kopp

For a one-week stay in the Loire Valley in April 2008, I have come across this property:

http://isleauger.free.fr/

It looks lovely. However, I was wondering:

As it is next to water, do you think mosquitos would be a problem with open windows?

How does the location look for exploring the region? We will have a car.

Thank you.

JMWF

Kopp - i was there last september and stayed in Montbazon (about 25 mins from your proposed location) can't comment on mosquitos, but we thought the area was great... the car is a necessity though.

you are in a central enough location for day trips to different chateaux and vineyards...


the only spot you are a little far from is Chambord... i'd suggest stopping in on the drive from Paris (i assume you are starting there)

other than that you are easily close enough to see some of the other highlights (amboise, chenonceaux, villandry)... you are also near to the vineyards of coteaux du layon where you can sample some of the regions best sweet white wine... (just south of angers)

also a worthwhile stop is for a pre or post dinner drink at either domaine de la tortiniere or chateau d'artigny. they are both wonderful properties and close to your house... 20 mins or so.


have fun!

Coquelicot

My first thought is you are in a wonderful area--near Loches with its historic hilltop and two weekly markets, Montresor which is considered THE most beautiful village of all the officially most beautiful villages, lots of Michelin green roads to wander, Chanceaux-pres-Loches a tiny village with 3 rows of tall plane trees lining the road, lovely little Chedigny, and the Indre itself. Our (September) experience in that area was that mornings were cool and misty, especially since you'd be at the bottom of a valley. It took a long time for the mists to burn off. Of course next April's weather will be completely different.

bilboburgler

I canoed down this in May a few years ago. Lots of fog but mossies later in the year. Canoe was ok to get around and bikes but yes you will want a car

kopp

Thanks for helping out here, friends. It really helps with the planning. The area is so big that it's really hard to find that perfect spot from which to base ourselves.

JMWF - We'll be arriving from Chamonix but at the end of the week will head to Paris for a week. So maybe Chambord on the way out? Thanks also for the vineyard and drink suggestions. Sounds delightful!

Coquelicot - With that description (dreamy ), this sounds like the perfect spot!

bilboburgler - I hadn't even thought of a canoe or bike ride. Those are both available here for our use. Biking in France down the tree-lined roads, it doesn't get much better than that!

Many thanks!