Close to the enchanting town of Saumur, Manoir Des Arts offers historic charm alongside touches of French splendour in a perfect position for discovering the allure of the Loire valley.
This 470 year old manor house has been beautifully restored with great sensitivity, retaining the manoir’s character and grace. Its loving owners have filled their home with artwork and antiques as well as paying attention to the finer details with high quality linen and the very best china. They have created an abode which exudes a sense of tradition, warmth as well as rustic elegance, a superb place for relaxing in an idyllic setting.
Inside, guests can enjoy a glass of Cabernet Franc by the roaring fire in the living room or experience the tranquil ambience of the library. The beautifully modern kitchen is fully-equipped, ideal for preparing meals with all sorts of regional produce picked up from local markets and the formal dining room looks out to the delightful garden. The manoir’s four double bedrooms are spacious and characterful and there are three good-sized bathrooms, two of them en suite to the first floor bedrooms.
A fifth bedroom with a king-size bed also awaits the most adventurous of guests in a guesthouse. Just metres from the manoir, the lofted-ceiling bedroom can be accessed via a private entrance. There is no running water here, so it’s a true ‘glamping’ experience, unsophisticated yet characterful in style, with the comfort of the manoir a few steps away.
As well as the glorious swimming pool in the summer months, you will also love the cabana with its games and space for exercise – a lovely spot for yoga or perhaps you would prefer a game of table football, darts or table tennis. Set up the badminton on the lawn of the pretty walled garden or just enjoy the vast outdoor space – there is even a small lake hidden amongst the woodland at the very end.
It’s wonderful to be so close to Saumur, a town of art and history with a reputation for its gastronomy as well as its wines and surrounding vineyards. Dine in high-end restaurants in the historic centre, sample the town’s delicious sparkling wine and enjoy the delights of the weekly market on a Saturday morning. Visit Saumur’s fairy-tale turreted château, take a guided tour of the prestigious Cadre Noir equestrian school and admire the Loire river on a summer boat trip.
There is so much more of this captivating region still to explore. The famous Fontevraud Abbey is close by, as are the picture-perfect villages of Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau, where the Loire meets the Vienne. Canoeing along the Vienne river in Chinon is another highlight of this area.
Then there’s yet more historic châteaux, scenic cycling trails, endless vineyards and the stunning landscapes of the Loire valley – there really is so much to see and do in the ‘garden of France’.
Just 16km north of the beautiful town of Saumur on the Loire river, Manoir Des Arts is a wonderful base for exploring this glorious region.
If arriving by train, the TGV service takes you from Paris CDG or Montparnasse to Tours or Angers where there are interconnecting services to Saumur.
There is a well-stocked supermarket around a five-minute drive away in the small local village as well as a bakery and other amenities. Even closer, a neighbouring farm has its own fruit and vegetable stand and the caretaker can recommend the fresh eggs from his daughter’s farm.
Close to the manoir you will also find some superb walking paths, horse-riding, fishing spots and so many cycling opportunities including the famous La Loire à Vélo. Follow the trail west towards Gennes and Le Thoureil or cycle in the other direction, reaching the Vienne towards the enchanting town of Chinon and beyond. If you prefer boating, hire canoes or kayaks close to Saumur as a great way to admire the local scenery.
Of course, a visit to Saumur (16km) is a highlight of your stay – it’s a stunning town with a great reputation for its art and gastronomy. There are many excellent restaurants and you should try some of the town’s sparkling wine produced in Saumur’s surrounding vineyards. Afterwards, take a taxi home – the manoir is just a 10-minute ride away.
Spend time exploring Château Saumur, followed by a boat ride on the Loire River. In the town’s centre there are many beautiful historic buildings, lovely shops and the fantastic weekly market on a Saturday morning selling all sorts of regional delights. Then there’s the amazing Cadre Noir equestrian school – book a guided tour and you may be lucky enough to see a performance during your time here.
Also close to Saumur is the impressive Fontevraud Abbey (20km) as well as the fascinating Troglodyte caves in the village of Rochemenier (40km).
To experience yet more charm and beauty, visit the villages of Candes-Saint-Martin and Montoreau, close to where the Loire and Vienne rivers meet. They are both classified as two of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and there is a wonderful walk between the two. Look out for trips on traditional boats, a picture-perfect way to admire the scenery.
Chinon is also a delight with its cobbled, winding lanes and characterful bars and wine caves. Visit on a Thursday morning for the atmospheric weekly market and marvel at the views when wandering around the Chinon Fortress. It’s also a picturesque spot for hiring canoes and kayaks along the Vienne.
There are also so many historic châteaux across the Loire valley. Château d'Ussé, around a 55-minute drive away, is said to be the castle that inspired the story of Sleeping Beauty whilst both Château d'Azay-le-Rideau and Château de Villandry can be reached within an hour.
The great city of Tours (62km) is another fantastic day out with all its historic sights and beauty, perhaps combined with a visit to the vineyards of Vouvray.
Manoir Interiors
Lower Ground - Laundry room with washing machine and dryer
- Small wine cellar
Ground Floor
- Living room with working fireplace
- Library
- Open-plan kitchen, fully-renovated and equipped including La Canche gas range with five burners, three ovens, a barista-style coffee maker, a larger central island with bar seating and dining area with French doors leading to the garden
- Guest WC
First Floor
- Master bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed and en suite bathroom
Second Floor
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed
- Bedroom with two queen-size double beds
- Bathroom with bath, separate shower, double sinks and separate WC
Separate Guesthouse (no plumbing/running water, very rustic, more of a 'glamping' experience)
- Bedroom with king-size double bed
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (12x5m, depth: approximately 1-1.85m) with safety alarm. Open approximately May to end-September (heated only on request subject to an additional daily fee)
- Cabana with games/exercise area including table football, table tennis, darts, mats and weights
- Al-fresco dining area
- Charcoal Barbecue-grill
- Walled garden
- Badminton
- Well
- Lake (at end of the garden - sometimes dries out in summer)
- Wood shed
- Outbuilding
- Ample parking (including one covered space)
- Electric gate
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Working fireplace (main living room only)
- Stereo system
- Smart TV
- DVD player and library
- Washing machine and dryer
- Table tennis
- Badminton
- Table football
- Dart board
- Weights, exercise bands and mats
- Board games
- Hairdryer (in every bedroom)
