lulu@chicretreats.com + 44 (0) 20 3397 0085
Chateau de la Barre - Loire Valley, France
About this Chic Retreat
Chateau de la Barre is an elegant boutique chateau hotel at the entrance to the Loire Valley in the midst of a 100 acre private park. Passed down through the Vanssay family, the current Count and Countess Guy & Marnie represent the 20th generation, and the chateau is exquisitely appointed with rare antiques, oil paintings and portraits, luscious designer fabrics and family heirlooms. Nestled between Chatres and Tours, less than 2 hours from Paris, this is the perfect place from which to discover western France. This grand estate is also ideal for small weddings, anniversaries and celebrations and is also available for exclusive rental.
Accommodation
There are 8 gorgeous en-suite rooms to choose from at Chateau de la Barre, each distinctive in style, with a mix of antiques and rare artworks. The vast Chambre Marin de Vanssay is the most impressive, decorated in regal purples and golds, with a king-size canopy bed, and views over the garden and park. This room has an adjoining large single and can be rented as a suite. However, every room has its own special flair; the Chambre Esprit de Jouy Verte has a particularly romantic king-size Louis XVIth four poster bed and many of the original features have been put to interesting use within the rooms, for instance the stern watchwalk in the Chambre aux Fleurs, complete with deep arrowslots, is now an Italian marble bathroom with Jacuzzi. There are 5 doubles, 1 twin and 2 single rooms to choose from, some with Juliet balconies, and all with embroidered sheets and bathrobes, flowers from the garden, portwine and tea-making facilties . The Chambre aux Fleurs can be linked to the single Chambre Directoire room as another suite when required.
Activities
In a region famous for its gardens, Chateau de la Barre has four of its own designed in Italian, Japanese, American and Inca styles surrounding the rose garden and fountain at the foot of the 16th-century fortification walls. Whether you have come to the region to explore the wineries & vineyards, the untouched countryside, the Romanesque churches and Renaissance chateaux or simply to brush up on your French while experiencing the gracious hospitality of French aristocracy, your hosts will gladly organise the perfect sojourn to suite your every wish. For those who wish to explore by horse, there is a riding school in the forest of Vibraye less than 6 miles away or borrow a bicycle from the chateau and discover the Perche. A hot air balloon ride is a good way to take in the magnificent scenery while garden enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with the nearby Le Jardin du Petit Bordeaux, the Garden of Sasnieres, the National Forrest Park of Bercé and other specialist gardens. For golf enthusiasts, try one of the 3 golf courses around the chateau with discounts and extras available for guests. Back at the chateau, enjoy a relaxing in-room massage before retiring to one of the six grand salons, decorated with fine embroidery and fabrics, antique crystal, family silver and rare Persian rugs. The Pièce à Feu salon has a billiard table and a satellite TV and is a great place to enjoy a cognac with fellow guests and the castle's resident Macaw parrot, Kakou!
Dining
Afternoon tea is served daily on the sunbathed terrace overlooking the gardens, or by the majestic fireplace in the elegant Salon Rose. In the evenings, discover the many gourmet restaurants nearby, or twice a week, enjoy a Grand Siècle Dinner hosted in the 17th-century dining room with all the family silver and crystal. For breakfast, guests can expect a fine spread of fresh breads & croissants, eggs-to-order, cheese from the farm, cereals, yoghurts, fresh fruit, home-made jams, fruit juices, coffee and a selection of rare teas.
Rates
Rates at Chateau de la Barre are per room per night based on 2 people sharing. On weekends, there is a two night minimum stay. One of the rooms has a small adjoining child’s room for a surcharge of EUR 50 plus EUR 18 breakfast, although the chateau is not ideally suited for small children. Chic Retreat guests benefit from complementary use of the internet office and the onsite bicycles.
* Rates in EUR
Cancellation policy
For cancellations made less than 14 days prior to arrival for stays of 3 nights or less, one night's stay will be charged. Fro cancellations for bookings of over 3 nights, the full fee is due if cancellation occurs less than 1 month prior to stay.
Additional information
- Nearest Airport: Tours.
- Distance from Airport: 30 minutes.
- Child Policy: Not suitable for children.
Hide & Chic Retreats
8 rooms
Good for:
beautiful gardens, traditional rooms & exceptional serviceFacilites:
gardens, restaurant, golf, weddingsRates starting from
EUR 220
per room per night
per room per night
Other hotels in France
- La Belle Juliette, Paris
- Le Petit Fournil, Dordogne
- Hotel Deluxe Spa & Restaurant Cantemerle, French Riviera
- 15 Grand Rue, Languedoc
- Chateau La Thuiliere, Dordogne
Chic Search Autocomplete
Join Chic Retreats
Join Chic Retreats today and receive an annual membership card giving you preferential rates and benefits at all of our boutique hotels, B&Bs and luxury villas. Membership includes the Chic Retreats book which includes over 350 pages of small luxury hotels and little hidden gems from all over the world.
For just GBP 20 a year (plus postage) the Chic Retreats membership will ensure you are treated as an individual not just a room number wherever you go.
Chic Retreats Newsletter
Sign up to the monthly Chic Retreats newsletter to be the first to hear about new boutique hotel openings, special offers and Lulu’s essential tips.