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Château des Briottières

4.0 star property
Family-friendly hotel with sauna and 24-hour business centre

Photo gallery for Château des Briottières

Front of property - evening/night
Lobby lounge
Double Room Single Use
Outdoor pool, open 9 AM to 7 PM, pool loungers
Exterior detail

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Bar
  • Parking included
  • Room service
  • Pet-friendly
  • Breakfast available
The current price is AU$407
includes taxes & fees
21 Mar - 22 Mar

Explore the area

Map
Les Briottieres, Les Hauts-d'Anjou, Maine-et-Loire, 49330
  • Anjou Golf and Country Club
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Terra Botanica
    ‪26 min drive‬
  • Château d'Angers
    ‪30 min drive‬
  • Angers (ANE-Angers - Loire)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Junior Suite

Junior Suite

Junior Suite

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Heating
TV
Separate bedroom
Portable fan
Separate bath and shower
Designer toiletries
  • 30 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double Room Single Use

Double Room Single Use

Double Room Single Use

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
TV
Separate bath and shower
Designer toiletries
Rainfall showerhead
Bathrobes
Hairdryer
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Single Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Double or Twin Room

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
TV
Portable fan
Separate bath and shower
Designer toiletries
Rainfall showerhead
Bathrobes
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
TV
3 bedrooms
Portable fan
Separate bath and shower
Designer toiletries
  • 50 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 4 Single Beds

View all photos for Family Room (Bonne Maman)

Garden view

Family Room (Bonne Maman)

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Heating
TV
Separate bedroom
Portable fan
Separate bath and shower
Designer toiletries
  • 70 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for Fruit Tree Room, Balcony, Annex Building

Fruit Tree Room, Balcony, Annex Building

Fruit Tree Room, Balcony, Annex Building

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Heating
TV
Portable fan
Separate bath and shower
Designer toiletries
Rainfall showerhead
  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Cabin Lodge

Cabin Lodge

Cabin Lodge

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
TV
Portable fan
Separate bath and shower
Designer toiletries
Rainfall showerhead
Bathrobes
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Standard Double or Twin Room, Annex Building

Standard Double or Twin Room, Annex Building

Standard Double or Twin Room, Annex Building

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
TV
Separate bedroom
Portable fan
Designer toiletries
Deep-soaking bath
Separate bath and shower
  • 19.8 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Similar properties

Property grounds

Château des Lutz

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
4.1 out of 5, Very good, (25)
The price is AU$184
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
10 Mar - 11 Mar
Château des Lutz

About the area

Champigne

A family-friendly stay in Les Hauts-d'Anjou awaits you at Château des Briottières. You'll be 6.8 km (4.2 mi) from Anjou Golf and Country Club and 12.7 km (7.9 mi) from Church of La Jaille-Yvon. Highlights at this historic hotel include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and free self-parking. .The restaurant, Château des Briottières, serves French cuisine and is open for breakfast and dinner. The hotel's own lounge bar is a nice place to enjoy a drink. Enjoy the sauna, seasonal outdoor swimming pool and pool loungers as well as access to tennis lessons. 2153 square feet (200 square metres) of event facilities include meeting rooms and conference space, and other business amenities include a 24-hour business centre and limo/town car service. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, laundry facilities and a microwave in a common area. Buffet breakfast is available daily between 8 AM and 10:30 AM. .Sights within a 20-minute drive of this 4-property class Les Hauts-d'Anjou hotel include Church of Saint-Martin-du-Bois and Château du Plessis Bourré.

What's nearby

  • Anjou Golf and Country Club - 10 min drive
  • Château du Plessis Bourré - 18 min drive
  • National Harbor of the Lion of Angers - 21 min drive
  • Terra Botanica - 26 min drive
  • Château d'Angers - 30 min drive

Getting around

  • Etriche-Chateauneuf Station - 16 min drive
  • Angers (ANE-Angers - Loire) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪La Table du Meunier - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪La Fourchette Gourmande - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Bar les Dimes - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Table du Meunier - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Café des Sports - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Château des Briottières

Family-friendly hotel with sauna and 24-hour business centre
Château des Briottières offers its guests an outdoor pool and a sauna. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi and wired Internet are free in public spaces.

