he Loire Valley is best known for its many chateaux with historic and architectural wonders. But, there is so much more! The rolling countryside and quiet country roads, the mortar and masonry in and upon which the soap opera of artisitocratic Renaissance France was played out and where, to the clink of goblets, Charles VII, Charles VIII, Francois I, Catherine de Medici, Leonardo da Vinci and many more engaged in monarchic games. There is wine and more wine and a host of unusual attractions: magnificent troglodyte homes, the imaginative gardens of Villandry, the majesty of the Chateau at Chinon (where Joan of Arc made history), the waterside calm of Azay-le-Rideau, the Charles Perrault (author of Sleeping Beauty) inspiring towers of Usse, the Abbaye de Fontevraud (with the remains of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart), and numerous market towns.

Chateau de Bournand is the perfect base for your explorations and relaxation.

hateau de Bournand, with parts dating back to the eleventh century, is located in the petite village of Bournand and is quietly nestled in a walled nine acre tree parc and gardens for your privacy and enjoyment. We know you will enjoy the peacefulness and charm of our chateau with country living, casual elegance, timeless tranquility, beautiful grounds, and pool & pool house.

The fortified town of Chinon, with its hilltop castle ruin and a charming ribbon of a village, and the Abbey of Fontevraud, where the Plantaganet kings and queens of England and France, and Richard the Lionheart are entombed, are both ten minutes away. We are just off the D147 between Saumur and Loudun or on the D39 from Chinon.

We are excited about our rural paradise. Our seven bedrooms (all have en-suite baths), salons, solarium, reception room and dining cave have been recently redecorated to reflect an atmosphere that is warm and tastefully appointed with antiques, oriental and needlepoint carpets, ancient tiles, hardwood floors, artwork, and lovely fabrics, all incorporating contemporary concerns for luxury and comfort. We are in the center of our village and walk to the grocery, patisserie, butcher shop, and restaurant.

The owners, John and Vicki Majors, will help you plan your Loire Valley adventure. If this is your first visit to the Loire or if you are returning to fully appreciate its treasures, consider our accomodations. We are the perfect place to sightsee, relax and connect with nature–from a romantic weekend for two to a weekly or monthly stay for groups up to fourteen. Bikes can be rented for 10 euros per day (5 euro per half day).

We are a wonderful choice for experiencing the pleasures and history of the Loire Valley, a land of rich vineyards, beautiful gardens and magnificent chateaux. In this region, where Kings and Queens built their grand chateaux, where Joan of Arc traveled to meet Charles VII and where the mild climate, nature and farms combine to crown it "The breadbasket of France", this river valley may truly be called the heart and soul of France.

chateaubournand@hotmail.com
In France 05 49 98 77 82 (April to October)
In the US 727-895-8780 (October to April)