Layon Cottage

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Gite |1 bedroom |Sleeps 2

Saumur in Loire Valley

From £375 per week

7 nights minimum stay

Changeover Saturday

Be the first to write a review

Key info  Swimming pool, balcony/terrace, car essential, no pets allowed

About the home

Layon Cottage is one of three stylish cottages in the charming grounds of the owners historic Manor House in a rural hamlet near Saumur, in the glorious Loire valley. With easy access to all amenities and sights including the local markets and chateaux and several excellent restaurants, the cottage is perfect for couples seeking a relaxing, sightseeing holiday in France in a child free environment.

There are many designated walking and cycling trails around and close to the cottage, some through the vineyards, others through the forest and along the canals, and we have the maps to assist you. The roads are quiet and the terrain quite flat - ideal for walkers and cyclists.

Situated in a wine making area it is an ideal base for touring the vineyards, attending wine tastings and purchasing local wines direct from the cellar doors. Half or full day escorted wine tours, lively wine tastings and Dinners or informal suppers with fellow guests at le Manoir are offered.

Layon cottage is light and attractive, tastefully decorated and furnished to a high standard. The sitting room opens onto an enchanting courtyard style terrace with fountain, perfect for the long lazy lunches so loved by the French or merely enjoying a glass or two of the local Saumur or Anjou AOC wines.

The secluded shared pool area with its sheltered terrace provides a stunning location for sunbathing or just relaxing with a good book. This cottage is new for 2009.

For further information please visit the owners website www.manoirdegourin.co.uk- see the contact section at the bottom of the advert.

Facilities

Further details indoors:
Layon Cottage retains the character of the former coach house with painted wooden floorboards and honey-oak exposed timbers and beams. The sitting room is charming with window to the side overlooking the front garden and door to the courtyard.

Layon cottage is immaculately presented and tastefully decorated and furnished. The furniture is contemporary and comfortable with cushions and throws. The cottage is equipped with satellite flat screen TV. DVD and CD players. A selection of dvds, cds, books, magazines and board games are provided for relaxation. Freesat TV box with all the standard UK channels, including regional channels.The stylish open plan fully fitted kitchen area is well equipped with fridge, hob, extractor and oven.
The lovely bedroom on the first floor has a comfortable, king-size bed with crisp white cotton linen, duvets, large pillows, cushions and throws, wardrobe, dressing table and chair. The en-suite shower room has a large shower, wc, wash hand basin and towel rail and is supplied with luxurious white cotton bathsheets.

The cottage has Wi-fi internet access enabling you to keep up with your emails!
Heating is included during the colder months.

Further details outdoors:
The beautiful coach house within the grounds of a 19th century manor house has been lovingly renovated by the owners into three one bedroom cottages. Each cottage sleeps 2 adults and is perfect for couples seeking a relaxing holiday without children.

The beautiful pool area is cleaned daily and maintained by the owners. It is furnished with stylish wooden loungers, lounger cushions, umbrellas, tables and chairs. The use of the pool is shared between our cottage and apartment guests. The pool is heated from mid May to mid September.

Each cottage has a private outdoor area in the delightful courtyard style terrace furnished with tables, parasols and chairs for al fresco dining whilst listening to the relaxing sounds of water trickling from the charming fountain set in one corner.

Guests have use of the picnic / barbecue area in the rear garden with benches and tables. Lots for active guests to enjoy as we have boules, badminton, frisbee and table tennis solely for our guests. Cycle hire is available locally for longer rides or feel free to borrow one of our cycles for shorter trips or to collect your croissants in the morning!

Our guests have access to an exterior laundry room with washing machine, iron and ironing board

Secure parking is provided within the grounds entered through remote controlled gates.

The cottages do not cater for children as we wish to provide a tranquil environment for all our guests.

Further details

Sorry no pets.
We regret the cottages are not suitable for children.
Strictly no smoking inside the cottage, courtyard and pool areas.
An arrival pack can be provided to your order.
With your comfort in mind a general clean of the cottage, prior to your arrival, is included in the rental.
The British owners, Simon and Karin will be residing in the Manor house during your stay and will be pleased to provide assistance if required.
Simon also conducts the wine tasting and wine tours and will be delighted to arrange a wine tour for you. Please log on to our website via contact section below and click on half day or full day wine tours for further details.

