
~ News
and
Reviews |
|
au Château News ~ our FREE newsletter - 3 issues a year with beautiful color photos- visits to landmarks and a special City or Village View in each regular issue - active links to tourism & regional web sites - in-depth visits to one or two of our member properties in each issue - what there is to do and see where the châteaus are located - quizzes to test your knowledge of France - easy and delicious recipes - travel tips and advice, and more! *
* * SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE TO ACCESS OUR PREVIOUS
ISSUES
* * * Current Offers at lovely Loire Valley Châteaux These special rates are only valid if booked through au Château!  Château
de la Barre
Château de CourtomerBook your stay at this luxurious historic château and add the package tour of Normandy to explore the battlefields and D-Day beaches with a Brigadier General, see the D-Day beaches, a visit to Chartres Cathedral and so much more! Château de Sommesnil in the Seine-Maritime of Normandy will receive a generous 30% discount when booking through au Château! This château is a bed and breakfast with the possibility of weekly or weekend rentals. Escorted tours of Normandy, WWI and WWII sites and Champagne can be included in your stay. Inquire today at inquiry@au-chateau.com and indicate Sommesnil in the subject line. We're waiting to hear from you. in Normandy's Orne département o
Off peak stays ( November 2nd-
31st March) : Château
stays of two nights for 10
people at a price of €2500. o
Cancellation policy relating to COVID-19 and travel
restrictions are as follows: In the event that traveling is impossible due to Coronavirus (flights canceled or travel restrictions imposed, to or from your home country or to or from France), we will refund the totality of your rental payment including the reservation deposit if you are obliged to cancel your trip to Normandy up to one month prior to your arrival date. ** 24 hours of Le Mans from 7 to 14 of June 2021 ** LM Classic from 28 June to
5 July 2021 Take advantage of our specials:
Suites and Junior Suites €320 per night
Château
des Allues in the Savoie has many special
offers and packages for their guests including Gourmand, 1 night for 2 including
breakfast and dinner and a special surprise gift for €246; Découverte, 1 night for 2
with breakfast included for €150;
Détente, 2 nights for 2 with breakfast and dinner and a
surprise gift for €396; and demi-pension for 2 persons for €285 per
person in the spring and autumn (2 weekend days or 3 weekdays).
Contact us for all the details and with any questions you may have: inquiry@au-chateau.com and
please put Allues Offers in
the subject line of your email. A visit to Château de
Sommesnil in Normandy will
be very special indeed if you are a golfer. Five golf courses are
in the area, and the château is now offering 7-day packages that
can include games at all five plus two days of excursions to local
villages, abbeys, châteaux and markets. Customized tours to
suit your interests can easily be arranged, so feel free to mix and
match activities. And, artists will find the Plein Air packages
appealing. Contact us and we'll make the
arrangements for you! Be sure to mention Château
de
Sommesnil along with your interests, whether it
is golfing or
painting or
just visiting all the historic sites in Normandy. Château
de la Ballue in beautiful Brittany is offering a variety of
classical
music concerts at the château. Contact us at info@au-chateau.com
to
make arrangements for your stay at the
château and/or to make arrangements to attend the concerts and
for detailed information about each one. Contact us about
upcoming concerts.
Château
de Chambost , not
far from Lyon in the Rhône region, offers French Immersion
(conversational)
and French Cooking classes with your charming hostess, Véronique
de Lescure. Simply contact us to request more information.
Domaine des Faures not only offers a beautiful Dordogne B&B opportunity for guests and can be rented by the week, but they also host exclusive garden tours several times during the year. Take advantage of these all-inclusive small group tours. Detailed information on their pages on this web site. Please be sure to inquire as to how you can participate. Château de Vallery is an amazing château in Burgundy offering elegant and luxurious weddings to brides and grooms from around the world. Words cannot describe the grand halls, stunning bedrooms and superb amenities offered by the owners to create the perfect marriage venue, business conferences or group events and celebrations. Contact us today.
Château
de la Vigne in the Cantal offers Cooking
Classes or French Immersion classes (conversation) with the
Countess and Hot Air Balloon rides from their beautiful
park. For more information and schedules, please contact us at inquiry@au-chateau.com ***
When contacting us by the email address given, please specify
the name of the château & the special offer that interests you. Merci! ***  Travel
Tip It
is important
to book early in order to get the rooms and dates you desire.
Our Newest Members Château de Courcy in the lovely and historic Manch département of Normandy
offers its
guests a heated swimming pool, tennis court, fishing in the moat and
many more activities. The pleasure of staying in a Monument Historique cannot be
overstated. There are two
master suites, a double, two single rooms and a twin ~ all spacious and
comfortable, all with en suite bathrooms and sleep up to 14 people in the
château and charming cottage. Catering can be arranged for
occasional dinners or for all meals each day. Nearby are
the historic beaches of WWII as well as an 18-hole golf course and
sandy beaches for an outing are only 10 minutes away.
Château de Janville in Normandy's Seine-Maritime is a delightful property to rent for a group of friends or family. Nine bedrooms are available for guests in the château and an additional 6 people can be accommodated in the Blue Cottage. The dining hall comfortably seats 15 people and there is a fully-equipped professonal kitchen, a library, a games room with TV and home cinema and much more. The heated swimming and lap pools are very inviting, and there are many other activities available on the grounds. Brittany Ferries, Monet's gardens, the towns of Deauville, Honfleur and Dieppe are nearby. Château de La Meynardie,
in the historic and popular Dordogne region
of southwestern France. Swim in the pool, play tennis on their
court, or just enjoy relaxing in your spacious and comfortable en suite
guest room. The château is rented by the week for groups
and offers 9 guest rooms in the château and 2 in the
Orangerie. Visit their au Château pages to read about all
the activities and sites available in the region.
