My husband, Guy de Vanssay and I, of anglo-American origin, came to live at Chateau de la Barre ten years ago, upon the death of his father, the 19th Count de Vanssay.
After a career of more than 20 years in advertising and executive search, we began renovating the ancestral home, opening it up to welcoming guests in 2004.
With 5 elegant rooms and suites, all replete with precious antiques and designer fabrics and state of the art ensuite bathrooms, we are been number one on Tripadvisor for our entire region of Pays de Loire and among the 25 best small hotels of France.
We enjoy personally welcoming all of our guests and organising tailor made stays for them, during which they can discover the famous Loire Valley castles, the medieval Plantagenet city of Le Mans, stage set for many historical movies, quaint villages, picturesque farmer's markets, romantic gardens and much more, or simply relax in the understated elegance of our own chateau.
Paris: Hi! I'm planning a 15 day trip from South America to Europe.
What are your main interests? Museums? Art? Architecture? Cities or also some country visits? Can you self drive, which will allow country visits. What is your approximate budget for this trip? There is a lot you could fit in in 15 days See More
Geneva: Where would be a nice place to visit outside of Geneva in December?
Rent a small chalet or apartment in the mountains. Villars-Sainte-Croix or Verbier. Or less expensive, Champery, Morgins, Haute-Nendaz. Or pull out the stops and choose Gstaad.... See More
Geneva: Suggestions on best things to do around Geneva?
Visit the chateau de Coppet (where Writer Mme de Stael lived). Rent a car and drive through the vineyards between above Nyon to Morges, through villages such as Luins, Bougy, Fechy. Drive on past Lausanne ( visit the vieille ville and port of Ouchy ) and Montreux to chateau... See More
France: France: Great stops between Paris and Dijon?
Leaving Paris, I would go towards Melun and visit Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, build by Louis XIV finance minister. Somehow throughout the ages, the high civil servants in charge of the finances always had the most spectacular fortunes and castles!... See More
France: Where can I find the best pastries in France?
All great suggestions below. Regarding the macarons, and fabulous Bûches de Noel, the French Christmas cakes shaped like a fire log, the most famous are Les Marquis de Ladurée on Rue de Castiglione, also Ladurée on... See More
Paris: New Year's Eve in Paris?
Why not expérience an authentic Renaissance New Years' eve party in Leonardo da Vincis' home with a historic gourmet chef, costumes, magician and musiciens. A real Time tunnel experience? It would mean leaving Paris for 2 days for the Loire region, but totally... See More
What's your #1 spot for going for a beach holiday?
Definitely Jijoca de JericoacoaraJericocoara in Northern Brazil . The Chili Beach hotel. See More
The Ireland Countryside is an excellent idea, and/or also Scotland or North Western France. The best person to plan your trip is Marie Cruickshank at http://www.scotlandmadeeasy.co.uk/. She covers Ireland, Scotland... See More
Paris: Best accommodations and neighborhoods for long-term stay in Paris?
My husband and I have a large studio, small 2 room flat in Paris, between the Arc de Triomphe and Trocadero, ie well situated. The flat is 60m2, is on the 5th floor of an attractive 1930s building in limestone, with a partial view and sunny. We rent it, on a yearly basis,... See More
Paris: What's the best season to visit Paris, and why?
My husband and I are French and lived and worked in Paris more than 20 years, before taking over his family's chateau in the Loire Valley near Vendome12 years ago. Since then, we return to Paris regularly, to... See More