THE GUIDE QUIRKY ACCOMMODATION 2019


QUIRKY ACCOMMODATION 2019 THE GUIDE


underground house very own


STAY IN YOUR


La Toue Reine is a traditional Loire river boat converted into a holiday home The Villa Margaux in Fargues-Saint-Hilaire, Gironde, consists of two chambres d’hôtes, each with independent access, for a luxury family holiday


Bananiers double room or the Tropical Cottage, which, with its spa terrace, brings a touch of exotic relaxation to the southwest of France. Natural linen curtains, flat-screen TV and double sink lend an air de luxe, while breakfast can be served en terrasse, complete with a view of your own private tropical garden. Cottage Tropical: €285 per night at weekends (exc. school holidays and bank holidays) for two with breakfast. www.villa-margaux.com


7. Domaine de Méros The pampering notion of bien-être hardly gets more bien than at the spectacularly renovated Domaine de Méros, where all – yes, all – the suites have their own swimming pool or jacuzzi: la suite de l’Orangerie, la suite de Filaë, la suite d’Inès, la suite de Delhia – even la roulotte (wagon) de Samsara has a private piscine! All are heated to a very reposing 31 degrees centigrade all year round.


144 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Dec/Jan 2019


Located in Plonévez-du-Faou, Finistère, the suites range from spacious perched cabins with stunning views over the Montagnes Noires to jacuzzi-and- sauna relaxation havens. Add the rural location, high-quality décor and other cabins to enjoy, and Domaine de Méros provides you with the ultimate get-away-from- it-all retreat. L’Orangeraie from €250 per night for two people. www.domainedemeros.com


8. La Toue Reine If water-borne holidays float your boat, then a stay on a traditional Loire boat called a toue cabanée could be just the thing. La Toue Reine is a replica of this style of old boat used to navigate the river right up to the beginning of the 20th century.


The boat is moored on the riverbank, close to the beautiful port at Bréhémont (Touraine), 6km from where your hosts have their own domaine of delightful holiday accommodation.


On-board comforts include a double bed and two singles, plus small kitchen area and a bathroom, small fridge and coffee machine.


As well as the tranquil, nature-spotting charms to be enjoyed on the gently lapping river Loire, the boat also provides a great base for exploring the Loire-Anjou- Touraine natural park and the Loire à vélo cycling trail, not to


mention the region’s abundance of fine châteaux. www.labatelieresurloire.fr


9. Île Louët


Make like Robinson Crusoe – only with a few more home comforts when you arrive and a guaranteed return to the mainland – with a stay in the lighthouse keeper’s home on the Île Louët in the Bay of Morlaix, off the north coast of Finistère.


The property on the island boasts three bedrooms, a bathroom in a small outbuilding and, naturally, breathtaking views of the sea below. Opposite, a little further out to sea, the Château du Taureau keeps watch on proceedings as you unwind, with seagulls, the scents of the sea, and regular flashes from the lighthouse beams for company. Previous guests have said that the sunset, when viewed from the rocky outpost behind the house, is truly magical. The house is available to rent by up to ten people from April to October. But do please note: you will need to make your own way to the island, which will mean hiring a boat – or at least a skipper! Booking details are announced for the upcoming year only, on Carentec Tourist Office’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ CarantecTourisme


10. Lou Caloun


Saddle up, cowboys and cowgirls, for a Camargue break to remember! Jean-Louis and Cathy are your hosts at the Wild West-style converted stables Mas Lou Caloun at Saintes-Maries- de-la-Mer.


Pamper yourselves silly at the Domaine de Méros in Finistère, Brittany


This working equestrian centre offers chambres d’hôtes in the heart of the breathtaking, wild and tranquil regional park – far from the well-trodden tourist path – where riders can trek out for two-, three- or four-hour trips and experience


the local ‘Gardian’ life. Previous riding experience is not essential and trained guides will accompany you on the ride. Nature lovers will be in heaven spotting black bulls and white horses, pink flamingoes and endless species of migratory birds. For your accommodation, choose from three modern, stylishly renovated gîtes, each housing two to four guests. www.lou-caloun.fr


11. Chez Bertrand


What could be more French than spending the night in a red Citroën 2CV? This is what the very quirky chambre d’hôtes Chez Bertrand offers in one of its bedrooms.


The building is located in a former chimney shop in the flea market quarter of Paris Saint- Ouen – which is not very far from Montmartre – and, thanks to the owner’s vivid imagination, houses three wildly different rooms. Le Loft sleeps up to five people – be ready to fight over who gets the roofless 2CV and who gets the circular bed. While other options are Le Studio, sleeping three on a sci-fi theme (who wants to have a snooze on the moon?), and l’Appart, a psychedelic, Haribo- centric fun hub that will take you back to your childhood. It all adds up to perfect fun for families. Studio/apartment from €125 per night. www.chezbertrand.com


❯❯ Dec/Jan 2019 FRANCE TODAY ❘ 145


Imagine... the comfort of an hotel, the authentic charm of wood, the luxury of a private spa, the beauty of a breathtaking panorama, the soothing sound of the water... Welcome to Lodges des Grands Crus


This newly property developed for you to create a world of serenity facing the hills of the legendary Grand Cru Chablis. Discover the 6 independent of the ownership lodges, accommodation unusual accessed by a fixed pontoon, safe and informed.


COTTAGES • YURTS • TIPIS


Domaine de la Pierre Ronde Lac de Chamboux 21210 St Martin de Mer 0033 3 80 84 13 07 0033 6 99 09 30 21


"An unforgettable holiday in a fantastic village ..."


domainedelapierreronde@gmail.com www.domainedelapierreronde.com


Private SPA, Sauna, Flexible hours, Zoo Closed site, Walks & Hikes Views of the Grand Crus Disabled Access


0033 6 43 23 16 37 contact@lodgesdesgrandscrus.com


www.lodgesdesgrandscrus.com


IMAGES © VILLA MARGAUX, TOUE REINE, DOMAINE DE MÉROS


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8