Relais des Trois
Châteaux, in the lovely Loire village of
Cour-Cheverny, offers 35 en suite guest rooms, a fine restaurant,
fully-equipped meeting rooms and the ideal location for visiting the
Royal châteaux of the Loire. Enjoy a hot air balloon ride, or
take advantage of their six Spcial Offers that include a guided visit
of nearvy Château de Cheverny. Of course, wine tastings at
nearby vineyards can be arranged, and you can borrow bicycles from the
Relais to explore the region. They happily host weddings for up
to 50 guests.
Err
on the
side of formality. Even if the first names of the château
owners Coming Soon ~ Don't
hesitate
to contact us now if you would like to book a stay at any of the
our member properties. We can provide details including room or
rental
rates and some photos. We hope you will visit all our member
châteaux
to make your selection of places to stay for your next visit to
France.
And, if you have questions about any of them, a click here
will enable you to send us an email with your queries.
Use our handy FAX form. Print it, fill in the blanks and fax it to the châteaus that have fax machines!
Check
each
property's pages on our web site For a
speedy
response to your inquiry, it is best to Château Guest Reviews & Offerings ~
Château
de Servigny in Historic Normandy . . .
Château
de Servigny is a spacious and comfortable
residence that welcomes groups of friends and family to the Cotentin
Peninsula of Normandy ~ rich in history, charming coastal villages,
open-air markets, and easy access to Le Mont Saint-Michel and the
landing beaches of World War II. Enjoy the swimming pool, tennis
courts and country location, only a few minutes to a bustling town with
shops and restaurants. Book your week or longer for the
experience of a lifetime! Guest Review: Fourteen of us booked this lovey château for a September week in 2014. Most of our friends had never stayed in a château before, and they were really enthralled with the experience. Françoise, the amazing housekeeper, greeted us all upon our arrival and made everyone feel welcome. Her brief daily visits kept everything neat and tidy, and she arranged for a welcome dinner and one a few nights before departure, both of which were superb. Some in the group went bike riding, others took advantage of the swimming pool, we all went on day trips to various historic sites and fishing villages, and everyone had a great seven days at Servigny ~ a gem in beautiful Normandy. G&D O, California USA. Guest
Review: We enjoyed our stay at
Servigny very much. The castle was even better than we had
anticipated. The service from the staff was excellent ~ we had
several meals prepared by Gwenaelle which were very much
appreciated. We were very lucky with the weather ~ no rain at
all. I've posted several photos on Facebook, and all my friends
have commented positively. My sister is already thinking of going
there with her group of friends. Should you ever need references
about the stay at the Château for future guests, please feel free
to provide my name and email. Thank you for helping to make this
vacation a memorable one. MN, USA -
July 2016.
Château
Allure du Lac in the Pays de la Loire . . . Château Allure du Lac is set on a grand estate with its own
22-acre lake (perfect for fishing) and a beautiful island.
Gardens, lawns, woodlands and a park offer a pastoral setting.
The swimming pool is perfect for a refreshing swim . Fourteen en
suite guest rooms are offered as well as two apartments in a separate
building only three minutes walk from the château. Don't
miss the opportunity to experience all that Château Allure du Lac
can provide.
Guest Review: Our family group of 18 stayed at Château Allure du Lac for a week in July and had an absolutely fabulous time. The château and all the rooms are stunning, stunningly furnished and very comfortable. The grounds, with lake, pool, and terraces are extensive and perfectly maintained. Great fun for bike riding (we rented bikes from town), walking, playing frisbee, swimming, fishing and barbecuing. Susy, the owner, is a very gracious hostess and made every effort to look after us and make us feel comfortable. We chose to have dinner in the château every night, and the food was absolutely extraordinary! 3 and 4 courses served on impeccably and elegantly set tables, whether in the very grand Silver Dining Room or outside on the terrace. This was a truly memorable vacation for all of us. Stephanie, July 2017
A
Convenient Destination across the Channel from England . . .
Château
de Moulin le Comte, is a fine
château in the Pas-de-Calais region of northern France,
convenient
to the ferry ports of Calais and Dunkerque as well as the Eurostar from
London to Lille. Offering five spacious bedrooms, dinner by
request,
and a lovely parkland with the River Lys running through, this
delightful
B&B was completely renovated in 2012 and awaits your visit.
Don't pass this one by!
A
Delightful Rental with Historic Ties to America . . .
The Pavillon at Château de Tocqueville, the Pavillon of the ancestral home of the great political thinker, historian and author, Alexis de Tocqueville who wrote Democracy in America, is now open to guests. Rent the beautiful 5-bedroom Pavillon at the château and enjoy country living in bucolic surroundings that makes Normandy a favorite destination. The rooms are spacious and superbly decorated offering a lot of relaxing areas for guests to unwind, and the gardens surrounding the château are breathtaking. Visit the Pavillon on our site today! Guest
Review: Thank you
for the
wonderful arrangement you made for us at Le Pavillon at Château
de Tocqueville in Normandy. The grounds were beautiful, the
hostess was wonderful, and the history rich. The Château
was located in a perfect place with easy access to the historical
sections of Normandy. We only wish we could have spent more time
there. G.B.,
Georgia, USA
September
2014
Château
de la Caillotière is waiting to welcome you to the Loire . . . Château de la Caillotière is a weekly rental property in the Pays de la Loire region ~ convenient to the Loire Valley's vineyards, royal châteaux and wonderful market towns and historic sites. A brand new kitchen, six en suite bedrooms and a music / games room make it a perfect vacation getway for friends and family. Visit its au Château pages today!