Conditions

A deposit of 25% of the rental is payable on reservation.
The balance is payable 8 weeks before your arrival date.
We recommend you take out holiday insurance to cover cancellation etc.
A £100.00 refundable security bond against damage or breakages is payable.
Escorted wine tours and wine tasting dinners can be booked on reservation.

Photos

 

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Luxurious poolside area

 

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Sheltered and delightful al fresco dining area

 

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Open plan kitchen area

 

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View of courtyard from Layon Cottage

The Loire Valley / Maine-et-Loire region

There is so much to see and do in this region of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Within the Loire Anjou Natural regional park, the landscape is unspoilt and an abundance of charming villages and towns add to the attraction of the area.

The land is fertile and used extensively for market gardening nurseries and fruit orchards. The area is known as 'the Garden of France' and has obvious appeal for keen gardeners.The region is perfect for walking, cycling, fishing, bird-watching and horse-riding.

The area is steeped in history, the Loire being the playground of the Kings and Dukes of France. The many Chateaux, Churches and Abbeys ensure some fantastic sightseeing. Saumur Chateau was once the summer residence of the Dukes of Anjou. The plantagenet monarchs, Henry II, his wife Eleanor of Acquitane and their son Richard the Lionheart are buried at Fontevraud Abbey, southeast of Saumur.

Naturally being a wine making region and having 29 appellations within a relatively small area there are many vineyards to explore and diverse wines to taste. A great place for wine lovers!

The temperate climate results in warmer seasons and less rainfall than the UK. In addition to the hot summer months, spring and autumn are often wonderfully mild.

The Saumur area

The charming village of Le Puy Notre Dame, noted for its beautiful limestone houses and 13th century church, is 2 miles away. Here you will find a bakery for your baguettes and croissants, supermarket, pharmacy, bar/tabac, wine bar and a typical french restaurant. It is traditionally a wine growing region and the leading French commune for the production of AOC Saumur wines.

Touring and visiting the vineyards for wine tasting is huge fun. Please request details of the current escorted wine tours, tastings and dinners run by the owners or log on to our website via the contact section below. Due to the popularity of the tours we recommend booking a tour on reservation of your holiday.

Five miles north of the cottage is the market town of Doue La Fontaine with good shops, cafes and restaurants. The town is famous for its splendidly unusual Zoo where animals are housed in a troglodyte environment. Doue is also the main centre of rose production in France and is known as "the City of Roses". It hosts a Rose Festival every summer when local caves are majically transformed by elaborate and exquisite displays. Monday is market day when the town comes alive with roadside stalls selling everything from local produce to French berets!

The charming medieval town of Montreuil Bellay, with its fairytale Chateau, monthly antiques market, pretty squares and fortified walls is 5 miles east. It is a picturesque place offering interesting walks and has several places to eat. The river Thouet skirts the town with delightful picnic areas along its' banks. There is a club where canoes / kayaks may be hired.

Just 14 miles away is the beautiful town of Saumur, on the banks of the majestic Loire. Saumur, and its surrounding area, with its wealth of Chateaux, Museums, Art Galleries, chic shops and gastronomic restaurants, is a tourist paradise. It is the National Equestrian Centre of France and home to the Cadre Noir Regiment. During the season the Cadre Noir present regular shows of outstanding horsemanship and offer guided tours of the school.

Throughout the summer months annual events are held to celebrate local produce and customs including Art, Music and Wine Festivals. The superb Fete de Saumur Champigny, a wine and food evening in Saumur with music and dancing is normally held during the first week of August.

Locally, on the last weekend in July, is a quite unique, classic car "Grand Prix" race through the ancient streets and around the beautiful old church of Le Puy Notre Dame. A marvellous and enjoyable spectacle. Please contact the owners for more information on dates etc. of these and other events.

There is a Paragliding and Microlight Club close by for any enthusiasts out there. The area is suitable for cycling; so bring your bikes for an active holiday.

