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Tip : City Pharma is a small pharmacy that offers discounts on French brands, and others, some at half price. Practice your french, you’ll have to compete with other Parisians in this small space. Expect great discounts on brands like Lierac, Rene Furterer, Klorane and many others. Its great 'beauty’ shopping. If you can’t find what you are looking for ask! Some assistants will gladly direct you elsewhere.

You won’t find another chateau in the Loire Valley where exquisite ‘interior design’ comes close to perfection.

Guests are invited not to stay, but rather to enjoy the home of Monsieur Charrier. It is sumptuous! Both the rooms and the bathrooms, (many of which have the original deep cast-iron bathtubs that Monsieur managed to salvage, and restore! )
I can’t recommend one room over the other as they are all perfectly proportioned, and more spacious than most. However, it would be difficult to spend only one night in the ‘Axel de Fersen’ with its king size bed and large tower bathroom overlooking the garden!

Others rooms are just as appealing with 19th and 17th century furniture. All rooms bear the name of French celebrities or historical figures (including some notorious ones that frequented the chateau).

Guests are invited to relax either in the Zanzibar Bar or the Salon Louis de Barberin, before dining in the ‘Salon Aymard de Chouppes’.

The grounds are vast inviting you to just relax, read and generally enjoy the gentle countryside of the Loire. For history buffs, the tomb of the Marquis de la Fayette, the French General pivotal to the American war of independence, lies in the chateau’s private chapel.

While this is a hotel for anyone who appreciates refinement, it will particularly appeal to couples seeking a romantic stay. As the only Chateau with its own chapel what a perfect place for a wedding ceremony or a proposal! Choosing which pretty village or town to visit first will be difficult as you are close-by to Loches, Amboise and Tours. Book direct with the chateau below.

No other travel booking website provides a personal service that includes creating a tailor-made itinerary for travellers, full of tips on where to eat, shop and things to do with kids. The itineraries are written by locals in live or work in the cities featured and include the 'best' not the most expensive just a great experience often away from Tourist traps.

If you’re looking for a perfect day out take a trip to the historic town of Loches and wonder around the cobblestone streets of this pretty village. Make sure you book lunch or dinner at this wonderful bistro. You won’t be disappointed.

Not only is the cuisine regularly of good quality, it is reasonably priced at €26 pp for a ‘menu carte’ which includes four courses. Chef, Didier Marque focuses his talents on produce from the region including ‘Suprême de pintade farcie (Turkey) au St Maure’ or ‘Lotte (local fish) pochée au Vouvray, petits légumes caramélisés’. The wine lists comprises of some very good locals wines to accompany.

In the summer months there’s dining in the shaded terrace while in winter there’s roaring fire in one of their front salon, so make so you request it!

Also, only in Winter, the chef runs a number of special ‘cooking ateliers’ which are sure to provide you with professional tips. Children are also accommodated with a ‘menu enfant’ in a relaxed and warm environment. Staff are friendly are attentive even if your French is a little ‘rusty’.

Café Marly — Some seriously gorgeous French men and women mix it with the tourist crowd who have stumbled upon this lovely cafe after their visit to the Louvre. Great food, wine by the glass and an elegant ambiance.
93, rue de Rivoli - 75001 Paris

I love this little treasure situated on the banks of The Cher. While the exterior river views are very pretty its chef Frederci Arnault's cuisine that you’ll be admiring.

The chef, Frederci’s, has a small but enticing menu that perfects french dishes such as ‘tournedos’ and ‘poitrine de pigeonneau’. Each season the ‘carte’ reflects the best quality produce of the Touraine. Desserts are equally magnificent, if not the highlight. In winter there’s the ambiance of an open fireplace while the warmer months allow for dining ‘sur la terrasse’.

All this at more than reasonable prices: (25 for two courses or 35 euros for three), now that leaves room for an excellent bottle of local wine recommend by their Sommelier. Just don’t tell anyone about this restaurant: there’s already a 2-week waiting list so book ahead for a memorable french meal.

Closed Wednesday, Saturday lunch and Sunday evening. See their website for booking details - also in English www.lamaisontourangelle.com or www.myweekin.net