Business amenities include a 24-hour business centre, meeting rooms, and limo/town car service. Event space at this hotel measures 2153 square feet (200 square metres) and includes conference space. A library, a terrace, and barbecue grills are also featured at the family-friendly Château des Briottières. Self parking is free.

This 4-star Les Hauts-d'Anjou hotel is smoke free.

  • 16 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 2 buildings
  • Conference rooms
  • 2153 sq ft of conference space
  • 200 sq. m of conference space
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Business centre (24 hours)
  • Conference space
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Car service
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Games room or arcade
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Gift shop
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • On-site shopping
  • No smoking on site
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Fridge in a common area
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Château des Briottières offers 16 accommodations with a safe and coffee/tea makers. Digital televisions are provided. Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower with a deep soaking bath and a rainfall showerhead. Bathrooms are also outfitted with bathrobes, designer toiletries and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and in-room massages can be requested.

Awards and affiliations

The property is a member of Historic Hotels of Europe.

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transport

  • Limo/town car service
  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 8 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: EUR 18 for adults and EUR 10 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Château des Briottières

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Fishing
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Sauna
  • Shopping
  • Tennis
  • Tennis lessons

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Highchair
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Pool gate
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Trampoline

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • 2,153 square feet of conference space
  • 24-hour business centre
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Spa

  • In-room massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Designer toiletries
  • Dressing gowns
  • Hair dryer
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Limited room service

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; check-in end time: 10:30 PM
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:30 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9 AM - 11 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 6 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Renovations and closures

The property is closed during the winter season.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets: EUR 30.00 per pet, per night
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Certain rooms only
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for EUR 40.0 per night.
  • Cots (infant beds) are available for EUR 20.0 per night.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: from approximately EUR 18 for adults and from EUR 10 for children
  • Pet fee: EUR 30.00 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Crib (infant bed) fee: EUR 20.0 per night
  • Rollaway bed fee: EUR 40.0 per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts major credit cards, debit cards and cash
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts major credit cards, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Eurocard, debit cards and cash.

We should mention

  • On-site cash transactions can't exceed EUR 1000, due to national regulations. For more details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation.
  • The seasonal pool will open in May and close in October.
  • Pool access available from 9 AM to 7 PM
  • Children aged 12 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).

National rating

This property has received its official star rating from the French Tourism Development Agency, ATOUT France.

Property is also known as

Château Briottières Hotel Champigne
Château des Briottières Hotel
Château des Briottières Les Hauts-d'Anjou
Château des Briottières Hotel Les Hauts-d'Anjou

Frequently asked questions

Is parking available at Château des Briottières?

Yep, Château des Briottières has a free self car park.

How much does it cost to stay at Château des Briottières?

As of 24 Feb 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Château des Briottières on 21 Mar 2025 start from AU$407.17, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Are there any beaches close to Château des Briottières?

The closest beach to Château des Briottières is Plage de Rochefort (36.8 km).

Does Château des Briottières have a pool?

Château des Briottières has a seasonal outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger. The pool is open 9 AM to 7 PM (Seasonal outdoor pool open from May to October).

What makes Château des Briottières a romantic place to stay?

A lounge bar, plus deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Château des Briottières.

Is Château des Briottières family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as children's meals and a playground, as well as highchairs in the guestrooms, it's no surprise that Château des Briottières is a hit with families.

Are there hot tubs in the rooms at Château des Briottières?

No, but there are deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms.

Does Château des Briottières serve breakfast?

Sure does, buffet breakfast is served daily between 8 AM and 10:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Château des Briottières?

No, Château des Briottières does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Château des Briottières?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves French cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Château des Briottières?

Check-in begins at 3 PM. Check-out time is 11:30 AM.