This
amazing
château has been on our web site since November of 2000 -
thirteen
years - and we had the pleasure of staying there when it was in the
hands
of the previous owners. Today, Château
de la Ballue is the much-loved home of
Madame
Mathon, who not only appreciates the value and history of the
château,
but maintains the exquisite sculpture gardens, hosts regular musical
events,
and
provides her guests with an unforgettable experience. Following
is
a review of someone who was a guest there very recently:
Guest
Review: I wanted to write you a
quick note to let you know that our time at Chateau de la Ballue was
absolutely
fantastic. From the warm welcome by Madame Mathon, to the beautiful and
spacious Chambre Diane, the meticulous grounds and gardens, the
wonderful
"essentially private" dinner at Au Chant de L’alouette in the
quaint
little hamlet of Bazouges-La-Perouse right up the street …. And capped
off with a most French country breakfast the following morning. This
chateau
and what is has to offer is an A-plus-plus, no doubt. If we ever get
back
to the Normandy – Brittany area, we will be staying with Madame Mathon
again. We recommend Château de la Ballue whole-heartedly and
without
reservation. We can't wait to go back. - C.
N., Florida, USA 2013 Don't
Miss
a Chance to Stay at Château Meyre near Bordeaux . . .
Easy to
find on Aquitaine's Médoc peninsula, Château
Meyre - a wonderful wine-producing estate - offers
sumptuous
en suite guest rooms in either the château or the annex, and the
opportunity to enjoy its vineyard views and wine tastings in the
château.
A warm and welcoming staff is there to greet you and see to your every
need. We received these comments from a recent guest:
Guest Review: We had a very special time at the château. The staff could not have been more helpful and accommodating. Their suggestions for dining and wine tours were excellent - delicious and instructive, each guide building on the previous guide's information. Glad we took a trip to St Emilion at the staff's suggestion. - Mr and Mrs H., Maine, USA - September 2011
In the beautiful Lorraine countryside. . . is
the stunning Château
d'Hattonchâtel ~ not simply a country château
but
a very unique and magical property. It is one of the more popular
destinations listed on our web site. With its primary architecture
originating in the 9th century and rebuilt in the 16th century, the
château
offers grand rooms with Gothic arches and windows, comfortable and
beautifully-appointed
guest rooms, and a setting that is ideal for a delightful B&B
experience
or a grand wedding. In March of 2011, a young couple and their
family
spent two nights at the château and wrote to let us know how much
they enjoyed their stay.
Guest
Review: Thank you for an
unforgettable
experience at your château! While our family has traveled
to
many others, Château d'Hattonchâtel was indeed the best
experience
thus far. Not only were the accommodations luxurious and the
architecture
and decor impressive, but the hospitality made us feel warm and
welcome.
Also, the private dinner was perhaps one of the most romantic and
savory
evenings that my husband and I enjoyed. Fabien's outstanding
service
and descriptions, coupled with the incredible dining hall, made the
evening
spectacular. We truly enjoyed our time spent and hope to come
back
again. - Mr
and Mrs B.D., Belgium - March 2011 Guest
Review: Château
d'Hattonchâtel was more than we could've expected, and we enjoyed
every second we were there. The room was wonderful and the view
of the valley was stunning. We had a 6-course dinner on Friday
night in front of a roaring fire, and on Saturday night we ate in the
village at the restaurant that was suggested which was
excellent. B.B., USA -
September 2014.
A Rhône
château not far from Lyon. . . Château de Chambost is a lovely château within an hour's drive of Lyon, France's gastronomic capital. Madame Véronique de Lescure is charming and wants to welcome you to her home. She offers conversational French lessons and cooking classes. Recently, an American lady spent several days there taking advantage of both French immersion and a cooking class. Madame enjoyed having her as a guest very much, and we received this response from the young lady - Guest
Review: Please tell her I said
"hello".
I absolutely adore her whole family. I can never thank her enough
for her gracious hospitality. I am hoping to return to the
Château
sometime. - R.U.,
Oregon, USA Burgundy's Yonne département beckons . . . Château de la Resle is the destination for artists. In addition to being a warm and inviting chambres d'hôtes offering two suites and two guest rooms as bed and breakfast accommodations in Burgundy's beautiful Yonne département, and convenient to the lovely city of Auxerre, a new restaurant has opened on the estate. The château's owners offer their guests an historic château experience while highlighting their appreciation of contemporary art and design. You will feel welcome from the moment you arrive. Enjoy the beautiful estate surrounded by interesting villages with fine restaurants. This is a truly unique property in one of France's most delightful regions. Guest Review: Art is the passion of the owners of this château, and it is tastefully placed to have the best impact on visitors. We had a nice room with a huge bathroom and shower, views in two directions over the estate and lovely breakfasts each morning. Not far away we discovered an excellent restaurant for dinner and spent our days exploring the countryside and interesting villages. Great location! Don't miss it! - Mr and Mrs G.H., California, USA History and Country Comfort in the Dordogne Château
de la Poujade,
once surrounded by rich vineyards, is one of the largest chartreuses
in the Dordogne. It is an Historical Monument high on the slopes
of the Black Périgord, only twenty minutes from Sarlat and a
half
hour from Bergerac and Périgueux. We hope you visit its
pages
soon to see the photos and read all about this fine holiday
destination.
The owners, Count and Countess de Commarque, inlcude a free visit to
the Medieval
fortress of Commarque, the historic birthplace of his
family.
The dramatic keep was erected in 1380, and nearby the ruins of a
fortified
village, knight's tower, chapel and houses built into the rock were
discovered
by archaeologists ~they had been covered in vegetation for over 350
years!
Visitors today can walk on the grounds in the valley to reach the keep
(donjon) from April to November 1st. Another Commarque Family Château Château
de la Bourgonie,
near Sarlat and Bergerac in the popular Dordogne of southwest France,
is
another inviting destination. This medieval château dating
back to the 14th century (and a Listed Historic Monument), was enlarged
in the 17th century. It is beautifully decorated, oozing with
medieval
charm and offers breathtaking views over the Dordogne valley. The
château can accommodate 11 adults and children and one toddler
under
the age of two in the guest wing, and is rented only by the week.
As with Château de la Poujade, those who stay at La Bourgonie
will
receive a free tour of the Medieval fortress of Commarque.
