Les Aubepines is located between the medieval market town of Loches and the city of Tours (Petit Paris) and ideally positioned for exploring the Loire Valley and its Chateaux. Set on a hilltop, Les Aubepines enjoys uninterrupted views of the surrounding rolling farmland and woodlands.
The village of La Chappelle Blanche St Martin is a short walk away and has a family run bar restaurant and an excellent boulangerie. Five minutes drive away is the bustling market town of Ligueil with bars, restaurants and shops, and on Mondays a market where local producers sell their goods. The property has a large entrance hall come cloakroom, with a fully equiped kitchen diner off of this. There is a utility room with a fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher and auxilary sink, leading from this is the groundfloor bathroom, with shower over the bath. The lounge is fitted with a large woodburner, quality sofas one of which is a double sofa bed for those unexpected guests, satelite TV, Hi Fi and has French doors leading out on to the extensive covered terrace and gardens. Off of this is the master bedroom with en-suite shower room and this also has French doors leading on to the terracing. The first floor has 2 twin bedded rooms, 2 doubles fitted 1 with a vanity unit and washbasin, another double with a single bed and en-suite shower room and a childrens bedroom fitted with bunk beds. The first floor bathroom has a shower over the bath. there are 2 cots available There is a Hot tub on the terrace at the rear and a swimming pool set back in the garden with a large deck.
The property is idealy situated for exploring the magnificent Chateaux of the region and all its other delights such as the vineyards and beautiful rivers which many are surrounded by.•Shopping - Descartes' weekly market on Sunday is extremely well visited and that's just the locals! You can choose from a variety of local wines, cheeses, fruits and vegetables and craft stalls. You can even buy fresh hot paella or roast chickens on your way home for an al fresco lunch in your private garden (Mum's idea of heaven!).
•Chateaux - This is an excellent area for chateaux, including Chinon, Loches, Amboise, Azay le Rideau, Chenonceau, Villandry, Langeais, Blois, Chambord, Rigny Ussy (apparently the inspiration for "Sleeping Beauty"), Valencay and Montresor. Some chateaux also perform Son et Lumiere shows during certain evenings of the holiday season.
•Tours - Tours, the Touraine capital city, is full of history and art and the old town boasts cobbled streets and charming medieval buildings. For those of you who like to shop, the new part of the city has plenty of choice. It also has an interesting old quarter full of pavement restaurants. Even a day visit to Paris is possible as it is only 55 minutes away from Tours with the TGV high speed train.
•Loches - Loches is an extremely pretty town, with dungeons to visit as well as the chateau, busy markets on Saturday and Wednesday and several night markets taking place in August.
•Descartes - Once home to the philosopher René Descartes, boasts an excellent selection of activities including tennis, canoeing, crazy golf, fishing and a heated outdoor 25m swimming pool complete with children's pool, children's play area, flumes and café.
•Golf - There are 9 and 18 hole golf courses at La Roche Posay which are challenging for both novice and experienced golfers and an 18 hole course at Vermueil-sur-Indre.
•Futuroscope - An excellent day out for all the family, about 50 minutes away, Futuroscope gives you the magic of 3D, virtual reality simulator rides and circular cinemas together, with a glimpse into the future of communication technology.
•Vineyards - Many vineyards are available to visit in this region of France, giving you the opportunity to taste and buy a wide selection of locally produced wines. Can you go home without at least visiting one?
•Other suggestions - La Haute-Touche (the largest zoological park in France), Zooparc Beauval, (an excellent family day out), the steam train from Richelieu to Chinon, the donkey park at Parc Le Fou de L'Ane, Parc Mini-Chateaux, Les Grottes Petrifiantes, the Aquarium de Touraine, (including piranhas, sharks and crocodiles) and Les Aigles du Donjon (an 11th century castle where you can watch displays of birds of prey).
Airports – Poitiers 1hr drive from gite, Tours 40 mins, La Rochelle 2hrs, Angers 1hr 30mins,Limoge 2hr 30mins Paris 3 hours.
Ports - Calais 5-6hours, St Malo 4 hours, Caen 4hours Le Havre 4hrs 30mins..
Additional information about rental rates
•Rates are on basis of how many people.
i.e. low season £1000 per week for up to 12 people
£1700 per week for more than 12 people up to 17
High Seasons £1750 per week for up to 12 people
£2450per week for more than 12 people up to 17
Christmas period is £1750 per week for up to 12 people
£2450 per week for more than 12 people up to 17.
•Weekend rates are negotiable as are longer stays depending on availability.
A deposit of 20% is required to confirm the booking. If the holiday is cancelled this is only refundable if the property is re-let for that period less any administration costs. The booking will be held until for one week from an agreed date, if the deposit and the signed contract are not received by this date we cannot guarantee the booking. The balance is due 8 weeks prior to arrival date. This is only refundable should the property be re-let for that period.
A damage deposit of £250 is required against breakages and will be refunded by cheque no late
•3.Electricity is charged at 10 cents/pence per kW used the meter being read before and after your stay. Gas central heating is charged if required at £80 per week
4.Arrival time is not before 4pm. please do not arrive any earlier as the house will not be ready for you. Final day departure is 10am. Please leave the house as clean and tidy on departure as on arrival, if you wish we could arrange for the house to be cleaned at a cost of £120. If the house is not left in the same condition as arrival this amount may be deducted from the damage deposit. If you will be arriving later than 8pm please telephone to let us know so a key holder can be available.
•5.Pillows and duvets are provided for all beds any additional sets required during your stay regardless of duration are charged at £8 per bed to cover laundry costs. Towels are also provided if required.
