Loire & Sens ★★★★

France’s sheer variety never ceases to amaze me. It’s a diverse country that seduces travellers from far and wide who come to discover the picture-postcard landscapes, the well-renowned wines and the ‘art-de-vivre’. The physical diversity of the country would be difficult to exhaust in a lifetime of visits, ranging from the limestone hills of Provence and the canyons of the Pyrenees, to the golden beaches of the South, the lushly wooded valleys of the Dordogne, the glaciated peaks of the Alps and not forgetting the gentle meadows of the Loire Valley. Each place has its own charm, characterised by the architecture, food and different dialects. The Loire Valley is justifiably renowned for its fairytale castles, surrounded by splendid gardens bordering the winding river. The grandeur and breathtaking beauty of these architectural wonders is beyond anything that one can imagine, and a visit to a chateau or two will leave you feeling like part of the history that occurred there.

And guess what, we’ve found the perfect place, not only to use as a base for discovering the surrounding area, but also a place to relax and make the most of the of the innumerable facilities! From your very own intimate terrace to a selection of ‘L’Occitane’ toiletries in the bathroom, Loire & Sens have thought of all the little touches to charm you with its serenity and luxury. The hotel is a former seventeenth-century hunting lodge built using shale, slate and wood to blend in with its environment.  Opened in June 2014, it seems to happily straddle the ancient and modern world, boasting excellent services including an indoor pool and hot tub, a fitness room, hammam and massage areas surrounded by 7 hectares of lush greenery nestled deep in the peaceful countryside. Perhaps the most striking feature of the French countryside is the sense of space, and you’ll certainly find this at the Loire & Sens… it’s the perfect place to escape from your daily life and appreciate the natural beauty of our world – something that we don’t do enough these days.

After a comfortable night’s sleep in your Classic Room and a plentiful breakfast of croissants, baked treats, fresh eggs and juice, your batteries will be recharged and you’ll be ready to discover the treasures of the fascinating Anjou. The area lends itself to a multitude of activities including walking, cycling and horse-riding, and of course a visit to the famous chateaux is compulsory. Angers is an atmospheric riverside city, with a bustling old town filled with pedestriansed streets and a thriving café culture.

Tantalise your taste buds in the restaurant with some French specialities including foie gras and a selection of fresh meat and fish cooked to perfection and served with vegetables from the local area. The excellent chef, Régis Legain, combines traditional French cuisine with elaborately modern touches to create gourmet dishes.

My advice? Do not wait. Now is the best time to go and have that relaxing break that you’ve been craving and needing for a while now. C’est parfait!