A Dramatic Medieval Castel in Languedoc Château d'Agel, nestled at the foot of Black Mountain in Languedoc, has joined our family of prestigious lodgings in France. This amazing fortified castle from the 12th century is a superb example of medieval architecture - completely updated for the absolute comfort of guests in the 21st century. Rent it by the week for a gathering of family or friends, and enjoy this authentic experience in Minervois wine country. Visit it on our site today to see the beautiful guest rooms, fantastic gardens and surrounding vineyards. Agel is the perfect wedding venue, and your guests can visit nearby Carcassonne and the Canal du Midi. Explore the Troglodyte Caves ~ then Sleep in Luxury . . . Chateau de Jalnay, just south of the Loire and the Abbaye de Fontevraud, is a splendid, classic French château built over three centuries and today a sophisticated and luxurious chambres d'hôtes. Each guest room is thoughtfully decorated with all the comforts one could want, and the en suite bathrooms are sparkling and spacious with all the modern conveniences. The common rooms are elegant, and your friendly host and hostess offer fine breakfasts and dinners by advance reservation to make your stay memorable for years to come. Don't forget to visit their very own troglodyte cave dwellings! Amazing! An Exciting Discovery . . . is now FOR SALE! Les
Vieux Murs is
one of those hidden gems - a secret treasure one wants to keep all to
him
or herself. We discovered it nestled away behind the
fine
historic village of Souvigny in the Allier département
of
the northernmost Auvergne. Minutes from the city of Moulins, this
fine country manor on over five acres of rolling lawns and rich with
specimen
trees, is now a member of our site. Lovely guest rooms, modern en
suite bathrooms, and a breakfast each morning that is more than
special.
Your warm and friendly host and hostess, Michel and Laurence Louyot,
make
you feel as though you are staying with old friends. Les
Vieux
Murs is a delight that should not be missed!
Contact us for more
information about buying this stunning property. Guest
Review: We have been guests
here twice and will, no doubt, return again and again. Laurence
and Michel are the perfect hostess and host, breakfast is superb each
morning, the location and estate are perfect, and our room with a
modern en suite is cozy and comfortable,. We can't recommend this
B&B in historic Bourbon country strongly enough. G&D - USA Indescribable Luxury in a Charming Normandy Château . . . Château
de Bénéauville is
a truly unique and utterly charming château in Normandy - an
historic monument
with exquisite interiors, comfortable en suite guest rooms, a pond for
fishing, a sauna and a lovely large swimming pool for the ultimate
enjoyment.
Offering bed and breakfast accommodations from May through September
each
year, its location near the historic city of Caen and the D-Day landing
beaches makes it the right choice for your stay in France. Guest
Review: We had a
perfect two days and nights at Château de
Bénéauville
in September. The château rooms are stunning with
beautifully carved fireplaces, painted ceiling beams and comfortable
furnishings. Our hosts were perfect! We would have loved to stay
longer, and plan to return someday. Enjoyed relaxing on their
front porch with the sweet family dog, too! D and G,
California Savoie Getaway for Gourmands! Château des Allues, a cozy and delightful château at the edge of the Alpes in the spectacular Savoie region of eastern France is one château you don't want to miss. It begs to be visited, whether for ski vacations in the winter or trekking holidays any other time of year. For those who are simply intrested in clean air, beautiful countryside, visiting historic towns, and sublime cuisine, it is perfect for you as well. Proprietor Stéphane Vandeville loves to cook, and if you reserve a spot at the table for dinner, you will have an outstanding and memorable meal! Guest
Review: What a wonderful
place!
The château is just outside of a charming little village,
complete
with Swiss-style chalet homes, and we enjoyed our walk into town
several
times during our stay. Especially enjoyable was the little
'waterfall'
rushing down from the mountains not far from the château's
entrance
gates. Dinner was delicious and beautifully presented, and we not
only enjoyed the local wines served but the company of other guests at
the table. Our room was grand and the views
spectacular...especially
sunrise over the alps. We'll go back and would recommend it to
anyone. D
& MT, California USA Guest
Review:I had high expectations
of Allues, and Stéphane did not disappoint!
The location was stunning. The food, and we had dinner
there all
three nights, was off the charts. My wife, who’s a real foodie,
loved
it. And we especially like the atmosphere he creates with other
interesting guests, as we all dine together. Went to the top of
the “Col” directly above St. Pierre d’Albigny on the way over to the
Bauges region. CT, California USA July 2015
Atlantic Coast Beaches not far away . . . Le Clos de la Garenne is a lovely place for a getaway in western France where you will be warmly welcome by Monsieur and Madame François. Just a few minutes from the historic port of La Rochelle, la Garenne offers spacious bedrooms, a suite or an apartment as bed and breakfast accommodations, or you can spend a week in the self-catering studio, Tournesol. The charming village of Puyravault is a convenient location for a home base to take day trips to the Ile de Ré, Ile d'Oléron, La Rochelle, Rochefort and the wonderful coastline of Atlantic France. Do visit le Clos de la Garenne on our site today, and include it in your next visit to France. Guest
Review: We had two lovely
nights
at this charming B&B ~ our hosts were friendly and helpful,
and
breakfast each morning was super! Our room was large and the en
suite
bathroom modern. The family has two nice dogs and two amazing donkeys
that
are well cared for. The location made it easy for us to visit La
Rochelle, Rochefort, and several small towns and villages with lots of
history. We recommend it as a great place to stay when traveling
along the western coast of France.
T & K, USA 2011 Stay amid the Groves and Vineyards of Provence Château Juvenal is warm and enchanting with its Provençal location and surrounded by its own vineyards and olive groves. Sparkling in the sunlight of southern France, Château Juvenal offers fine guest accommodations, dinners of regional cuisine including wine, and a refreshing swimming pool. Explore the villages and vineyards of Provence, spend hours wandering through the Carpentras market, or just enjoy quiet and relaxation at the château. Please visit them on our pages today! Read an excerpt from someone who discovered Château Juvenal's wonderful wine in July of 2006: Guest Review: Yesterday we visited a small town...close to where we live in Edinburgh, called Peebles and ate at a small bistro. Their Wine Merchant had supplied them with Château Juvenal 2004. IT WAS EXCELLENT and quite made our luncheon party. We had some good wines in the Luberon last summer during an extended visit there but nothing as good as yours. Guest
Review: We couldn't have
enjoyed
our stay at Château Juvenal more! From our lovely room with
a spectacular shower and a balcony overlooking the front entrance to
the
delicious breakfasts and dinner we enjoyed at Anne-Marie's table, it
will
be long remembered as one of our favorite Provençal
experiences.
