Experience the Loire Valley by living through history during a tailor-made sojourn at Chateau de La Barre, home of the Vanssay family since the 14th century. In this exclusive Boutique Château, located less than 2 hours from Paris, elegance and authenticity meet comfort and modernity.
The warm and international welcome extended by Comte and Comtesse Guy and Marnie de Vanssay (he is French, she is Anglo-American) is complemented by special suggestions such as a balloon flight over the Loire Valley, dream-car testing on the legendary 24 Hour Le Mans track, or Renaissance lunches in Leonardo da Vinci's priory. Discover private chateaux, hidden gardens, Romanesque chapels and selected local wineries while staying at Chateau de La Barre, resplendent with luscious fabrics and a unique collection of 18th Century antiques throughout.
Guest Rating9.7
Number of rooms:9
Year of establishment and/or latest refurbishment: 1404/2005.
Period of closure: Jan.12 - Feb.12.
Languages spoken: French, English, German, Italian.
Nearest airport: Tours - 1 hr.
Facilities: Chateau de la Barre
Pets allowed
Children welcome
Restaurant
Outdoor restaurant
Tennis, paddle or squash courts
Shuttle service
24hr. Reception
Laundry service
Whirlpool
Satellite TV
Safe-deposit box
Hair dryer
Golf 40 minutes
Type of rooms: Chateau de la Barre
All bedrooms and suites, deliberately limited in number to provide personalised attention -are decorated with designer fabrics and beautiful period antiques. They offer splendid views out over the vast garden, the pond and the valley beyond.
There are 4 double rooms, 1 single room, and one suite of two adjoining bedrooms: one with two single beds, and the other with one single bed.
Additional information: Chateau de la Barre
The Candlelit dinner is served twice a week, upon prior reservation, and is priced at 95 euros per person, including champagne cocktail, two different wines, a four course dinner, coffee and brandy, and hosted by Comte and Comtesse de Vanssay in the prestigious XVIIth century dining room
On other nights, it is possible to either have a cheese and wine tasting supper in the XIVth century billiard room (45 euros per person) or a light supper (29 euros per person).
Two drawing rooms, two dining rooms and a billiard room, replete with family portraits, post impressionist paintings and remarkable antiques, provide a charming environment full of understated luxury. Outside the Château, the fragrant gardens, XVI century fortifications and 100 acre park are ideal for a romantic escape in peaceful countryside.
- Daily afternoon tea served in the elegant Salon Rose drawing room by the fireside or on the terrace overlooking the garden and park
Full guidance and assistance with all your travel arrangements, transfers, reservations at gourmet hideaways in neighbouring villages and sightseeing (romanesque XIII century chapels, romantic gardens, wineries, medieval towns and further afield, the famous Loire Valley castles, a UNESCO world heritage site.)
Intriguing Extras (prior reservation necessary):
- - Shiatsu, hot stones and reflexology massages possible upon prior reservation, in the peace and quiet of your elegant room (160 euros for 2 people, 1 hour each)
- - Tour the Loire Valley with a private chauffeur in a vintage 1950 Citroen, Bentley or Jaguar
- - Partake in a Renaissance lunch in Leonardo da Vinci's home (June 1st till September 30th. 40 Euros pp)
- - Vintage wine tasting in a X century Loire Valley cellar etc.
- - Drive your dream car across untouched French countryside and around the famous Le Mans race track (13th/14th March;2-5th April;7th-9th May; 3 and 4th July; 28th and 29th of August;24th and 25th of September, 1st of October, 29th ?31st of October, 20th and 21st of November).
- Special Foie Gras cooking classes in March and December
- Hot air balloon flights depart directly from the château mornings and evenings, weather permitting and prior reservation required. (from 240 Euros per person, 2 people minimum)
Expert tip: The entire château can be rented for exclusive house parties, New Year, Easter, anniversaries, small, exclusive weddings etc, with tailor made events around your visit, such as luncheons in private neighbouring châteaux unopened to the public
Or simply enjoy relaxed, aristocratic living, sipping cognac by the majestic fireplace, or strolling through the peaceful gardens, down to the pond, along the river and into forest beyond, all just for you.
For the more energetic, cross-country biking along the nearby roads and paths deep in Perche Country is a real joy. Cycles and maps are available at the château.
A high quality riding stable is located 10 km from the château.
There are 3 challenging golf courses within 40 minutes of the château and a 10% discount on green fees for Chateau de la Barre guests.
There is a tennis court within a mile away, just 1.6 km.
Transportation: The nearest airport is Tours, a 1hr. drive. It would be 110 euro for pickup service or a car can be rented at the airport. Paris airport is at 140 mi. or 225.31 km. distance, so renting a car at the airport is better than a pickup service costing over 500 Euros, but this can be arranged. Alternatively, there is a high speed train from Paris to Vendome, which is just a 25 minute drive from the château. It would be 50 euro for pickup service or a car can be rented at the station (Europcar).
Children: There are many fragile antiques in the house which may not be appropriate for young children, but older children are welcome and will enjoy exploring the 16th Century fortifications.
One room has a Jacuzzi, another, a sauna.
A safe deposit box is available at reception.
Laundry service is available by prior arrangement.
Smoking policy: Smoking not permitted in the Château by French law.
Credit cards accepted: Mastercard, Visa.
Restaurant closed: Dinner by prior reservation only. Candlelit dinners are hosted three nights a week in the prestigious XVII century dining room, and are served with the family silver, porcelain and crystal (prior reservation required).
On other nights, a special wine and cheese tasting supper can be served in the XIV century billiard room (prior reservation required).
Luxury picnics can be pre ordered to enjoy in the garden.
GPS Coordinates: 47° 56' 54.7404'' N 0° 44' 56.1732'' W
Rates may change and should be confirmed at booking.
Rates valid till (d/m/y)
31/12/2010
Booking and cancellation policy
20% deposit charged to the credit card at time of booking. Cancellations made less than 48 hrs prior to arrival date will forfeit the deposit unless the room can be re-let. No-shows will be charged the entire price of the first night stay.
Chateau de la Barre, 
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Pets allowed
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