Chateau Alarie
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Overview
Château Alarie is a stunning French castle with deep roots in the history of the region. Here you’ll find traditional luxury, and an authentic experience yet with plenty of amenities close by in the picturesque town of Villeloin-Coulangé and an array of modern comforts on site.
The property is in the heart of châteaux and vineyard country in the Loire, part of the commune of Montrésor, recently voted one of the two most beautiful villages in France.
It is only a 20 minutes' drive from the world famous zoo at Beauval and from a train-touristique. So there are activities for all the family!
The house was, until the French Revolution, the residence of the Abbots of the Benedictine Monastery of St-Sauveur in Villeloin-Coulangé, founded in 850 AD in the reign of Charles the Bald. Situated south of the Loire Valley, the area attracted the kings of France who came to hunt boar and deer in the surrounding forests and Louis XI, on one of his visits, stayed in the house.
This is the region where Charles VII kept the first official royal mistress, Agnes Sorel, from whom much of the royalty of Europe is descended, and where Joan of Arc persuaded him to go to Reim to be consecrated in 1429.
In the nearby town of Loches, there is a bi-weekly market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, much enlivened by an active café life with the arrival of crowds of shoppers from the surrounding area who come to buy their provisions and socialize while doing so.
What you should know…
- In the main château there are five bedrooms sleeping up to 12 guests but up to 15 guests can sleep in the château using the child's bed in the paired suite and the attic room which can be used as an extra double - see the Features tab for more details.
- This region is best enjoyed with access to a car
- There is no TV... which means more opportunities for socialising and spending time outdoors!
This home is a part of our Great Value and Heritage Collection!
This is a historic home, and as such:
- It has probably been standing for over 100 years, which means it's full of historic value and charm but it may also have one or two quirks!
- Some of the decor and furnishings may not be brand new, but that should not detract from your holiday experience in this unique setting that allows you to take a step back in time!
Property Features
In the château, 12 guests can sleep in 5 bedrooms plus there is an extra double in the attic and a child's bed in the paired suite.
Château Interiors
Ground Floor
- Large dining room with possibility of seating 20
- Drawing room with fireplace, library, grand piano and sitting area
- Fully equipped kitchen/breakfast room with all amenities and batterie de cuisine (plenty of cutlery, crockery, cookware, coffee machine etc.)
- Bedroom with four poster bed for one guest and en-suite bathroom
First Floor
- Paired suite with one room with a double bed and the other with a double bed and child's single bed (the door can be closed to make it two separate bedrooms)
- Double bedroom
- Twin bedroom (plus room for a cot)
- Triple bedroom (three single beds)
- Three bathrooms
Loft
- Can be used as additional living area/playroom or as an extra double bedroom. With separate shower, sink and toilet
Tower
- Library and writing room with views
Basements
- Washing machine, dryer, wine cellar, central heating boiler (oil) and additional freezer capacity
- Ping-pong table
- WC
Outside Grounds
- Fabulous two-level walled garden
- Upper level with easy access to the kitchen for dining al fresco, well shaded by trees and enjoying the sunset
- Two large terraces, and one gazebo
- BBQ area
Location
About the surrounding area of Chateau AlarieOne of the attractions of the area is its proximity to not only the châteaux of the Loire but also many churches, abbeys and historic gardens, without itself being too much of a tourist destination, though the neighbouring village of Montrésor (2.5 km), categorised as one of the most beautiful villages of France, boasts an agreeable restaurant/bar, a mini-supermarket, bakery, chemist, and petrol pump.
For daily requirements, such as fresh produce, bread, newspapers etc, Villeloin itself has all this within a few paces walk, whilst for more serious shopping, Loches is 19 km away, with two large supermarkets, and all the amenities of a small provincial town. Loches itself is a place of substantial historical significance, with its massive defensive keep, chateau and royal residence, and cathedral.
The main transport hub in the area is Tours, about 50 minutes' drive, where there is a small airport and rail link to Paris (56 minutes) and southwards by TGV.
Tours is also connected by regular bus service to Loches, and Eurostar/TGV from London via Paris or Lille is some six hours, whilst driving from Calais is in total about six and a half hours with good motorways all the way until about half an hour from Villeloin.
An additional facility available is a secure underground parking space operated by remote next to Tours station, useful for leaving a car if traveling to Paris or elsewhere by train. Both St Pierre des Corps Tours and Tours mainline stations have car hire places where you can book vehicles that carry up to nine passengers.
Some of the most famous Chateaux in France are only a short distance. There's a beautiful old Chateau in the next door village which is open to the public. That is within walking distance; it's a little over a mile. Others are within cycling distance or a short drive. The best place to hire bicycles is the Peugeot Garage on Rue des Moulins in Loches, the nearest town. This has a good selection and they are cheap to hire.
If you hire your bikes in Loches we strongly recommend cycling around the Royal Forest which has some glorious rides. You might usefully stop off on your way to Loches at the tourist office in Montresor which has a good selection of cycle route maps. There is also a tourist office in Loches by the station and it is a beautiful market town with a historic castle and keep, just 12 miles away.
Chenonceaux, the Loire's most famous Chateau, is just 21 miles away.
Chaumont is 28 miles away. Blois is 37 miles away. The beautiful gardens at Villandry are just 44 miles away.
The imposing fortress at Chinon is 51 miles away.
