THE GUIDE CHÂTEAUX 2020


Travel back in time at Château de Gizeux, where the rooms retain a decorative flourish reflective of the estate’s rich history


in great comfort and style. The Tower rooms are spread over four floors, with lift access throughout. Outside, guests can enjoy 14 acres of park designed in 1836 by Tocqueville’s English wife, Mary Motley. www.chateaudetocqueville.com


Château de Gizeux (Indre-et-Loire) Located some 15km north of Bourgueil and 25km from Saumur within the green and wooded Parc Naturel Régional de Loire-Anjou-Touraine, sprawling Château de Gizeux has both Medieval and Renaissance elements. Your stay here is truly like travelling back in time – archives reveal that a wooden fortress was present on the site during the 11th century – and the painting


138 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Apr/May 2020


galleries are incredibly rich and historic. The magnificent Francis the First Gallery, in the heart of the Renaissance building, was entirely painted by Italian artists around 1585. As for guest accommodation, antique furniture and decorative stylings blend seamlessly with simple yet luxurious modern comforts. Themed stays can be based around wine tours, romance and wellness, according to your interests. en.chateaudegizeux.com


Château Carbonneau (Gironde)


Luxury bed and breakfast in the heart of the vineyards of Gironde – what could be more appealing to the wine-loving Francophile in search of a little countryside R&R? Château


Carbonneau was built around 1860 and ever since, its history has been closely linked to families, the latest being current incumbents the Franc de Ferrières, who welcome guests to five luxury rooms. The style is a blend of French family antiques and fresh country charm, and each bedroom has its own bathroom and offers breathtaking views over the park and vineyard. Naturally, no stay here among the vines is complete without a tasting of the family wine. www.chateau-carbonneau.com


Château de Verrières (Maine-et-Loire) In the Loire Valley, relax at the Château de Verrières, a five-star hotel with a private mansion atmosphere, and containing


authentic decoration and period furniture. The friendly and knowledgeable owners are sure to make your stay memorable. Discover this family-sized château’s 10 lovely bedrooms, surrounded by a four-acre park in the midst of Saumur, famous for its wines and châteaux. Built in 1896 by Madame Baillou de la Brosse in the district of La Marmaillette, Verrières was designed under Napoleon III and still exudes the elegance of the 19th-century lifestyle. In the upstairs rooms, you can gaze from the huge windows at the park and cavalry school. Relax and soak up the splendour as you take a walk in the vast park before tasting a Crémant de Loire under the linden trees…bliss! www.chateau-verrieres.com


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IMAGE © CHATEAU DE GIZEUX


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