Meeting the other guests, sampling the château's own wine, and
taking
home a small can of Juvenal's exquisite olive oil...what a great
experience! - O & S,
USA
Try
to spend
a minimum of 3 nights at any château found on our web site.
Nothing
ruins
a trip (or taints its memory) more than trying to
Château de Vollore and its American Connection The General Marquis de Lafayette played a pivotal role in the United States War of Independence, so it is with great interest that we visited Château de Vollore in France's Auvergne, owned by a direct descendant of the General, Madame Aubert de La Fayette. Our stay was luxurious and restful. The scenery outstanding. Local cuisine perfect. And, most of all, our host and hostess were two of the most welcoming people you will ever meet in France. Touring the rooms of the château and viewing keepsakes of the General was an enlightening and educational experience we will always remember. We recently received the following letter from another recent guest, one with a very special interest in General Lafayette: Guest Review: "Dear friends, I enjoyed reading au Château News. I stayed at chateau Vollore last summer (2002) and agree with your assessment of the Aubert La Fayettes and the fine accommodations. I will never forget them. Since I am writing a biography of General Lafayette, I drove south to the château musée Chavaniac, where there is a fascinating sound and light show. I also visited Le Puy en Velay and saw the ruined château Polignac. I am a retired art and architecture critic and live with my wife in sunny Naples, Florida. Bonne chance! Sincerely, D. M., Florida, USA " Guest
Review: "M. Aubert La Fayette
is
one of the most gracious hosts we had. The castle is very
special...although
we had a hard time finding it as there are lots of turns along the
way...and
not [many] signs." Mr
& Mrs T, Philadelphia [Note:
Sadly, M. Aubert La Fayette passed away in 2018, but his wife and son
are eager to welcome you to Château de Vollore.] Relaxing & Affordable Two-night Getaway If you are interested in a short break in northeastern France, Château des Monthairons is a great place to stay, wonderful meals and more! Guest
Review: "Last June
(2002),
my mother and I rented a car in Paris and went on a plan-it-as-you-go
trip
through Europe. We stumbled upon [Château des] Monthairons
and stayed one night. We felt very fortunate to have found such a
beautiful and elegant retreat away from the hectic world. We
enjoyed
the history and architecture of the Château, as well as the
sprawling
grounds and countryside. We...walked up and down the banks of the
[River] Meuse and thought Monthairons was a special place.
Breakfast
was superb and the Château staff could not have been better. The
people there were really nice to my mother and me. We have a
framed
poster of the Château in our front hallway because we liked our
stay
so much. If we were ever to [stay at] a château for a week,
the Château des Monthairons would be it." B.M.,
Maine USA
Guest
Review: "Our
stay at
Château des Monthairons was absolutely wonderful, and we hated to
leave! Our accommodations were perfect, and we thoroughly enjoyed
the beautiful grounds. We dined there twice, and each night the
food was outstanding! And, of course, the staff made us feel
right at home. Again, many thanks for all your help. I
couldn't have asked for a more perfect birthday celebration!" J.C., USA - June
2014 Guest
Review:
Our second stay at this wonderful place! Catherine and her staff
are attentive and make every guest feel at home. As before, the
meals are supberb and strolling the grounds is still as rewarding as
before. Love the River Meuse, as rich with history as Monthairons
itself. We recommend it highly. Mr and Mrs O, USA
Be
a good guest.
In a survey of proprietors (of various nationalities), we
Rave Reviews of Château de Boucéel Chateau de Boucéel in Normandy's Manche département has long been a favorite of visitors to our web site. It is a charming residence with an interesting history and guests are always made to feel like old friends. A very short time ago one such guest returned home, and she was kind enough to share her experiences at and observations of the château with us. Guest Review: "Finding au-chateau.com was a dream come true! I felt like a kid in a candy store looking at all the beautiful chateaux. After several communications with three chateaux, we decided to book a reservation at the Chateau de Boucéel. They were best able to accommodate us, and the price was excellent. I traveled to France with my daughter and her Aunt, and the duration of our stay at the chateau was April 27 thru April 30, 2003. "Chateau de Boucéel is breathtaking to say the least. The chateau is warm and inviting yet is very regal and elegant. We felt so welcomed. Beautiful moldings and paintings adorn all the walls throughout the chateau. The parquet floors, large windows and wall paneling and moldings are very reminiscent of Versailles. The current chateau was created in the mid-1750s out of the stone from the castle that use to be a few hundred yards away which had been the post during the Hundred Years War to notify Mont Saint Michel of any armies coming. "Comte Regis is nothing less than the most charming and gracious host. This was so much more than going to a bed and breakfast. This was the chance of a lifetime to visit with a family that has owned this property for hundreds and hundreds of years. He has so much knowledge that he loves to share regarding the history of the land and his family. Truly remarkable! It has been an honor to meet him. "The three of us stayed in Nelly's bedroom (Nelly was his aunt, and this was her room). It was exquisite with its marble mantel and many family portraits that go back several generations. Family history is placed around the room, such as Nelly's birth announcement tucked in the mantle mirror. The large windows open to the pond and cow pasture. The small room off the adjoining bathroom was the Comte's room as a small boy. The bathroom was large and very clean. The beds were very comfortable and the sheets are of rich cotton/linen. We felt like royalty when we slipped between the sheets for a wonderful night's sleep. "Breakfast was delicious with a bounty of wonderful bakery, jams, coffee, cocoa and fresh orange juice served elegantly in the dining room. It is an experience I will always treasure. We all would love to come back and stay again some day since three days were not enough time to see everything we wanted to see." A.K., Wisconsin, USA Guest
Review: "Château de
Boucéel
and the Count were delightful...a charming host. It was hard to
believe
we were sleeping in a room occupied twenty years before the
Revolutionary
War! I cannot even imagine staying in anything but a chateau from
this point foreward." WEE,
California, USA
Most
of our
properties, if not all, employ local ladies as chamber maids.