How to get there

Layon Cottage What's nearby: Attractions Restaurants Click map icons for more information

Reset Map

Manoir de Gourin is located in the Maine et Loire department of France in the commune of St. Macaire du Bois, some 15 miles south west of Saumur, on the D77 between the villages of Le Puy Notre-Dame and Nueil sur Layon. The towns of Montreuil bellay and Doue la Fontaine are both 5 miles away.

By Ferry
P&O and Sea France operate crossings between Dover and Calais. Britanny Ferries operate crossings between Portsmouth and Caen (high speed service), St Malo and Cherbourg AND between Plymouth and Roscoff.

LD Lines operate crossings between Portsmouth Le Havre AND a speed service between Dover and Boulogne.


The Channel Tunnel
Quick, half hourly crossings through the channel tunnel between Folkestone and Calais.


By Road
From Calais and Boulogne by autoroute to Rouen and from Rouen to Saumur. This includes two sections of toll roads. Generally the motorways are less congested than in the UK and are generously served by services and rest areas for refreshments and fuel.
From Caen and Le Havre you join the motorway system between Rouen and Allencon.
From Calais and Boulogne details of route, tolls, rest areas, fuelling and mileages will be supplied.

By Air
Ryanair flights from London (Stanstead) and Dublin Airport to Tours.
Ryanair flights from Stanstead Edinburgh and Birmingham to Poitiers.
Ryanair flights from Stanstead London Liverpool East Midlands Dublin and Bournemouth to Nantes.
Current flight information is subject to change. From Nantes airport you may hire a car or travel by train to Angers or Saumur.

By Train
Eurostar from St Pancras, London to Lille and Lille to Angers or Saumur.

Car Hire
Cars may be hired from the airports and stations.

Activities near Saumur

Guestbook for Layon Cottage

10 - 17 September 11
"An amazing week in the magical setting of the Loire. Karin and Simon have been fabulous hosts - attentive and approachable, welcoming and all round wonderful. The barbeque supper and Simon's one day wine tour were the highlights of our stay! Socialising with our neighbours will also be a treasured memory. We love that there is so much to see and do. We managed 11 chateau / fortress/ abbey as well as the two vineyards on Simon's tour and the riverside antiques market at Montsoreau. Chenonceau and Villandry are well worth the drive and Fontevraud Abbey and Chateau Breze a little closer to home! We've thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of our stay and would return in a heartbeat!"
Keith and Jo Mallette, Montreal, Canada

03 - 10 September 11
"First time staying in a gite. Anjou is certainly 5 star accommodation with a wonderful welcome from Simon and Karin. (Simon came to our rescue when we locked our car keys into the boot!) Visit Angers, Azay le Rideau and Chinon for chateaux etc."
Patsy and Jennanna Murphy, Co Mayo, Ireland

20 - 27 August 11
"A great week staying in Layon despite the slightly overcast weather. Enjoyed an excellent dinner and wine tasting with Simon and Karin, who also pointed out some superb sites to visit during our stay. Chateau Breze and Fontevraud Abbey are certainly worth visiting! Many thanks."
Ed & Liz Stephens, Kingsbridge, Devon, UK

13 - 20 August 11
"We have had such a lovely holiday staying in Layon Cottage in the beautiful grounds of Manoir de Gourin. Thank you so much to Simon and Karin who were so friendly and made us feel very welcome. We especially enjoyed our one day wine tour in the sunshine with Simon. His tour around the loire countryside was fantastic and we learnt a lot about wine from him, Richard and Pierre - the lunch provided by Karin was amazing too. Thank you both so much."
Ali & Kev Hosking, Reading, UK

04 - 17 June 11
"Lovely relaxing two weeks. Layon cottage very clean and comfortable. Simon and Karin very helpful. Evening dinners a treat not to be missed, good food, wine and hosts. Thanks once again."
Paula & Ian Eyre, Sheffield, UK

05 - 11 May 11
"We enjoyed our time here. The cottage is well equipped and the whole guest area and grounds are beautifully done. The pool was a real treat. Many thanks."
George Turvey and Joanna Bobin, London, UK

25 Apr - 02 May 11
We enjoyed our visit to this area and our stay at Manoir de Gourin. Layon Cottage is of a high standard and CLEAN! Simon and Karin are very hospitable. Enjoyed our wine course very much.... many thanks.
Ainslie and Barrie Green, Bristol UK

20 - 27 September 10
Came to escape everything and the Manoir certainly did this for us. lovely remote setting amongst sunflowers and beautiful villages steeped in history. layon Cottage of a high standard, well thought out and well equipped. Recommend the restaurant in Le Puy Notre Dame and the tea house in Fontevraud - yummy cakes. Many thanks for keeping it open just for us. Will be sending friends to stay.
Rose and Martin Chiverton.

