Chateau du Vau is a small, rural hotel in Loire Valley in France. It can be described also as a guest house born from one of the bourgeois houses in the region. Its location gives you a good opportunity to enjoy an authentic French countryside lifestyle while visiting the beautiful castles in Loire Valley, listed on the UNESCO’s Heritage list. Read my Chateau du Vau hotel review and learn why it is so charming.
THE LOCATION OF CHATEAU DU VAU
Ballan-Mire is a peaceful village ideally located for visiting some of the most impressive castles in the Loire Valley. It is also known for its numerous vineyards and orchards. In the past, the French aristocrats had summer castles here. That was mostly because of a healthy climate. The castles that can be visited and are most worthwhile are Villandry Castle, Chambord Castle, Azay-le-Rideau.
Walking in the area, you will see a lot more castles but they are privately owned and closed to visitors. Unfortunately, some of them are abandoned. The alleys of their green parks behind the closed wrought-iron gates look melancholic. Equestrian sport is popular and well developed here, and you will see many horses with their riders on the rural roads.
THE BUILDING – HISTORY AND CHARM
The guest house is considered as a castle, although smaller in size. The life of the French aristocracy can be felt in every corner of the building and its park. The wood stairs creak on every step and sound as they want to tell you a story.
One can imagine how the owners of this chateau lived here 100 years ago. How they drank their coffee in the garden, rode their horses through the fields … However, the building needs some better maintenance. The shutters of the windows need refreshing, the pool is really old.
Staying in this house you go back in time, in a culture untouched by globalization and with a laid-back lifestyle. The original personality of the owner of Chateau du Vau contributes a lot to the authenticity of the place.
THE STAFF AND OWNER OF CHATEAU DU VAU
People serving you in Chateau du Vau have the experience, though they are not the usual hospitality professionals. The staff includes the eccentric bohemian owner who enjoys talking to his guests, his girlfriend, and a lady that checks you in.
All three make you feel like you’re living in a fairytale. The amazing feeling that in no case you can have in the big hotels, even if they have historical significance. They will also give you tips and valuable information on where and what to see in the area.
THE ROOMS
The furniture in the rooms has been here for generations. Every piece of it and all the decorations add to the French countryside style that is the best feature of this guest house. The bathroom is outdated but one can forgive the negligence of the owner as this brings the past into your room. From the windows, you can see the lush lawns surrounding the house.
BREAKFAST TIME IN CHATEAU DU VAU
At breakfast, you share with your room neighbours information about the area and the passion for exploration. You feel part of a family. This is what sharing food makes anywhere in the world – brings people together.
The owner’s love for music makes the mornings even more special. The days when I stayed at the hotel Chateau du Vau soft sound was coming from the next room. It was a living room with the piano in the corner. The music created a carefree mood every morning, before going out to discover more of the region. There I’ve heard for the first time the Jack Johnson’s music. Have you heard his music?
ABOUT THE AMENITIES
In the bathrooms, soaps, shampoos and body washes are L’Occitane (!). A girl can definitely feel spoiled with these!
There is a pool in the garden, it is old but works fine. Sitting at the poolside, you have spectacular views of the fields around you. The air is clean because the region is agricultural. There are no industrial production sites in the vicinity.
If you are one of those lucky ones, you can also arrive at Chateau du Vau with your own helicopter. There is ample parking space, and the lawn in front of the main entrance is perfect for a soft landing.
ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA
Except for exploring the castles along Loire River, you can enjoy the tranquillity of your accommodation. Walk in the hotel’s park, it is quite big and has its own duck farm and you can buy homemade food on the spot. Opposite the castle is the golf course Golf de Touraine.
Accommodation is not just a bed for the night. If it is special it creates memories but also teaches you lessons about history, lifestyles and nature… Would you like to stay at this countryside hotel? If this is your kind of place, book your room at Chateau du Vau. Do you know other authentic accommodations like this guest house in Loire Valley? Share their names in the comments!
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