Chateau Louis

About this property

Stay in your very own historic French château set in beautiful parkland in the Loire valley, perfectly located for visiting Le Mans, Tours and some of the country’s most famous castles by the Loire River.

The origins of the château date back to the 12th century when the ancient fortress was first built on top of a hill overlooking the countryside below. In later years, medieval towers and a Renaissance wing were added, then the fortified layout was completely changed in the 1840s when a newer part was built. Nowadays, up to 16 guests can soak up the castle’s fascinating heritage across its eight impressive bedrooms, most of which feature en suite bathrooms.

The oldest part of the château is home to the King’s Bedroom with its huge fireplace, dressing room and en suite bathroom – sleep peacefully knowing that two French kings have been hosted in this room. Then there’s the three good-sized bedrooms in the medieval tower, all with king-size beds and traditional furnishings, alongside the newer 19th century wing with its four en suite bedrooms showcasing charming décor and character.

The communal spaces equally radiate the rich history of this estate – there’s the lounge with parquet flooring, the Napoleonic library with its marble fireplace and kitchen with doors leading out to the terrace with glorious valley views. Upstairs in the older wing you will find a reception space with mistral gallery whilst discos can be set up in part of the castle’s cellar – indeed Château Louis would make a fine events or wedding venue.

A range of services can be organised by the on-site staff including continental breakfast, lunch and/or dinner – you could even arrange a costume dinner in the Knight’s Hall. The owners take pride in their gastronomy, a menu of traditional French and Slavic cuisine which can be accompanied by wine from the château’s cellar if you choose. Guided excursions, wine-tasting, flea-market tours and restaurant bookings (from authentic bistros to Michelin starred establishments) can also be arranged.       

Make the most of the vast parkland as you admire the flower-filled courtyard and stroll across to the heated swimming pool open from early May to the end of August. Surrounded by magnolia trees, an apple orchard and kitchen garden, the salt-water swimming pool also has its own pool house and changing room. Come across ancient trees, pathways, hedging and large lawns across the four hectares of gated grounds.

Stock up on delicious delights at the traditional weekly market in nearby Château-du-Loir and enjoy beautiful walks by the smaller Loir River with ancient mills near Vaas as well as summer swimming, picnics and other seasonal activities at picturesque Lac des Varennes only 10 minutes away by car. Further afield along the Loir river, Lavardin is classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.

Spend days visiting the likes of Château de Villandry and Château Royal d'Amboise, both within an hour, and head to the gorgeous city of Tours with its medieval architecture, grand squares and wonderful riverside setting on the Loire. Heading north instead, explore handsome Le Mans by the banks of the Sarthe and learn all about one of the most famous annual motorsport endurance events in the world before driving back to your very own French residence surrounded by charm and history.

Between Le Mans and Tours, Château Louis is perched on a hill overlooking surrounding countryside in the Sarthe department of France, very close to the Indre-et-Loire border. This is a fine location for visiting some of the Loire valley’s iconic grand châteaux as well as appreciating the beautiful landscapes of the Pays de Loire.

South-west of Paris (247km), the château has good connections to the capital city by car or train. Gare de Château du Loir (7.5km) is the nearest train station (change at Le Mans or Tours) or fly into Tours Val de Loire Airport (36km). If arriving via ferry, Caen Ouistreham (230km) is less than three hours away. Château-du-Loir (7.5km) is the nearest small town with good-sized supermarkets, restaurants and a Saturday morning traditional market.

Château staff can help organise an array of activities for you from guided tours of castles and hot-air balloon rides over the Loire valley to flea-market visits and dining in local authentic restaurants or Michelin starred establishments. Château de Villandry (47km), Château Royal d'Amboise (60km) and Château de Chenonceau (79km) are three of the Loire valley’s most famous castles, all easily reached for a superb day out.

Slightly closer to home, there are gorgeous walks by the Loir river – look out for ancient watermills near Vaas (16km) and picturesque Lac des Varennes (10km) with its sailing club, fishing spots, play area, summer swimming opportunities and other seasonal activities. The Loir continues towards the picturesque village of Lavardin (38km), officially classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.

By the banks of the Loire, spend the day in the wonderful city of Tours (39km) with its medieval historic centre, exquisite buildings, grand cathedral, bustling markets and excellent shopping. Start off with a coffee on a café terrace at Place Plumereau admiring the half-timbered houses, then potter around the enchanting medieval lanes, visit the city’s impressive parks and perhaps end the day with a boat trip along the Loire followed by a meal in a riverside restaurant. Keen cyclists note that Tours is on the Loire à Vélo cycling route.

To the north is the handsome city of Le Mans (50km) on the Sarthe River, famed for its century-old 24-hour race that takes place in June (at any time of year you can visit the Musée des 24 Heures du Mans on the edge of Le Mans). Back to the city centre, admire historic architecture and visit the striking Cathédrale Saint Julien-Le Mans, shop to your heart’s delight, cycle along the river banks and soak up the city’s vibrant art scene with works of art on display throughout the year.  

Accommodation

Château Interiors (600m2 over four floors)

-    ‘Guard’s room’ (35m2) with stone fireplace
-    Lounge (29m2)
-    Dining room (26m2)
-    Library (29m2) with marble fireplace
-    Study (30m2) with marble fireplace
-    Kitchen and doors leading to terrace with valley view
-    Breakfast room
-    WC
-    Cellar access
-    Reception hall (84m2) with mistral gallery
-    Disco room

Stables Wing

-    Second kitchen
-    Laundry
-    Storage
-    Space for workshops

New Wing Bedrooms

-    Master bedroom 1 (45m2) with super king-size double bed (220cm), TV and bathroom with bath and shower
-    Bedroom 2 (29m2) with king-size double bed, TV and bathroom with bath
-    Bedroom 3 (29m2) with king-size double bed, TV, terrace access and bathroom with bath/shower 
-    Bedroom (33m2) with king-size double bed, TV, access to both the old and new wing of château and en suite bathroom with shower

Old Wing Bedrooms

-    King’s bedroom (40m2) with king-size double bed, historic fireplace, dressing room and en suite bathroom with shower
-    Staff quarters

Medieval Tower Bedrooms (over three floors)

-    Bedroom (36m2) with king-size double bed, fireplace, access outside and en suite bathroom with bath
-    2 x bedrooms (70m2 in total with one entrance) over second and third floor of tower, each with king-size double bed and fireplace. Bathroom with bath (second floor) and WC (third floor)

Outside Grounds (4 hectares)

-    Heated salt-water swimming pool (18x5m, depth: 0.5-2m) with safety cover. Open approximately early May to end-August
-    Pool house with changing room, shower and WC
-    Barbecue
-    Courtyard
-    Large lawn
-    Paths and hedging
-    Apple orchard and vegetable garden
-    Gated parkland
-    Carport (4 cars)