The Warmth of Château de la Roque ~ a wide selection of rooms at great prices! A seasoned traveler recently wrote of his auto trip to enjoy some of the highlights of Normandy. Having never stayed in château bed and breakfasts before, he found himself pleasantly surprised when he arrived at Château de la Roque: Guest Review: "The Château de La Roque lies a few miles west of St-Lô, not far from the Normandy Beaches and the famous Bayeux tapestry. You approach down a narrow, tree-lined lane, pass through an iron gate and find an immense lawn separating the château from the old, now-converted, stables which house the main dining room, kitchen and additional sleeping units. "We
had
been assured by those at au Château that we would like
any
château we might choose from their web site, regardless of
price.
We were not disappointed." D.
D., Santa Maria, California, USA
Two
things
a dinner guest in a French château (or French home) mustn't do:
Flowers for all seasons Château
de la Foltière has
tours
for
all seasons at the le Parc Floral de
Haute-Bretagne --
those beautiful gardens you see on their web
pages.
Throughout the year there are scheduled expositions and plant sales
(for
those of you who live near enough to Brittany to take a plant home!)
and
the gardens are always in bloom with color. And guests of
Château
de la Foltière will be made most comfortable by the kind and
charming
Monsieur Jouno, who transformed this corner of Brittany into an
enchanted
floral oasis. His dedication and devotion to his gardens is
abundantly
clear to everyone who visits the gardens or is a guest of the
château.
Contact M. Jouno for events during the year or visit his own web
site
-- a link can be found on our site at Château
de la Foltière.
Guest
Review: In 2001, a contest was
held
by the newsletter, FRANCE On Your
Own,
and the winner received a two-night stay for two at a château
selected
from this web site. The winner, J.M. of California, selected Château
de la Foltière in Brittany -- she and her
husband
spent four days there in the Spring following a three-week visit to the
south of France. "Our host, M. Jouno, welcomed us graciously . .
. you could see his pride in the château and his passion for the
gardens he'd designed. The château . . . has three
floors.
Its restoration has been done with meticulous care . . .
Our
room, the 'Renoir', was spacious and lovely with warm colors . . . and
Louis XVI-styled furniture. Our days began with breakfast in the
tea salon, complete with table linens and vases of fresh flowers.
The breakfast was excellent . . . We were struck by the
thought
and imagination that had gone into the creation of the themed gardens
.
No matter what you choose to do during the day . . . it's a delight to
wander through the gardens at days' end." - J.M.,
California USA Rent
this Magnificent
Normandy Château . . . enjoy the disco!
Château de Canisy is history, charm and absolute luxury all rolled into one. Bathrooms so elegant, you will want to spend the day soaking in an elegant tub; bedrooms designed for total comfort and serenity; an estate with its own lake and expansive lawns with woodlands...so much to enjoy in beautiful Normandy. Here are some of the guest reviews: Guest Review: I have been meaning to email you and thank you for your role in steering us to Chateau de Canisy. It was everything we had hoped for and more. The Chateau itself is stunning, the grounds are lovely, and the staff was just wonderful. Sandrine and Jennifer couldn't have been more helpful and accommodating. We ended up taking all 4 dinners there, and the chef does an outstanding job. We were fortunate to be there on a weekend when the Count drove up from Paris, so meeting him and having him join us for drinks and dinner one night was just icing on the cake. I would (and already have) highly recommend it to friends. Jennifer asked that we give them a good review on Trip Advisor, which I will do as soon as I have a moment. - V.D., Georgia, USA 2013 Guest Review: It wasn't long ago that we heard from four Americans who had been guests at Château de Canisy in Normandy. Here is just some of the praise they heaped upon the property and its owner: "Our real treat, however, was the Château de Canisy. You were correct -- it did take our breath away. We four were the only guests, and they treated us to the complete experience. . . cocktails, time to explore, dinner complete with fireplace going. . . Their English is excellent, as well as everything else, including the wine served with dinner. . .What a treat it was. We would like to go back." Remember that this large château can be rented to accommodate wedding guests, all the family and friends for a celebratory event, or makes the ideal location for a garden wedding. Past guests have had assistance arranging catering, wedding dinners, hot-air balloon rides and garden cocktail parties, so anything is possible. Contact us at info@au-chateau.com with your ideas or questions for renting Château de Canisy. And another Review: "We were overwhelmed by the hospitality extended to us during our too-brief stay at Château de Canisy. A fire glowing in every room, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres served in grand style, and our beautiful room! It was just wonderful. We will recommend more than one night at Château de Canisy to anyone who will listen!!" Guest
Review: "We had a simply
splendid
time ... We were beautifully looked after and the food at the
Château
was delicious. We stayed up late three nights in a row, going to
bed at dawn on the Saturday night! Everything was perfect and
everyone
had such a fabulous time. The tour of the beaches and our coach
trip
was very poignant and the fish restaurant for lunch
excellent.
Sandrine was enormously helpful always, and nothing was ever too
difficult
to arrange." N.D., UK
2011
If
dinners
are offered au château, do take advantage of this
opportunity
on Provence and Château Talaud await you! Château Talaud, with exquisite guest rooms, suites and apartments, and situated among its own vineyards, is the ideal location for visits to the Vaucluse of Provence. Recently, we received the following review from someone who discovered it on this web site: Guest Review: "The château, rooms and grounds are gorgeous...but by the time we arrived, my husband was very sick. Madame was very gracious about helping me take care of him, as was her husband, who offered to take him to a doctor." J.T., Philadelphia Guest
Review: "I
just wanted to let you know that we had a lovely stay at Chateau Talaud
in October and wanted to thank you for your recommendations and
assistance
with the reservation- a beautiful spot, great food and lovely hosts.
