One hour from Paris, our beautiful 19-century villa, built by a famous French architect for his family, is located in the heart of the famous Valley of the Castles directly on the Loire. We own a charming, spacious 19th century mansion with 6 bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large living room, dining room, kitchen and big garden. From the terrace you have an exceptional and unobstructed view on the last wild river in Europe.
Most of the villages in the area have markets, and you are never far away from excellent and fancy restaurants. There are eight golf courses in and around Orleans, riding stables 5 km away, canoeing or kayaking on the Loire and boat trips on the Canals ( Orleans and Briare ) Some marvelous walks and rides along the two paths by the River Loire. Or you travel the Loire Valley wine road, to Cheverny, Chinon, Saumur, Sancerre etc...and Vouvray ( which produces the best sparkling wine outside Champagne). You can also take a balloon flight and see the countryside and chateaux hidden among the forests from the air.
To reach the villa which is located in Saint-Ay, 10 km from Orléans or 5 km from Meung-sur-Loire, you can go
• by train: the train station is located directly in Saint-Ay, change in Orleans from Paris
• by car: 130km from Paris, about one hour, Highway A11, exit : Centre of Orléans or Meung-sur-Loire
The centre of the town Saint-Ay (St-Ay) is situated one kilometer from the property.
Language of communication: English, French, German, Italian
The Loire Valley is located in the historic heart of France that was so fervently coveted by England in the Middle Ages. After years of conflict, Joan of Arc, inspired the French to conquer the English and expel them. In a more peaceful sense, this area is renowned for an abundance of Chateaux, classic architecture, rich history and warm hospitality.
It is said that “The Loire is a Queen and Kings have loved her”. Indeed the Loire has been the home of Kings since the 10th century. From the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, the Kings and Queens of the Loire Valley championed intellectual and artistic creation. With its verdant fields and forests, the Loire Valley has inspired poets and novelists for centuries. Some of her native sons, such as Rabelais and Balzac, were so taken with their homeland that they set their stories here. The result is an endowment of accomplishments for all time in the arts and literature, as well as extraordinary examples of magnificent architecture and landscaping.
The number of beautiful gardens or impeccably maintained grounds, is probably equal to the number of chateaux in the Loire. The best example of this marvelous art form so harmonious with nature is the Chateau de Villandry, built in the 16th century. All that remains from the early fortress is the keep, which is incorporated in the Renaissance building. Villandry symbolizes the French classical style which is also referred to as Henry IV style.
Because of its mild climate and fertile farmlands, the Loire Valley is known as the “Garden of France”. This leads to the very happy consequence that kitchens throughout the Loire Valley enjoy an abundance of highest quality fruits, vegetables, cheeses and other produce - in addition of course, to a wide selection of outstanding wines and liqueurs.
In addition, you find here the largest forest in mainland France, the Orléans Forest, which covers a surface area of about 50,000 hectares. It comprises three massifs from East to West: Lorris, Ingrannes and Orléans and stretches north of the Loire over 60 km between the surroundings of Orléans and the borders of Beauce and Gâtinais.
About Home Exchange Owners:
I am a professor of Ancient History doing research at a Parisian university originally from Germany, my husband is French and a scenarist for TV and cinema. We have a 7-month old baby girl.
We are in our thirties, clean, responsible, non-smokers and have done already several lovely home exchanges via this site with Italy, the UK and the US.
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