Chateau de la Barre

What makes Chateau de La Barre truly special is the quality and the warmth of the welcome extended to guests by the Comte and Comtesse de Vanssay (she is Anglo-American, he is the twentieth generation to live in his family chateau).

The bedrooms, all ensuite, combine elegance and comfort. Each bedroom has its own decor, with designer fabrics, XVIIIth century antiques, embroidered linens and bathrobes, and complimentary flowers and portwine.

All the rooms offer beautiful views either over the garden and park, or else onto the family chapel and XVIth century fortifications.

The reception rooms, adorned with portraits of family ancestors and majestic fireplaces, offer one of the largest private collections of XVIIIth furniture on view in a private chβteau.

The prestigious dining room, a veritable chef d'oeuvre of the 18th century, complete with its monumental buffet , welcomes guests for candlelit dinners three times a week, and there are many good restaurants nearby to discover on the other nights.

By day you can ride, play billiards and croquet, try archery or head off to the magnificent Loire chateaux or visit the picturesque little Loir valley, -the one without an "e"- with its' many romanesque churches, romantic gardens and wineries.

The owners will be pleased to their guests with all their timetables, rental car bookings, train and airport transfers, restaurant suggestions and bookings, sightseeing ideas, maps etc.

Take a step into history…

History

Originally from Brittany, as the family coat of arms indicates, the Vanssay family settled in Vancé, in the county of Maine, Pays de La Loire, during the 9th century, and remained there for 5 centuries.

Members of this family accompanied William the Conqueror to Hastings, as is mentionned in the Domesday Book.

In 1404 the Manoir de La Barre came into the Vanssay family by marriage.

The château was originally a court of justice and a toll collection centre, hence its name "La Barre".

During the 16th century, Marin de Vanssay fortified and expanded his chateau. A wing was added during the 17th century and the interior refurbished in the 18th century.

Throughout the French revolution, Chateau de La Barre remained intact.

During the early part of the 19th century, some of the Vanssays followed Napoleon as far as Russia.

Later, around 1870, the Count de Vanssay was private secretary to the Count de Chambord, the last legitimate heir to the French throne.

Thereafter, Chateau de La Barre was substantially restored, blending centuries of architectural changes.

Thus, you will be guests in a chateau constantly cared for and loved, where the history of the place and of the family have been intertwined for centuries.

Located amongst 100 acres of private park and fragrant garden, midway between Chartres cathedral and Chenonceau castle, Chateau de La Barre is a mixture of beauty, refinement, understated luxury and authenticity.

Chambre Marin de Vanssay

The Chambre Marin is like a lost paradise of elegance and vastness. Marin de Vanssay, the husband of the great grand-daughter of the builders of the famous Loire Valley castle of Chenonceaux created this wing of the château as a monument to his prestige. Facing the imposing century-old oak wardrobe, an important XVIIth century Florentine mirror towers over a magnificient XVIIIth century French Régency commode. The luxurious fabrics on the walls and the king size canope bed aptly complement the remarkable furniture.

•  Surface area of the room: 50m2
•  Kng size canope bed: 180cm
•  3 windows ("à menaux") overlooking the garden and park
•  Large bathroom, including antique bathtub
•  Tea facilities
•  Hairdryer

Chambre aux Fleurs

Built during the dark ages of the Hundred Years War which hit Western France heavily, this lovely room is now brightened by stripes and an exquisite floral patterned fabric forming a striking setting for the antique furniture and furnishings: The adjoining stern watchwalk, with its deep arrowslots, has been transformed into an Italian marble bathroom replete with jacuzzi. In the next room, scarlet Napoleonic fabrics liven the walls and bed while the view from the window is of the chapel overlooking the defensive walls.

•  1 Double Bed, 160cm wide
•  Ensuite jacuzzi bathroom & WC
•  Tea facilities
•  Hairdryer

Chambre Espirit de Jouy

French craftsmanship for this elegant bedroom with a king size four poster bed. The 'toile de Jouy' fabric, created in France during the 'Siècle des Lumières', has since become famous throughout the world. This bucolic décor has come down to us from the days when Marie Antoinette identified with the pastoral way of life: One blue, the other green, these two adjoining rooms are lovely reminders of the romantic art of French life of bygone times. The guests enjoy sleeping in this authentic Louis XVI bed.

•  Kingsize four poster bed
•  Windows on South, West, and North side
•  Ensuite bathroom & WC
•  Tea facilities
•  Hairdryer

Chambre Jaune

Is it the view of the colourful garden, the pond, the stream meandering through the meadow and the distant church tower which one sees from the window, or the mellow golden yellow Esprit de Jouy wall fabric with antique furniture which make this radiant room the most popular amongst guests?

•  1 Double Bed, 160cm wide
•  Window overlooking the park
•  ensuite bathroom & WC
•  Tea facilities
•  Hairdryer

Chambre Bleue

Standing in the fresh country air on the balcony of this charming room, contemplate the splendid view, as the sheep amble like snowflakes in the distant meadow beyond the chateau fortifications and garden. In the room itself, antique oil paintings adorn the XVIIIth century walls: "Here where everything is total order, beauty, calm luxury and voluptousness." (Beaudelaire).

