Where is Chateau de Chargé situated?
In the heart of the French Loire Valley, just 8kms south of the town of Chinon. The nearest big cities are Tours, Angers, and Poitiers, all within about 1 hour's road journey. Chargé is the ideal base from which to explore other gems of the Loire Valley by road. See the ‘location’ and ‘directions’ tabs for detailed maps and instructions on how to get here.
Is the accommodation suitable for children?
Yes, two of our four suites and our gîte are ideally suited to families travelling with children, and three of the four suites can accommodate an additional baby’s cot if required. Cots and a whole range of other accessories for babies including a bath, changing mat, listening device and high chair are available on request at no extra charge. The garden has a play area designed specifically with the needs of our younger guests (and their parents) in mind. Children are welcome in the swimming pool under their parents’ supervision, and the pool is surrounded by a safety barrier compliant with French legislation. Guests may borrow from a broad selection of DVDs in English and French suitable for all ages.
What are the catering arrangements?
Our four suites (Chatelain, Grenier à Sel, Vigneron, Boulangerie) are sold on an inclusive bed and breakfast basis, breakfast is generally served in the winery breakfast room and on the terrace when the weather permits. Between April and October (and by arrangement in low season) we offer table d'hôte meals 6 evenings a week (excludes Wednesday.) Childrens meals for guests up to 11 years old are served at 6pm and adults at 8pm. We request 24 hours' notice before your arrival, or you can book each morning at breakfast for that evening. We are also happy to book restaurants, taxis, babysitters etc. for the evenings guests choose to have a night out!
When is the best time of year to visit the Loire Valley?
There is something going on all year round in this beautiful place. The spring and summer bring warm sunshine, perfect for cycling, picnicking, fishing and relaxing by the pool. The autumn is a food and wine lover’s heaven, with the hunting season, the grape harvest, figs and nuts ripening in the garden and beautiful autumnal colours on the trees to brighten the landscape. Winter is the time for bracing country walks along the Rabelais trail and the pleasure of coming home to a crackling log fire.
Whatever the time of year, the antiques markets and ‘brocantes’ are stuffed with treasures, the fabulous food markets delight the senses with taste and colour, the chateaux and gardens for which the region is so famous remain open to explorers, and the wine producers are glad to share the fruits of their labour.
Where are the closest restaurants to Chateau de Chargé?
Chinon, 8 minutes’ drive by car, has a wide variety of restaurants and cafés ranging from the everyday to the special occasion. See our ‘gastronomy’ section for further information. We would be pleased to advise our guests on their choice of restaurant and make bookings on their behalf.
How do I book to stay at Chateau de Chargé?
Simply send us an email or pick up the phone, we will be delighted to answer your questions. The ‘availability’ section on our website may also help you.
Please tell me about the Prices and Payment Terms?
All bookings must be confirmed with payment of one night's stay or a 20% deposit, whichever is the greater. We accept payment by Visa and Mastercard, French cheque or bank transfer (IBAN code available on request). Booking deposits will be withheld if your booking is cancelled less than a month prior to arrival. The prices stated below are fixed for the period to 31 December 2013 and include breakfast, use of all amenities on site, and French Tourism Tax.
- La Chambre du Chatelain : €200 per night (family suite sleeps up to 5)
- Le Grenier a Sel : €150 per night (double room)
- Le Grenier a Sel + La Chambre des Chouettes : €200 per night (family suite sleeps up to 4)
- La Chambre du Vigneron : €150 per night (double room)
- La Boulangerie : €150 per night (cottage, double room)
- Les Ecuries : €1700 per week incl breakfast (2 bedroom cottage sleeps 4)
About the owners of Château de Chargé
We are an English/French couple who bought the property in 2007, in need of extensive renovations. Having spent the last 12 years pursuing international careers in finance and marketing, we have learned what makes us smile when we arrive in a hotel room, and we aim to bring this smile to the faces of our own clients too. Our young children, Louis, Samuel, Madeleine and Oscar have taught us all we need to know about holidaying with children. The household also has a very friendly dog and cat, hens and sheep.