Many other historic buildings are within easy reach too.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Tours St-Symphorien
(61-70 km) |
||
| Nearest Ferry Port |
Calais
(Over 100 km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Loches or St Aignan
(16-20 km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Villeloin-Coulange
(Under 1 km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Loches
(16-20 km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
(3 km) |
||
| Nearest Bar/Pub |
(3 km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
(Under 1 km) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
(Under 1 km) |
||
Region
A region doesn’t get to be called “The Garden of France” without being pretty special, and the Loire Valley is just as luscious and beautiful as its nickname would suggest. There’s countless acres of beautiful woods, vineyards and farmland that produce some of France’s revered ingredients and delicacies, and a wealth of history and beautiful architecture that demands and rewards exploration. Whether you’re heading off with the family, friends, or both, our fantastic portfolio of Loire Valley villas and chateaux means you’ll find fantastic, comfortable and quirky accommodation no matter your preferences.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesBaby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Village
- Walk to Restaurant
- <1hr to Airport
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
Onsite Facilities
- Children's books
- Table Tennis
- Fenced Grounds
Services Available
- Maid Service Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Maid Service Available
- Property host
- Welcome Pack
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Babysitting/childcare services
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
| Security deposit | £250 payable to the owner and refunded after departure, subject to full inspection (and heating costs). |
| Arrival time | After 3.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | Before 12.00 p.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | £250 payable to the owner and refunded after departure, subject to full inspection (and heating costs). |
| Arrival time | After 3.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | Before 12.00 p.m. |
| Heating costs included? | No, heating costs are calculated on departure and deducted from the security deposit. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| Pets welcome? | On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. If accepted, a pet supplement and/or additional security deposit may apply. Pets permitted only in the dining room, the kitchen and outdoors. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No. |
| Changeover day | Any day of the week. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs approximately between €1-€5 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. |
| Other Ts and Cs | In the main château there are five bedrooms sleeping up to 12 guests but up to 15 guests can sleep in the château using the child's bed in the paired suite and the attic room which can be used as an extra double - see the Features tab for more details. |
Rental Rates
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
How long have you owned the property?
26 years
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
Historically fascinating
Are there any interesti...
Read moreOwner Profile
How long have you owned the property?
26 years
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
Historically fascinating
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
Royalty has stayed here
Reviews
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Absolutely gorgeous
Absolutely gorgeous spot and love all the object d’art and the rambling gardens. The house holds so many curious turns and delights. Some areas could use a little input such as the shower facilities but all in all a fabulous place to settle in for a bit and enjoy the Loire.
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Belle propriété
Agréable séjour dans cette belle propriété.
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We will be visiting again!
Gorgeous Chateau with lovely artworks and loads of books. Great local area witg pkenty to see amd do.
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Very happy with this selection!
I just wanted to thank you for finding such a grand dame of a house. It’s deep beauty and bewitching eccentricity are incalculable. Nestled in the center of Villeon-Collange, it provides the quintessential French countryside experience. Margaret and I spend hours each day simply walking through and enjoying the garden.
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Truly amazing time!
We had a wonderful time in your beautiful château and would like to thank you very much for allowing us to stay there.
We felt very much at home, and could have very easily stayed longer!
It was a special time for us as we came together, as a family, to celebrate my father's 80th Birthday and as we all went our separate ways it was an unanimous decision that should we Come to the area again we would love to revisit!
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Lovely Chateau, adorable hosts!
thank you for all you did to make this stay such a good one for them.
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Very nice property
Chateau 5 stars!
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Great Property!
Beautiful chateau in quiet location. Well stocked kitchen with utensils, crockery etc. Plenty of linen provided and laundry facilities had we required them. A large garden where we could sit and relax. Information provided about local attractions. We could not fault the advice we were given prior to arrival. Clear directions and numerous points of contact had we needed them.
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Our time spent at Alarie was magical
Hello, Jasper, I just wanted to take a minute to express how much we enjoyed chateau Alarie. The home is so charming and the gardens and village are so lovely. We moved around quite a lot on our holiday travels and our time in Villaloin-Coulangè was our favorite. We will forever treasure our hours by the fire, walks through the village and our visit to Amboise. I wanted to mention the restaurant we dined at in Montressor. We arrived at Alarie a bit later than planned the evening of Dec 30 and were unaware that the market was closed already. Anne-Laure greeted us so warmly. When she learned we hadn't had time to pick up groceries on our way, she called the Legend. They were about to close but were willing to stay open to serve us dinner. The food was wonderful (our favorite meal of our entire trip) and the hostess was so kind and generous. It turned out to be a dream of an evening. In addition, Anne-Laure was so easy to work with and so helpful. We spent a fabulous day visiting the Chateau Chenonceau and the chateau in Amboise, lunch in Amboise and a very good wine tasting in a cave there. All in all, our time spent at Alarie was magical. I truly hope to visit again--in a warmer season! Thank you truly for your graciousness in sharing such a wonderful place.
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A trip to remember
We had a lovely stay Chateau Alarie. We loved our time in the local villages! The chateau is so charming and comfortable. It was a trip we will always remember.
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We will be back
We were delighted! Despite the bad weather, we might come back with other friends!
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Great weekend at Chateau Alarie
Our wee end was great and every body was happy.
The house is very nice and easy to live in. Madame Farley explained all the details very kindly and answered all our questions.
We visited Chenonceau and Loches.
The weather was ok as the rain stopped on Friday as we arrived and we were lucky enough to see the sun shining on Sunday!
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A perfect stay, we felt at home!
This is a quick message of thanks for making everyone feel at home at Chateau Alarie.
We had a very pleasant stay indeed, the house is perfect for large family excursions. If the weather had been a little better we would have definitely enjoyed breakfast or even dinner outside at one of the tables set up in the lovely gardens!
The kitchen is spacious enough to allow for the morning bustle, the kids and the adults both made good use of the sitting and dining rooms. The bedrooms were very comfortable and had everything we needed, and there were enough bathrooms for all of us.
Anne-Laure was very helpful and, although the necessity never arose, we felt safe knowing that she was at hand.
Once again, we thank you for your hospitality and will always cherish our time at Chateau Alarie. I know that we will encourage our friends to visit too.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
