OVERVIEW

Your days here can be filled with balloon rides departing from the Château meadow, race car driving at the 24 hour Le Mans circuit, antique collecting in the nearby village of La Chartre-sur-le-Loir and ambling exploration of the ancient walled city in Le Mans. Or your days can be languorously empty - allowing hours of repose, by the pool, in the garden, or in the many salons of the Château.

Find a downloadable activities pamphlet here.

THE CHÂTEAU GARDEN AND GROUNDS

With 80 fabulous acres surrounded by the original medieval wall - Hotel Château and its grounds feel like a proper kingdom. From the symmetry and precision of the formal French gardens to the reverent beauty of the historic white-oak forest, days can drift by in dreamlike perfection. The possibilities are seemingly infinite as the history and majesty of the property is explored

THE VILLAGE OF LE GRAND LUCÉ

Untouched by tourism, the village just outside our gates is quintessentially French. The two Château gates both open to petite town squares. On Wednesdays, there is a lovely farmers market filled with fresh produce and loads of surprises. With two boulangeries, a florist, a pharmacy — where French beauty products can be found, the historic City Hall, a stunning 11th century church, cobblestone lanes and centuries-old stone homes, the village is delightful.

THE LOIRE VALLEY

Known for its incredible splendor, the Loire Vally was once a region of critical strategic importance to Kings, Queens, Dukes and Barons. Perfectly situated between Northern and Southern France, the valley is sprinkled with hundreds of châteaux. Built initially as opulent aristocratic estates, many of the châteaux are now open to the public, with Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry and Ussé (Sleeping Beauty's castle) topping our list.

The Loire Valley is famous for its Sancerre wines, and having a near-perfect climate for a variety of grapes, also produces some of the world's finest reds and rosés.

There are a multitude of tiny wineries throughout the rolling landscape of the valley, and afternoons of tastings can easily be arranged.