21 Aug - 04 September 10
Lovely stay in the beautiful Loire valley. we enjoyed riding our bikes, numerous wine tastings, kayaking and generally relaxing. Simon's sparkling wine tour was great. We look forward to returning.
Amanda Kemp & Dan
London

14 - 21 August 10
A very enjoyable week & our first visit to the loire. Loved the pretty towns and villages. So many romantic, fairytale chateaux. The gardens at Villandry were magnificent. Thank you Karin & Simon for your hospitality, information and for hosting a lovely meal on the terrace of your beautiful home. We loved trying all the different local wines and shall raise a toast to 'Le Manoir' when we open a bottle of rose!"
Pamela & Jim Wigton, Cumbria UK

07 - 14 August 10
"What a wonderfully relaxing place to stay. So many places to visit within a stone's throw of the gite.....and lots of lovely new wines to try. The bbq and friday night meal were superb....Karin and Simon are the perfect hosts. Even without the sunshine we had a wonderful week."
Caroline and Hugh Murray, Bath, UK

17 - 24 July 10
"What can I say that hasn't already been said.... fantastic hosts in Karin and Simon. Good food and a whole new world of wine. Facilities are superb with the gite and pool - all you need after a day touring the Loire valley and the numerous chateaux. To top it all off the landscape is wonderful and a beautiful place to visit."
Linda and Martin Turner, London.

10 - 17 July 10
"We have just spent a lovely week here. Where did the days go? Great hospitality from Karin and Simon who are always on hand with help and advice. We came with bikes - great place for cycling - no hills!"
Janet and Philip Pownall, Worcesteshire.

26 June - 03 July 10
"We have just spent a near perfect week in Layon Cottage which is delightful and well thought out - some delightful touches. There is so much to see and do that a week is not long enough to explore this delightful area. The swimming pool was blissful after a hot day's sight-seeing. The meals at the manoir were superb, as was the wine tour. Many thanks to Karin and Simon for being such wonderful and thoughtful hosts. We leave with many happy memories.."
Lynda and Clive Gilchrist, Cambridge UK

19 - 26 June 10
"Lovely accommodation with thoughtful hosts in a fine and relaxing setting. Enjoyed BBQ hosted by Simon and karin with other guests. Position affords easy access to Doue la Fontaine for the unmissable zoo and typical street market. Villandry worth the drive for the renowned gardens and Chateau de Breze for a 2 tier fortress. Will recommend to family and friends and hope to return for a fuller wine tasting experience."
Lynne & Neil, Fife, Scotland

20 - 27 May 10
"We have had a very relaxing and enjoyable time here at Layon Cottage and will recommend it to our family and friends. Simon and karin were excellent and were available to answer any queries. The accommodation and facilities were of a very high standard."
Sinead & Eoin O'Mahony, Dublin.

12 - 26 September 09
We had a wonderful time. the gourmet wine tasting and dinner evening hosted by simon and karin was superb. Karin is a fantastic cook. And the zoo is great too!"
Phil and Fiona Hayes, London,UK

29 Aug - 05 September 09
"Thoroughly relaxing week at Layon. Karin and simon are wonderful hosts. Their wine tasting dinner was superb. Villandry and Chenonceau Chateaux are worth the drive; the veg and herb gardens especially!
Suzanne and Richard Hemming, London, UK

08 - 15 August 09
"We have had a marvellous time here. The cottage is so comfortable with everything one needs to make it feel like a 'home form home'. The surrounding countryside is beautiful with fields of vines and sunflowers in profusion. Lots to see in the towns in the area with many chateaux being quite spectacular. Karin and Simon are excellent hosts and we had a wonderful meal in the Manoir cooked by Karin and a superb wine tasting hosted by Simon. Many thanks Karin and Simon."
Ann and Cliff Connelly, Guernsey, Channel Islands.

