http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24084
The bedrooms are grand and full of antiques, family paintings and roll top baths (like staying with your wealthy grandmother!) The hosts are what really made it different; they're incredibly friendly and not at all snooty (as the people of Saumur are meant to be).

There's no restaurant but it is 15 min walk to the centre of Saumur where there are restaurants for every taste. The local Quincy wine comes highly recommended.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24084 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24083 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24083 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22943 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22943 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22862 Chateau des Tertes offers traditionally decorated rooms in the main building or modern themes in the annex for under 100 euros.
Friendly personal service, nested in the countryside with views of the Loire Valley from the terrace.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22862 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22811 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22811 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20382
The house itself is set back from the road, allowing secluded, outside dining and relaxation around the pool. Two minutes' walk along the drive is a gourmet restaurant called 'La Charette Bleu'.

The house can sleep up to 16 guests and the double bedrooms are all en suite. The house has been restored to a high specification and somehow retains a very homely feeling.

The option to self-cater is available, however we chatted with the owner of the house and for an agreed amount she catered some evening meals for us - all of which were delicious. This can be discussed at point of booking.

The owner splits her time between Provence and London. She has self-contained accommodation within the house and is very friendly and well informed about the local area.

A 10-15 minute car ride away is the lovely village of Nyons. The village has a regular market, with local produce, food and a great bargain or two!

Staying in this area of France means you can easily get to the lovely towns of Avignon, Nimes and the Roman remains of the impressive Pont Du Gard (all of which are about an hour away).

I have stayed here twice and both times hired a car. You will have to draw straws for who does the driving when you plan a trip wine-tasting at the region's many caves.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20382 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19252
The exterior museums record beautifully all aspects of 'the hunt', (there’s even a vintage collection of Hermes scarves as well as a display of numerous riding outfits worn throughout the centuries). The interior of the Chateau is limited to a few rooms and a church, however, visitors will enjoy exploring the once very active stables, learning about saddlery and all the necessary preparations for the hunting season. There's also some fine examples of taxidermy; stories about the life of hound dogs and their masters and wonderful black and white photographs that capture a time lost in the Loire. Book a lunch at the adjoining Auberge serving quality tourangelle cuisine.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19252 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18963
They don't start till late (sunset 9.30pm) so, if you have kids, eat somewhere late then visit, most of the nearby villages have bistros. Chenonceau has musicians roaming and night lights. Other events can be found below.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18963 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13720
In the summer you eat on the terrace beneath linden trees.

Elegant without being pompous.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13720