•  Double bed : 160cm
•  Window with balcony, overlooking castle grounds and surrounding park
•  Ensuite bathroom & WC
•  Tea facilities
•  Hairdryer

Le Cottage

This charming small renovated XVIth century manor is located within the fortifications of the château, just next to the Château and above a large XIVth century vaulted cellar. It enjoys the same exceptional setting as the château: gardens, park, meadows, river, woods and pond. Two self catering appartments attractively finished with separate entrances are available for weekly rentals or long weekends.

Glycines (2 people)

•   Large Living room/bedroom with wooden beams, king size bed and big stone fireplace
•   Fully equiped kitchen opening up via a French farm door onto the garden
•   En-suite bathroom with large bathtub and Italian walk in shower
•   Separate WC
•   Linen sheets, towels and wood supplied

Lilas (4 to 5 people)

On the first floor:

•   Entrance hall with coat rack
•   Living room with twin beds and stone fireplace
•   Fully equiped separate kitchen
•   Ensuite bathroom with shower, WC and infrared sauna

On the second floor:

•   Large bedroom with a queen size bed and a single day bed/sofa, wooden beams and windows on three sides
•   Ensuite jacuzzi bath
•   Separate WC
•   Linen, sheets, towels and wood supplied

• Organization of Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, house parties with friends, family get-togethers or executive workshops

• Cooking Classes
  • Return home with the ultimate french gastronomy, your own “foie gras” and apple chutney made under supervision of the best artisanal producer of the Val de Loir and Perche. 2 days, dates and reservation on request.

• Immersion into French Language
  • Improve your French through history, literature and daily conversation in the quiet elegance of a French chateau. Alongside a support in grammar and vocabulary adapted to your level, you will also progress by visiting castles of the Loire, the little Loir valley and studying a French literature classic.
  • Minimum stay 6 days.
  • Dates and price for these French lessons at Chateau de La Barre including accommodation at the chateau, the Loire valley visits and all meals in French upon request.

• Golf
  • GOLF nearby in the Pays de La Loire and the Loir et Cher
  • For the passionate, three fabulous golf courses surround the Chateau :
    • The Golf de La Bosse, 30 km away near Vendôme, 9 holes, Complementary caddie rental for the guests
    • The Mansgolfier, 45 km away by Le Mans, 18 holes.
    • The Golf du Perche, 50 km away, 18 holes.

• Riding in the Perche (12 km) The horses of La Bellonnière are eager to meet you and have you discover their riding school and the beautiful forest of Vibraye.

• Walks in the Chateau park
  • Far from any city noise, protected by the trees, the singing river on its’ way down to the Loire, birds of all sorts screeching loudly, the village church ringing the Angelus: its’ time for a walk! Three itinerary’s are suggested: the fortification circuit (10 minutes) leading you to discover the defensive system of the chateau, the water circuit (20 minutes) which leads you towards the pond and the source of the spring, or again the circuit of the hills, a mixture of forest and prairie (1 hour).

• Hot air balloon cruise over the Loire
  • Slowly cruise above the chateaux of the Loire, over the Loir valley or even depart from the terrace of Chateau de La Barre. Peacefully, from the balloon basket, contemplate with the angels the wonders below.

• Bike rides through the Perche
  • Cross country biking along the nearby roads and paths deep in Country Perche is a real joy. Cycles and maps are available at the château.

• Shiatsu & reflexology In your room in the chateau
  • Why not take advantage of the surrounding peace and quiet to pamper and care for your body? Upon prior reservation, Shiatsu and reflexology massages in the beauty of your own room will bring you an envigurating relaxation
  • Upon appointment.

• Archery Hunting In the Pays de La Loire
  • Enjoy the challenge and sport of shooting or archery hunting guided by a professional hunter on his 2000 acre domaine.
  • Here you will find an amazing variety of game in an especially well managed reserve.
  • Reservations required.

• Oenology in the Val de Loir and Loire Valley
  • Special wine tasting dinners, visits of recommended vineyards and wineries of the Loir region..

Dinner

Come dine as if you were in the XVIIIth century and enjoy in the company of the other guests, the family silver, Crystal, precious china and embroidered linen. 

With the wines of the Loire, carefully selected and presented by your host, you will discover one of many jewels of the region.

Dinner begins at 8 pm with a drink in the salon rose or on the terrace, then an entrée, a main course, salad and a selection of cheeses, and finally dessert, with two different wines being served.

Then adjourn to the drawing room for coffee, tea or herbal tea and brandy. The dress is « casual chic ».

Dinners are served on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, upon prior reservation.

Breakfast

Enjoy the freshest products of the country after the sun rises over the rolling hills and meadows.

Breakfast is made up of rare teas and expresso coffee, or hot chocolate upon request, fruit juice, home made jams, fresh eggs from the farm, scrambled or sunny side up upon request, different breads and croissants from the baker, cereales, yogurts, and fresh fruit etc…served daily from 9h30 to 10h30, unless specifically requested otherwise.

Supper

Gather with your friends around an informal buffet supper of local charcuterie, various salads, a selection of cheeses, a fruit tart or chocolate cake, with wine and followed by coffee.

Supper is for groups of 6 people or more.

Upon prior reservation.

Picnic

Hop on one of the bicyles or take a stoll into the garden with a wicker basket full of French treasures.

In your picnic hamper discover local charcuterie, hard boiled eggs from the farm, fruit, cheese and baguette.

Kindly reserve in advance.