Provence,
the Dordogne and Paris were all wonderful, and we are looking forward
to
a return." D.T.,
Roanoke, Virginia 2012
Be
sure to
pack lightly...not only for those stairs and
Use our handy FAX form. Print it, fill in the blanks and fax it to the châteaus that have fax machines! au Château News ARCHIVES au
Château News - May / June 2001
au
Château News - July / August 2001
au
Château News Special Edition - September 2001
au
Château News - September / October 2001
au
Château News - November / December 2001
au
Château News - January / February 2002
au
Château News Special Edition - February 2002
au
Château News - March / April 2002
au
Château News - May / June 2002
au
Château News - July / August 2002
au
Château News Special Edition - August 2002
au
Château News - September / October 2002
au
Château News Special Edition - September 2002
au
Château News - November / December 2002
au
Château News Special Edition - December 2002
au
Château News - January / February 2003
au
Château News Special Edition - February 2003
au
Château News Special Edition - February / March 2003
au
Château News - March / April 2003
au
Château News Special Edition - May 2003
au
Château News - May / June 2003
au
Château News Special Edition - June 2003
au
Château News Special Offers and Discounts Edition - July 2003
au
Château News Special Edition - July 2003
au
Château News - July / August 2003
au
Château News - September / October 2003
au
Château News - November / December 2003
au
Château News Special Edition - December 2003
au
Château News - January / February 2004
au
Château News Special Edition - January 2004
au
Château News - March / April 2004
au
Château News Special Edition - April 2004
au
Château News - May / June 2004
au
Château News Special Edition - June 2004
au
Château News - July / August 2004
au
Château News Special Edition - July 2004
au
Château News - September / October 2004
au
Château News Special Edition - October 2004
au
Château News - November / December 2004
au
Château News - January / February 2005
au
Château News - March / April 2005
au
Château News - May / June 2005
au
Château News - July / August 2005
au
Château News - September / October 2005
au
Château News - November / December 2005
au Château News - January / February 2006 Highlights:
Gala Birthday Party at Château de Canisy,
au Château News - March / April 2006 Highlights:
Château de la Ballue is back, au Château News - May / June 2006 Highlights:
Welcoming 5 New Members - au Château News - July / August 2006 Highlights:
Three New Members - au Château News - September / October 2006 Highlights: au Château News - November / December 2006 Highlights:
Coming Soon - Château de Vaudezert au Château News - January / February 2007 Highlights:
Welcoming Château de Vaudezert & Castel Merle
au
Château News Special Edition - January 2007
au Château News - March / April 2007 Highlights:
Welcoming Château des Allues and Domaine Ployez-Jacquemart
au Château News - May / June 2007 Highlights:
Welcoming Château de Reignac in the Loire
au Château News - July / August 2007 Highlights:
French Immersion Classes at Member Châteaux
au Château News - September / October 2007 Highlights:
Rent a Château in France au Château News - November / December 2007 Highlights:
Welcoming Two New Members au Château News - January / February 2008 Highlights:
Welcoming New Members au Château News - March / April 2008 Highlights:
Welcoming 2 New Members au Château News - Special Editon March 2008 Welcoming
2 New Members au Château News - May / June 2008 Highlights:
Welcoming 3 New Members in the Southwest au Château News - Special Editon June 2008 Last
Minute
Availbility of Bordeaux Wine Tour au Château News - July / August 2008 Highlights: au Château News - September / October 2008 Highlights: au Château News - November / December 2008 Highlights: au Château News - January / February 2009 Highlights:
New Members have joined our site: au Château News - March / April 2009 Highlights:
Château du Grand-Lucé is our newest member
au Château News - May / June 2009 Highlights:
Our Newest Member - L'A Propos in the city of Orange
au Château News - July / August 2009 Highlights:
Weddings at Château d'Hattonchâtel and Château Pomiro
au Château News - September / October 2009 Stay
among
the vineyards at au Château News - November / December 2009 Welcoming
Villa
Vauréal in Biarritz au Château News - January / February 2010 The
return
of Château de Rouffillac Our
Newest Member: Château du Bois Noir
Our
Newest
Members: Manoir La Chaussee and Château de la
Bourgonie Our
Newest
Member: Château de la Vernède
Our
Newest
Members: Château de la Resle,
The
Beauty
of Châteaux in the Snow Châteaux
with Last-Minute Availability Châteaux
by Invitation - A Package Offer from Château de la Barre
September
in
the Southwest Our
New
Members: Our
Two
New Members: Château
Coulon Laurensac's October Wine Tour We
welcome
Les Vieux Murs & Château de Jalnay
6
New Members
Join our Site: We
welcome
Tournou le Haut - a magical 11th century castle
We
welcome
Château de la Caillotière - the perfect rental in
the Pays de la Loire We
Welcome Château
de Moulin le Comte Villes
et Villages: Port de Plaisance, Paris Easy
Recipe:
Noix de Pecan à la Cannelle We
Welcome Château
de Sommesnil in Normandy Villes
et Villages: Curcuron, Provence Our Featured Rental: Château de la Poujade in the Périgord Our B&B Feature: L'Apropos in Orange Coming Soon: Château de Courtomer in Normandy Villes et Villages: Le Mans News and Updates from our Members A pretty château for sale in the Vendéé Easy Recipe: Madeleines
Welcoming Château de Courtomer in Normandy Our Featured B&B: Château de Longsard in the Rhône Our Featured Rental: Château de la Bourgonie in
