Chateau du Vau Hotel Review

Chateau du Vau is a small, rural hotel in France. It can be described also as a guest house born from one of the bourgeois houses inhabiting this part of the country. Its location gives you a good place to enjoy the authentic French countryside while also visiting the beautiful castles in Loire Valley, listed in the UNESCO’s Heritage list.

I can describe the whole area simply as “manifique” (magnificent, gorgeous)!

THE LOCATION OF CHATEAU DU VAU

Ballan-Mire is a peaceful village, which is ideally located for visiting some of the most impressive castles in the Loire Valley and is known for its numerous vineyards and orchards. In the past, the aristocrats of France had summer castles here because of the perfect climate for keeping good health. The castles that now can be visited and most deserve your attention are:

– Villandry Castle 

Chambord Castle 

The visit to Chambord Castle is like to live in one of the tales of Charles Perrault. Do you remember them? 

Azay-le-Rideau Castle

The castle in itself is not so interesting but is located in a small charming village with many cosy restaurants and adorable small boutiques. This is the real France.

By walking in the area you will see a lot of other castles, but they are privately owned and closed to visitors. Unfortunately, some of them are abandoned and the alleys of their extensive green parks behind the closed doors of wrought iron look sad and melancholic.

Equestrian sport is also very popular and well developed here so that on the rural roads you will see a lot of students who are passing by with their horses.

THE BUILDING – HISTORY AND CHARM

The guest house is actually also a castle. Although smaller in size, the life of the French bourgeois class, surrounded by beauty, can be felt in every corner of the building and the park. The wood stairs creak on every step and seemed to want to tell you a story. Porcelain sink in the bathroom speak – “You are a special guest! Do you sense the luxury of the old aristocracy, that surrounds you?”.

One can imagine how the owners lived here even 100 years ago, how they drank their coffee in the garden, how they rode their horses through the fields …

However, the building needs a better maintenance. The shutters of the windows need refreshing, the pool is really old. 

But to me, that’s what I liked the most. Do you remember the movie “A Good Year”? Where the character played by Russell Crowe began ‘refreshing’ the old house of his uncle to sell it. In the end, because of the happy memories from his childhood, he couldn’t give up on it? Well, it was the same.

Staying in this house you go back in time, in a culture untouched by globalization and with a laid-back lifestyle. And the owner of the “Chateau du Vau” definitely contributes to the authenticity of the place.

THE STAFF AND OWNER OF CHATEAU DU VAU

People serving you in this guest house have experience, though they are not the usual hospitality professionals who came out from a special school. The staff includes – the eccentric owner-bohemian who likes to talk to his guests, his girlfriend, and a lady who welcomes you and shows you the rooms.

All three have a manner of behaviour, which is light and friendly and makes you feel like you’re at home. 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 as they are locals and their life is closely connected with the place and the culture.

THE ROOMS IN CHATEAU DU VAU

The rooms are well furnished and decorated, the furniture is in the house for generations and everything is in the traditional French style. Including the bathroom. From the windows, you can see the incredible greenery around the house. 

BREAKFAST TIME IN CHATEAU DU VAU

Mornings were the best in Chateau du Vau” Breakfast here is a feast! A table laden with freshly baked croissants, crunchy toasts with soft butter and jam, strong, black coffee, fresh fruits, fruit juices … was waiting for us every day. 

And all these served with warm attitude on a long table with Provencal tablecloth in a dining room whose walls are covered with wallpaper with flowers and china plates. All hotel guests have breakfast together at the big table, and this creates an incredible sense of homey and friendly environment.

At breakfast, you learn the opinion of other visitors from the surrounding area, as well as valuable pieces of advice on what to see and what you can skip. You feel part of the family. This is the feature that eating together at a table has anywhere in the world – to brings people together, to make them feel like part of the whole.

The owner’s love for music added additional uniqueness of the atmosphere. A pleasant, soft sound came from the living room with the piano. That facilitated our carefree mood at every breakfast time. There I first heard about Jack Johnson. Do you know his music?

ABOUT THE AMENITIES

Toiletry products are L’Occitane (!). And it is completely in line with the environment and the atmosphere around.

You have a pool at your disposal, which as I said is a little old, but it works fine. Even more, from there you have spectacular views of the fields around, and the air is so clean and fresh because the region is agricultural and there are no industrial production sites in the vicinity.

You can also arrive with your helicopter if you wish. There is ample parking space, and the lawn in front of the main entrance is perfect for a soft landing. 

ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA

If you have enough time, you can walk around in the park of the hotel, which is quite big and has its own farm. The farm bred ducks that are used for the production of homemade duck food that you can buy on the spot. Opposite the castle is the golf course Golf de Touraine, if golf is your hobby.

Do you know other authentic accommodation places in Europe? Share them in the comments! 

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