CLASSIC CARS
July 10 to 13 2008: A dream for historic car lovers!! A unique opportunity to enjoy the mythical 24 hours Le Mans Classic Race, whilst staying at the prestigious Château de la Barre, reviewed “France’s best château –
chambres d’hôtes – by a stretch” by the Sunday Times 18/03/2007.
Hidden away in the midst of its 100 acres private park and gardens, Château de la Barre has been in the Comte and Comtesse de Vanssay family for six centuries. Elegance and authenticity meet with comfort and the modern (there is even satellite television in the billiard room and an internet office by the former watch tower!) in this ancestral home surrounded by 16th century dry moat fortifications, with its own chapel, flower gardens, fountains, and pond.
When not “at the track”, simply enjoy relaxed, aristocratic living, or else visit the picturesque villages with their manor houses and XIIth century romanesque churches repleat with frescoes, vineyards, magnificient gardens, without forgetting the old city of Le Mans, home of the Plantagenet kings. And of course the famed Loire valley castles.

Prices from 540-740 euros depending on the room chosen, including two nights in one of the elegant rooms of Château de la Barre, where flowers from the garden and port wine await you, a welcome drink, a private visit of the château and English breakfasts daily.

NEW YEAR 2008/2009
An experience of a lifetime - celebrate the New Year 2008/2009 in an authentic French castle. Indulge in a house party with your family and friends hosted by the Comte and Comtesse de Vanssay in the elegance and warmth of their home, Château de la Barre. During the days, visit the hidden secrets of the smaller Loir valley's romanesque churches, their unique XIIth century mural paintings, discover the local Loir valley wines at recommended producers' cellars. Admire the Medieval town of Le Mans, home of the Plantagenet kings, visit the Chartres cathedral, plus of course the famous Loire valley châteaux, dine at excellent French restaurants and much more...

1950 euros per night for 10 to 18 guests for a minimum of three nights, including champagne welcome and English breakfast daily. Cheese and wine tasting supper upon arrival from 45 euros per person. Gala candlelit dinner in the grande salle à manger on 31 December from 135 euros per person.

WINE TASTING
Discover the wines of the Loire and Loir valleys. Spend 2 nights in one of the unabashedly elegant and comfortable rooms of this ancestral home, Château de la Barre, secluded amidst 100 acres of gardens, meadows and woods. Enjoy a candlelit dinner in the grande salle à manger, during which you will discover three different wines perfectly suited to the meal and commented by the Comte de Vanssay. The following morning, after a hearty English breakfast, the staff will help you find the addresses of local producers, and that evening reserve dinner for you in one of the local restaurants renowned for its wine list.

Prices from 495 euros to 685 euros, including 2 nights for 2 people, English breakfast daily, dinner for two on 1 night of your stay.

FRENCH TOUCH
Like in the movies: Discover the Loir and Loire valley and Château de la Barre with the “FRENCH TOUCH EXPERIENCE” : A unique and unforgettable experience - step back in time and arrive in style at Château de la Barre. From London Stansted via Ryanair to Tours, or from Paris via fast speed TGV train (55 minutes). You can be picked up at the airport or station and given the keys to drive your authentic, totally renovated 1940s mythical Citroen yourself. Upon your arrival at Château de la Barre, 65 km of picturesque roads later, a warm welcome with chilled champagne awaits you in an elegant home full of antiques, portraits and a rich past. Spend two or three days with the "French Touch", discovering the picturesque scenery, gardens, romanesque churches and renaissance manor houses at the steering wheel of this unique classic car.

From 945-1185 euros, including two nights in one of the elegant rooms of Château de la Barre, where flowers from the garden and port wine await you, a champagne welcome, a private visit, one candlelit dinner for two in the XVIIIth century grand dinning hall and English breakfasts daily, plus the rental of a Vintage Citroen for the time of your stay (pick up and drop off charges at station or airport and 250 km included). For three days, from 1195-1525 euros.

FRENCH LESSONS
Special French lesson weeks upon prior reservation, run in November and the first two weeks in December, as well as from mid February until the end of March. These weeks consist of 2 hour tailor made lessons on 5 out of 6 mornings. Private guided visits of the Loire valley châteaux, local XIIth century churches, manor houses, the old city of Le Mans, as well as wine tasting in the afternoons. 6 nights, breakfast, lunches and dinners (French spoken during all the meals too!), wine, French lessons and tours. The Countess de Vanssay is of Anglo-American origin, so is accustomed to meeting the expectations of guests
from 'the other side of the pond', making them feel truly at home whilst immersing them in French history, culture and language.

From 3450 euros per person.

3 DAYS, 3 MAGNIFICENT GARDENS
Visit three magnificient and very different gardens, all within 18 miles of Château de la Barre, and spend your nights in the perfect comfort of one of the elegant rooms of this ancestral home, overlooking the gardens and the 100 acre park. A bottle of chilled champagne and freshly cut flowers await you in your room upon arrival, as well as one candlelit dinner in the grande salle à manger.

Prices from 690 euros to 970 euros, including 3 nights for 2 people, English breakfast daily, 1 candlelit dinner for two and a champagne welcome.