the Périgord Ville
et Villages: Lautrec Easy
Recipe: Red Potato Gratin au Château News - Winter 2014 Welcoming Château Allure du Lac in the Pays de la Loire Our
Featured B&B: Château
de Picomtal in Provence's Alpes Our
Featured Rental: Château
de Sommesnil in Normandy Villes
et Villages: Cormery au Château News - Spring 2015 Coming Soon: Château de Gauville in Normandy's Eure département Our
Featured B&B: Château
de Bénéauville in Calvados Normandy Our
Featured Rental: Château
de la Caillotière in the Pays de la Loire Villes et Villages: Pléneuf Val André Easy Recipe: Moules with Shallots, Pernod & Saffronau Château News - Summer 2015 Our Newest Member: Château de Gauville in Normandy Coming Soon: Domaine de Biar in Montpellier Our
Featured B&B: Château
de la Barre near Le Mans Villes et Villages: Isigny-sur-Mer News and Discounts from our Members . . . and more! au Château News - Autumn 2015 Our Newest Member: Domaine de Biar in Montpellier Our
Featured B&B: Château
de la Resle in Burgundy Bidding Adieu to three of our Members Villes et Villages: Montpellier News and Discounts from our Members . . . and more! Easy Recipe: Peach Sorbet au Château News - Winter 2015 Our Newest Member: Château de Chanzé in the Loire Our
Featured B&B: Château
des Tesnières in Brittany Bidding Adieu to two special members Villes et Villages: Port Leucate News and Discounts from our Members . . . and more! Easy Recipe: Perfect Crêpes au Château News - Spring 2016 Our
Featured B&B: Château
de St-Loup in Deux-Sèvres Magical Château Gardens - Part I Villes et Villages: Lautrec News and Discounts from our Members . . . and more! Easy Recipe: Soufflé au Chocolat au Château News - Summer 2016 Our
Featured Rental: Château
Allure du Lac in the Loire Our Newest
Member: Château
d'Ambrus in the land of
the Three Musketeers Magical Château Gardens - Part II Villes et Villages: Moncontour News and Offers from our Members . . . and more! Easy Recipe: Aïoli au Château News - Autumn 2016 Our
Featured Rental: Château
Robert in the southwest Coming Soon: Moulin de Fresquet in the Lot Villes et Villages: Marcilhac-sur-Célé News and Offers from our Members . . . and more! Easy Recipe: Provençal Vegetable Casserole au Château News - Winter 2017 Our
Featured Rental: Château
Saint-Maclou in Normandy Our Two New Members:
Moulin de Fresquet in the Lot
& Château Forge du Roy
in the Dordogne Villes et Villages: Salbris News and Offers from our Members . . . and more! Easy Recipe: Salmon with Tarragon Cream and Mushrooms au Château News - Spring & Summer 2017 Our
Featured Rental: Château
de Méouilles in Provence Happenings at Le Pavillon de Galon in
Provence New Member Coming
Soon:
Villa Belle Couronne Our
Featured B&B: Château du Breuil in the Loire Our
Featured Rental: Château
de Courtomer in Normandy Welcome Villa Belle Couronne near Nantes European Garden Award goes to Château
de la Ballue Villes et Villages: Nans-sous-Saint-Anne News and Offers from our Members . . . and more! Easy Recipe: Chocolate Sabayon
au
Château News - Winter 2017-2018 Our
Featured Rental: Château
d'Ambrus in Gascony Spring
Getaway at Château de Courtomer in Normandy Villes et Villages: Moulins News and Offers from our Members . . . and more! Easy Recipe: French Onion Soup au
Château News - Spring-Summer 2018 Our
Featured Rental: Château
d'Hattonchâtel in Lorraine Our Newest
Member: Château
de Sentout near Bordeaux Our Featured B&B: Château des Monthairons in Lorraine Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the End of World War I Villes et Villages: RiquewihrNews and Offers from our Members . . . and more! Easy Recipe: Cardamom Carrot Verrine Amuse-Bouche au Château News - Autumn 2018 Our
Featured Rental: Château
d'Agel in the Hérault Our Newest
Member: Le Relais des
Trois Châteaux in the Loire Valley Our Featured B&B: Le Clos de la Garenne in the Charente-Maritime Loire Valley WinesVilles et Villages: La Gacilly News and Offers from our Members . . . and more! Easy Recipe: Brussels Sprouts and Fresh Sea Scallops au Château News - Spring 2019 Our
Featured Rental: Château de Servigny in Normandy Coming Soon: Château de Courcy Our Featured B&B: Château Juvenal in Provence Villes et Villages: MartelNews and Offers from our Members . . . and more! Easy Recipe: Lebanese Tabbouleh au Château News - Summer 2019 Our
Featured Rental: Château de Chanzé in the Loire Our Newest
Member: Château de la Meynardie in the
Dordogne Our Featured B&B: Château de Picomtal in the Southern French Alpes Villes et Villages: Mimizan & Mimizan PlageNews and Offers from our Members . . . and more! Easy Recipe: Pear, Brie & Thyme Tartine au Château News - Autumn 2019 Our
Featured Rental: Château de Détilly Coming Soon! Château de Courcy &
Château de Janville in Normandy Our
Featured B&B: Château
de la Barre Destination
Weddings: Château de
Saint-Loup sur Thouet News and Offers from our Members . . . and more! Easy Recipe: Tarragon Butter au Château News - Winter 2021 Our
Featured Rental: Le Relais des Trois Châteaux Our Newest Members: Château de Courcy & Château de Janville Ville et Village: Orange Hoping to Visit France? Things to know News and Offers from our Members and More! Easy Recipe: Piperade au Château News - Autumn 2021 Our
Featured B&B: Le Prieuré du Château de Biron Ville et Village: Reignac-sur-Indre New UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France News and Offers from our Members and More! Easy Recipe: Saint Maure de Touraine & Honey Bagels
[Please
be
assured that Cold Spring Press keeps all subscriber names and email
addresses
confidential. We thank you for your interest in member properties of au Château. Please pay us a return visit soon! |