Chateau des Ormeaux, Amboise

...would like to keep the Chateau all to myself!

A 14th century turreted main building, Italian style terrace,
set in a stunning 25 hectare park and lovingly restored by the owners, Eric, Dominique and Emmanuel, with taste and passion over the last 7 years. The chateau is built into a limestone cliff and the owners' private quarters/kitchen and offices are in fact troglodyte caves! There are approximately 50 caves on the property. ...
...you feel uncomfortable. The whole chateau is non-smoking.

There is a pool beyond the terrace and pleasant walks on the property. The magnificent River Loire just a couple of kilometres away.They have their own vineyard, which produces enough wine to serve at dinner and for them selves, but not enough to sell!!!

The boys are welcoming, helpful and hospitable, with an extensive knowledge of the area and speak good English ... more

I'm reluctant to review as I would like to keep the Chateau all to myself!

A 14th century turreted main building, Italian style terrace,
set in a stunning 25 hectare park and lovingly restored by the owners, Eric, Dominique and Emmanuel, with taste and passion over the last 7 years. The chateau is built into a limestone cliff and the owners' private quarters/kitchen and offices are in fact troglodyte caves! There are approximately 50 caves on the property.

As this is a B&B, not an hotel,there are only 8 bedrooms, prices range from 112-150 euro (30 euro fro an extra bed) including 2 with four poster beds in a small house 25 metres from the main house, and the style of each room is different, but obviously French; furnishings are antique and splendid, but not so grand that you feel uncomfortable. The whole chateau is non-smoking.

There is a pool beyond the terrace and pleasant walks on the property. The magnificent River Loire just a couple of kilometres away.They have their own vineyard, which produces enough wine to serve at dinner and for them selves, but not enough to sell!!!

The boys are welcoming, helpful and hospitable, with an extensive knowledge of the area and speak good English if your French isn't up to scratch.There is free internet access at the main reception area. They can advise you on many interesting trips/tastings in the area. After all, you will be right in the heart of chateau country. This is a good base for excursions.

Breakfast is traditional; baguettes, croissants, pain au raisins, pain chocolat, and accompanied by a wide range of unusual home made preserves/jams.

If they lay on a supper while you're there, GO. The table d'hotes costs 40 euros. It comprises several courses of local and home grown food plus the usual and unusual cheeses. You meet great people from all over the world; you'll have a great timeand stores up memories forever.

As I mentioned before, not very suitable for small children, because of the furnishings and uneven steep terrain, we visited last summer with friends who had a toddler and a baby and the owners arranged baby sitters so we could all go out together. Much appreciated.

We've always hired a car to get about as there is plenty to see and do in this part of France, if you feel so inclined. We usually fly to Tours (St Symphorien Airport) about 20 kms away, and rent the car on-line before we go. Other friends have used Eurostar/TGV to Tours. Car hire as usual at the main station at Tours. When we're not pressed for time, we drive down, also staying at fab places en route. But that's another story !

The last couple of times we've done very little except hang out around the chateau, playing Scrabble, talking, swimming and sleeping.

The Royal town of Amboise is a short drive away (5kms). Leonardo da Vinci was lured here by Francois I, and given his own small palace, the Clos-Luce. The maestro eventually died at Clos Luce and there is, of course a museum with appropriate exhibits commemorating the great man. Well worth a visit.

We've stayed at the Chateau des Ormeaux many times, always met interesting people and each time it's harder to leave. It feels like home. I love love love the Chateau des Ormeaux and am looking forward to our next visit.

Check out their website chateauxdesormeaux.fr for pictures and contact details. 

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