Sunday Times Quote

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A LONG INDIAN SUMMER PACKAGE

As guests of Comte & Comtesse de Vanssay at Château de la Barre, enjoy romantic sightseeing, radiant forrests, Loire Valley wines and fine dining.

Friday

- Welcome drink of cider from château de la Barre’s orchard and private visit of the château.
- Wine and cheese tasting supper in front of the monumental XIVth century fireplace.

Saturday

- Explore the picturesque countryside of the little Loir valley with its romanesque XIIth century chapels, Renaissance manor houses, farmers' markets and wineries.
- Dine in one of the small gourmet restaurants nearby.

Sunday

- Discover the remarkably restored old city of Le Mans, home of the Plantagenet kings and stage set to numerous films, with its many chic little boutiques and alluring cafés.
- Return to “your” château to sip champagne by the fireside of the elegant Salon Rose, followed by a Grand Siècle dinner in the prestigious XVIIth century dining room, during which you will discover three different wines from the Loire Valley.

Monday

- Departure with a special Autumn gift from the château.

Book now, only available during the first three weekends in October!
From 475 to 650 per person (depending upon room chosen) including:
- three nights' accommodation in one of the elegant château rooms.
- Daily English breakfast and afternoon tea.
- Champagne welcome.
- Private visit of the château.
- One wine and cheese tasting supper.
- Complementary port wine and flowers in your room.
- One candlelit dinner in the XVIIIth century Grande Salle à Manger.
(not included: transport and meals outside Chateau de La Barre)

THE MADDENING CROWDS PACKAGE

Travel back into time, stepping into the world of French aristocracy. As guests of Comte and Comtesse de Vanssay, 20th generation in the family chateau, set amidst a 100 acre private park surrounded by XVIth c fortifications.

- Discover the Plantagenet City, birthplace of Henri II of England, which is now stage set to numerous films; watch the multicoloured lights and shapes display the history of this 2000 year old town on its Gallo-roman walls and Gothic cathedrals.

- Experience a true to period Renaissance lunch in Leonardo da Vinci’s priory, prepared and served in costume by renowned historic chef Sieur Sausin.

- Enjoy a Grand Siècle dinner with champagne cocktails in the ornate grand drawing room, untouched since the marriage of the Marquis de Vanssay in 1778, followed by a hosted four course dinner in the XVIIth century dining room with two different wines, with all the family silver and crystal.

This package includes 3 nights including daily English breakfast, one Grand Siècle dinner for 2, Renaissance lunch, champagne welcome, all reservations arranged : from 495 to 685 euros per person.

CHAMBER MUSIC SPECIAL

Friday September 3rd
- Welcome tea in the château gardens or the elegant Salon Rose.
- Private visit of the château.
- Grand Siècle dinner in the XVIIth century dining room with its monumental dresser.
- Cognac and coffee in the Salon Rose before returning to your room with its XVIIIth century antiques and designer fabrics to continue your travels into bygone times.

Saturday September 4th
- English breakfast.
- Discover the pictuesque Loir Valley, it’s quaint villages with Romanesque chapels, Renaissance manor houses and wineries of Jasnières.
- Return to the château for tea, followed by an exclusive Schubert chamber music concert in the XVIIth century Grand Dining Hall.
- Buffet dinner.

Sunday September 5th
- English breakfast
- Visit of the Plantagenet City of Le Mans, St Julien Cathedral and the Abbey de L’Epau. This is a one time event on the 3rd and 4th of September 2010 only, with limited availability.

From 690 to 990 euros for 2 people for two nights including: champagne, private visit of the château, one candlelit dinner for two on Friday, an exclusive concert in the Grand Salon on Saturday, and two nights in one of the elegant rooms of Château de la Barre with tea, port wine and flowers from the garden; English breakfast daily.

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS PACKAGE

Private Homes and Gardens open up once a year for the European Architectural Heritage Weekend.

Discover the rich hidden heritage of private homes of the Perche and Loir Region as guests of Comte and Comtesse de Vanssay in their elegant château, which has been in the family for more than 600 years.

Friday 17 September

- Welcome drink
- Private visit of the château
- Champagne cocktails in the ornate Grand Salon
- Grand Siecle dinner in the XVIIth century formal dining room

Saturday 18 September

Embark on a “Treasure Hunt” with a special map provided by your hosts and discover the hidden gems of the Perche Sarthois.

- Massive sculpted oak doors of homes throughout the Plantagenet City of Le Mans open up to reveal their Renaissance courtyards.
- Dinner at the Maison d’Elise opposite the Maison Scarron.
- Sound and light show projected onto the Gallo Roman walls, the Gothic cathedral and Berengere de Navarre’s home.

Sunday 19 September

- Continue your “Treasure Hunt” into the picturesque valley of the little Loir river, its Renaissance Manors, its Romanesque XIIth century chapels, its romantic gardens.
- Dinner at the “Relais d’Antan” in Lavardin, one of the most beautiful villages of France.

Monday 20 September

Depart with a special gift from your hosts.

3 nights at Château de la Barre (430-590 euros per person according to room chosen) including:
- Champagne welcome, flowers and porto in the room.
- Daily English breakfast and afternoon tea.
- Grand Siècle dinner Friday evening.
- Assistance for all restaurant reservations, road maps, sightseeing and airport/train transfers.
(Saturday and Sunday night dinner and transport not included)

MOTORING TREATS PACKAGE

Special treats are in store at exclusive Château de la Barre this coming season. Automobile lovers can enjoy driving a Ferrari 430GT or Lamborghini Gallardo around the world famous racetrack in Le Mans or over picturesque country roads.

This exclusive 2 night package includes:
- A memorable Grand Siècle candlelit dinner in the prestigeous XVIIth century dining room on one night.
- A wine and cheese tasting supper in the XIVth century billiard room on another night.
- Champagne welcome, flowers and port wine in your room (each one of the five rooms is furnished with designer fabrics and precious antiques).
- Daily English breakfast and afternoon tea.
- A special surprise gift from the château.

This special offer is running on the following dates: 3-4 July; 28-29 August; 24-25 September, 1 October, 29 –31 October and 20-21 November.

This package includes 2 nights, 1 dinner, 1 supper, champagne welcome and all reservations arranged, from 365 to 485 euros per person. Additional cost per motoring event: 250 euros for 4 laps or 600 euros for a half-day off road.