Is there a golf course on site at Château des Briottières?

There is a golf course next to Château des Briottières.

Château des Briottières Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 32 out of 44 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 44 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 44 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 44 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 44 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.8/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Johanna

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely beautiful
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eric

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I felt like was at a relatives house in a good way. What a great experience and highly recommend this property to anyone
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eric

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Wonderful, that’s all I can say
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Irene

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing Stay with Lovely Hosts
Such an amazing experience in a historic chateau! The grounds are well maintained and there is even an outside pool and trampoline for the kids. This centuries old chateau is beyond beautiful, rooms are large and the family is kind and accommodating. Loved having an evening beverage in the lounge area and the nighttime music playing throughout the lower level added to the absolute beauty and magic. We will definitely be back, thank you so much for creating such a welcome and safe experience for us!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Claudio

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great property
Beautiful property, we very enjoyed our visit! The overall dinner service has some room for improvement, if I can suggest!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020

8/10 Good

Guest

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Beautiful grounds and chateau. The property is lovely with many nice walks. The only issue is some of the linens were soiled on our first night.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

6/10 Okay

Jacqueline

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Be Aware there is a Dining room not Restaurant
The Chateau itself is very beautiful and the owner welcoming enough but we were not expecting a Chateau Demeure hotel where the owners actually live there. Personally we felt as if we were intruding into their home and their time. Initially we were told we booked a room in the annexe but it did not suit us because the beds were too close to he wall and we had no real space to manoever so we changed the room with a 80 euro surcharge to the £172 we had already paid to stay in the Chateau He gave us a room where the beds were in an alcove so we changed yet again and he told us he would not charge us the 80 euros extra because of the inconvenience We thought there was a restaurant but in fact it was a dining room with table d hote. That is to say you had what the owner cooked for you. Finding out at the table what was on offer. Of course they would have made something else if that was not acceptable but that is not that same as having a menu. We stayed at various Chateau hotels for 9 days during our trip and this one was by far the most expensive for the room but certainly no better than the others. As for the meal, it was tasty and the dining room is beautiful but I would not have booked here if I had known the concept. I do not like people choosing what I should eat. It is ok at a friends home but then we don't pay for that BUT in its defence IF you like the idea of living in a stately home as paying guests then this place is for you. It wasn't for us
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mamadou

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
quiet and Pleasant stay. We will come back with pleasure...
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A genuine chateau experience, lovely grounds and beautifully decorated authentic home. Very friendly owner. We loved it.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Upon arrival, we were taken to the dining hall of the beautiful main building for dinner (which was a set meal). The food was fine, but definitely not worth the €50/person they charged us for it. After dinner, we were escorted to our room. We had booked the cabin lodge as it was for only a one night stay and had been described as good for a family of 4. The description also included air conditioner and television, basic appliances, etc. Firstly, the place hadn’t been cleaned in ages. There were cobwebs everywhere! I sneezed all night long because the sheets were dusty. Secondly, considering they were expecting a family of four, the sofa bed had not even been made. After our arrival in the room (past 10pm, they owner proceeded to take out the sofa bed. Then he asked me if the kids needed pillows (??). There weren’t enough towels in the room for four people. There were bugs coming out of every crevice. All the windows didn’t have curtains, and the ones that did, weren’t all big enough to cover the windows. Because we were in the woods, we couldn’t open the windows as we were dealing with enough bugs as it is. The advertised air conditioner was nowhere to be seen. We were looking forward to this stay, the property looked enchanting. It was one of the more expensive nights we had booked throughout our entire 3 week holiday around France, and was by far the worse experience we’ve had so far.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Neil, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Maximum relaxation
Wonderful Chateau that has been in the same family for generations. The family and staff are most genial. A relaxed and beautiful setting promoting peace and quiet with delightful grounds and pool. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Superb
Our stay at Chateau des Briottierres was absolutely superb. Beautiful castle and castle grounds. Swimming pool and games for the kids (trampoline, table tennis, badminton). Nice, clean spacious rooms. You truly feel like royal staying here. We’ll definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
What an amazing place
This place is amazing. The owner is very welcoming and an excellent host. The chateau is an experience without all the negatives of a conventuel hotel. Met a lovely couple from America and had a fabulous tine. Would stay again and again...:)
Stayed 1 night in May 2018