01 - 08 August 09
"Lovely restful week in beautiful surroundings. Layon Cottage was everything we hoped for and more. Although deliberately lazy we visited some great places. Montreuil Chateau well worth a visit - don't miss the cakes in the bakery and the 'moules frites' at the Barbacane bistro opposite the chateau entrance - the best we have eaten! Fontevraud Abbey was superb, the self guided tour gave us plenty of information. Do'nt miss the fairground art exhibition - it's stunning. Simon's wine tour was excellent. We would not have been brave enough to buy wine from local producers without it..... Thank you karin and Simon."
Fiona and bevil Edwards, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, UK

11 - 18 July 09
"We have had a lovely and relaxing week. The cottage was very cosy and exactly what we were looking for. The wine tour we took was great! Especially the last visit to Richard at Chaintres was superb. Thank you for a wonderful holiday."
Will and Janneke, Barcelona, Spain.

05 - 11 July 09
"What a lovely area of France - peaceful and very relaxing! Layon Cottage is very comfortable and has all you need. The pool area was kept lovely and clean and well equipped. We feel totally relaxed after 6 nights here.
Thanks."
Lisa and Chris, Kent, UK

27 June - 04 July 09
"We have spent a lovely week here - weather has been superb. Visited Chateau de Villandry - a gardner's delight. Had a wine tasting dinner with 4 other guests at Simon and Karin's manor house. Excellent meal, excellent wines. Swimming pool is lovely and warm - a perfect end to a perfecty day!"
Helen and Alan Clews, Essex, UK

13-20 June 09
"Have come to the end of a lovely week staying at layon Cottage. Really enjoyed our stay - very comfortable, with all requirements easily at hand. Pool a welcome sight after a day visiting local towns and chateaux. Perfect location for sightseeing. We would recommend the wine tour with Simon. The half day spent was well worth it and we purchased some lovely local wines that we would not have had the opportunity to try otherwise. Thank you Simon and Karin for your warm welcome and hospitality. We will be recommening this place to friends and family."
Geraldine and Mike, Co Dublin. Ireland.

23-30 May 09
"Had a very pleasant week. Already thinking about our next visit! Lovely comfortable clean gite - such a pleasure.
Lorna and Mohammad, Warnborough, Wiltshire UK

09-13 April 09
"What a fantastic break it has been. Simon and Karin have been fantastic. From our late night arrival to our departure they have been fabulously helpful.
Layon Cottage is wonderful. The facilities are perfectly homely and modern. So chic!! So Comfortable!!!
It is so lovely to come back to a fully equipped cottage after a lazy day strolling around the charming chateaux of the area.
We will definitely come back and recommend it to all we know! Au revoir!"
Jo Beardshaw and David Jarvis, St Hellier, Jersey.

Rental prices

Prices for group size 2
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Spring	28 Apr 12	26 May 12	375£ 375	0-	0-	1 Week
Late Spring	26 May 12	9 Jun 12	425£ 425	0-	0-	1 Week
Early Summer	9 Jun 12	23 Jun 12	475£ 475	0-	0-	1 Week
Summer	23 Jun 12	7 Jul 12	500£ 500	0-	0-	1 Week
Peak	7 Jul 12	1 Sep 12	575£ 575	0-	0-	1 Week
Late Summer	1 Sep 12	15 Sep 12	495£ 495	0-	0-	1 Week
Summer's end	15 Sep 12	22 Sep 12	425£ 425	0-	0-	1 Week

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

Quality white bedlinen and bath towels and a general clean pre arrival are included.

A small additional charge is made for use of laundry facilities.

For 2011 a local visitors tax of 1.30euro per person per night is payable on arrival.

Payment in GB£ sterling preferred. Payment in euros will be considered.

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Contact the owner

* Required fields Please check the following errors: First name * Last name * Email *   Did you mean ""? Yes / No Phone number Arrival date Departure date   Ignore calendar - enquire anway No. of adults No. of children Message * Email me special offers and holiday ideas T&Cs

4 years listed You are contacting Simon & Karin Grainger Landline +44 01303 226692 Mobile n/a Web Visit site Languages spoken The owner is based in the United Kingdom and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2007. This gite has so far received 0 reviews.

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