Self catering holiday accommodation,
cottages, villas and gites for
rent in the Loire Valley, Centre-Val
de Loire, France
In the 'Val de Loire' you are
spoilt for choice with regards to holiday accommodation -
everything from sumptuous chateau to a bed under canvas.
Your decision will probably be based on budget, location and
the holiday experience you are after.
If you want a truly
authentic French experience then we suggest you choose purvillage cottage
where you have a restaurant, bar, boulangerie and other amenities within walking distance of
your accommodation. This is the best opportunity to meet the
'real' French people and although many of the villages may
often feel
deserted you will receive a warm welcome from the locals you
do meet.
A
rural gitewill be the the choice of visitors who are looking to 'get
away from it all' and unwind with their own company but the
compromise is the lack of local facilities within walking
distance. You are more likely to find properties with pools
in rural areas so these are attractive to families with
children. You can also get the best of both worlds with a
house/gite in a rural village.
Hotels
are the choice of people who want the familiarity of a
'brand' perhaps or a particular central location such as a
city centre. The Loire has some fine cities by its banks
such as
Angers,
Tours and
Orleans to
entice the traveller.
If you are touring you might
prefer the B&B
(Chambre
d'Hotes)
option which may offer a
bit more flexibility. Don't expect your 'full English' or
waffle type breakfast however - you will be presented with a
'continental' type repast including some delicious pastries
from the local boulanger and even cake!
If you are on a tighter
budget then the Loire Valley has a great selection of
private and municipal
campsites
(which you should not discount) normally in lovely locations
or on the outskirts of villages and towns.
If you want to really indulge
yourself then why not stay in, or indeed rent a complete,
chateau. The Loire Valley is home to over 300 of them so you
will find something to suit you pocket and your desire to be
pampered.
Our own personal
experience is that 'world travellers' will use a variety
of accommodation types during their trip and find that
the 'home
from home'
attraction of a fully equipped
village house is ideal for them
to 'regroup' and catch their breath
- after the hustle and bustle of a visit to Paris
for example. There is also the practical things like
being able to do a washing or the simple things like
having a good home cooked meal using local produce
bought from within walking distance.