8/10 Good

Nila

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very quiet out in the country middle of nothing around.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2017

8/10 Good

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous place, missing a few small touches
Normally at $200/night I expect heat in the rooms, a waste basket at least in the bathroom and functioning wifi, all of which were missing at Château des Briottières. However, the house and its setting are so beautiful and wonderfully furnished, that I forgave the lapses. I'd go again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect way to experience Chateau Life...
Château des Briottières gives you a taste of chateau lifestyle. It is a peaceful world unto itself. You feel like the 'weekend' guest in a grand home.

10/10 Excellent

Andy, Somerset

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A magical stop over in a beautiful house.
A wonder. We stayed in the cabin the woods - we had our little children with us. We are always worried that having small children with us would restrict us, but the Count made them most welcome and cooked delicious crepes for the whilst we enjoyed an aperitif. As a magical stop over on the ay to the South we could not recommend it enough.

10/10 Excellent

Luke, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A one night stopover
Lovely charming and very hospitable family hotel. Much closer to stay with a family than a hotel in terms of overall experience. The room was fantastic. Immensely relaxing. I would recommend and would stay again.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
How often do you get to stay in a chateau?
The Chateau de Briottieres is located on a majestic estate, and represents the efforts of its owners to maintain a magnificent family home. Our experience at this location was positive in almost all ways. We were free to sit in the amazing salons, use the pool, exercise on the grounds and stroll in the garden. Our room was very small, but the bed was comfortable, and the bathroom facilities clean and adequate. We also had a stunning view of the front lawn, chapel, and pond. There was easy parking. There was no elevator, which made handling our oversized luggage a little difficult. We decided to have dinner at the chateau--a little pricey at 55 Euros each--but an excellent culinary experience. The food was delicious and elegantly served. The candlelight made for a magical evening. We did have a group of very ill-behaved adolescents--the fault of their parents, not the management's. Overall, we had a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and would definitely recommend this hotel to others.

10/10 Excellent

L & S, Surrey, England

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful chateau
We spent two nights at Chateau des Briottieres and it is a beautiful place. The owner is a very charmning man whose family have owned it for six generations - so it has a lot of history. It is extremely elegant but the owners have made it very comfortable and homely as well. I would thoroughly recommend this private hotel. The standard of the rooms was well above some of the commercial chateaux. The dining room is very elegant and although the menu is set, the home cooked style dishes are very good indeed and come as a surprise.

10/10 Excellent

Cheateau Life, Tennessee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic Everything!
This is an excellent place to stay. The owner runs the chateau himself and has been in his family for over 200 years. It is like staying in a museum with very old artwork and sculptures. The grounds are very well maintained. There is a magnificent pool and chapel on the grounds as well. I could not recommend a better place to stay in France.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely stay at a real Chateau
Beautiful chateau, lovely gardens. The host upgraded our room, even though we didn't ask. Dinner was pricey, 55 euros.

2/10 Terrible

Francophile, UK

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
History cannot be an excuse
The Chateau is in a poor state and, with regret, does not meet the needs of the modern traveller. Extremely low lighting cannot conceal the paucity of the culinary offer, the lack of choice or, importantly, the inadequacy of basic standards in the rooms. No mirror in the bedroom, the lavatory is in the wardrobe - or the wardrobe is in the lavatory - but either way, it is so small as to involve the scraping of knees on the door and the knees are no more than 3 ft from the bed, albeit through a closed door; no hairdrier, lamps which did not work, no room to move in the tiniest of shower 'room', no ability for 2 people to move around the bed at the same time. So very many wonderful places to stay in the Loire - unfortunately, despite its wonderful history and location, this isn't one of them.