Accommodation - Loire Valley Chateau Tours

The Old Winery

Maison de Lavande was built in the 18th century from the local Tuffeau stone. It can be found in a tranquil village called Ranton, well known for its troglodyte caves and 12th-century petite chateau.
The house was originally the village winemaker’s house. The Pressoir can still be seen in our underground wine caves. Maison de Lavande has been lovingly and tastefully renovated in a contemporary yet homely manner. Exposed stone walls and A-framed beams in the upper two bedrooms add to the character of these rooms.
The three bedrooms are spacious with many traditional features. Each has a modern ensuite bathroom and a dressing room. Each room has tea and coffee-making facilities, and bathrobes, luxury towels, and other little essentials are provided.

When Memories Speak: Guests Share Their Unforgettable Loire Moments.

"I wanted to tell you how very, very much I enjoyed your hospitality. Your efforts went above and beyond and I sincerely appreciated all of the extra effort you both put into making our stay first-rate. I wish I were a travel guide because I would rate your tour as five+ stars - a Conde-Nast or Travel & Leisure, or AAA “Gem”. What made it five stars? The cream in the refrigerator, wash cloths that appeared after our first night, exceptional evening meals, Graham’s “right balance” of providing info at the sites to his critical eye for finding the perfect photo. The stage was set the first night when we walked through the delightful town seeing the flowers and houses to eating an excellent meal. I realize you may think, “Kate liked everything so how discriminating is she?”, but I assure you I have a very critical eye and exceptionally high expectations—you both met them all. It is a difficult job trying to meet the expectations of many people from different cultures, but your “servants’ hearts” shine through in every way. Intimate tours, exceptional guides, five-star hospitality, this is seeing the Loire Valley and its magnificent chateaux at its finest!! Many, many, thanks!! "

Kate Felix (Colorado)

"I have just returned from the fantastic Seventh Heaven, 9 day Grande Chateaux Tour! I can’t say enough about how wonderful our two hosts: Jacqui and Graham were. Jacqui is a first rate cook and baker. We had wonderful meals and snacks during our stay, and the desserts were to die for. Graham was an excellent guide, providing a good balance of information and knowledge with the intuition to know it was time to let us explore on our own. The accommodations were first rate. A nice blend of old world rustic charm with all the modern amenities. Beds were large and comfortable. Rooms were very clean and nicely decorated. The bathrooms were spacious with beautiful tiled showers, heated towel bars, and plenty of space to arrange toiletries. The chateaux were beautiful and we saw a nice mix. Graham did an excellent job telling us the history of the Chateaux and pointed out the important items to notice. Knowing my interest in churches, Graham personalised the tour and stopped at a few churches that he knew I would enjoy. There were two other friends that joined me on this tour so in effect, the three of us had a private tour. Our two hosts provided us with a truly wonderful vacation. We had five star accommodation and meals, a private and knowledgeable tour guide, and the magnificent background of the Loire Valley and its beautiful chateaux. Who could ask for more? As three very experienced world travellers, we all agreed that this was the best vacation we ever had! "

Matthew (Massachusetts)

"Graham and Jacqui were born to do Loire valley chateaux tours. Their passion for the region and for these extraordinary architectural and historical buildings is evident in all they do to make your visit interesting, colourful and delightful. Their hospitality is generous, and their home and garden are welcoming and comfortable on every level. The food we had at Maison de Lavandre was equal to the delicious food we had in all the restaurants they had booked. That picnic on the banks of the Loire was especially memorable and unexpected – and yet another example of how they thought of everything. Graham and Jacqui’s careful consideration comes through in all the detail, the planning and the execution of a wonderful tour. The chateaux visits were spectacular and complemented perfectly by visits to beautiful Loire valley towns and by the sampling of some wonderful local wines and food. It all adds up to a great ‘file’ in one’s memory bank. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Loire Valley Chateaux Tours – you will be amazed and delighted at every turn, and you will learn more than you can possibly imagine about why this region is such a treasure. "

Karey Evett

"Having just come home from a fantastic 9 day tour with Graham and Jacqui, I wanted to recommend this trip to anyone who wishes to explore the beautiful Loire region. We were treated to the warmest hospitality, a sumptuous home from home as our base, complete with dogs, chickens and cat, and a full schedule carefully tailored to include a wide variety of splendid chateaux – each with an inspirational and humbling style, history and heritage to explore - interwoven with visits to charming markets, towns and villages, all with the calming backdrop of the magnificent Loire, Vienne and Cher rivers. Delicious wines to sample and food to indulge in – not just in gorgeous restaurants but at Maison de Lavande to. Jacqui is a warm host and accomplished baker, and Graham is a wonderful, knowledgeable, courteous guide as well as a very good driver. Thanks to them both, I fell in love with this glorious region, and will return again soon. An unforgettable experience. "

Rosie Kennar

About Us

Our Story:

“Loire Valley Chateau Tours was born out of a passion for sharing the profound heritage and allure of the Loire Valley. We wanted to create a unique, enriching experience, far removed from the generic, crowded tours, allowing travellers to truly immerse themselves in the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage site.”

Our Mission:

“To provide you with seamless, insightful, and captivating journeys, unlocking the secrets and tales of the Loire Valley, and helping you to create unforgettable memories.”

What We Do:

“We specialise in organising meticulously curated, small-group, slow travel tours, led by expert, bilingual guides passionate about bringing the history and romance of the Loire Valley to life. From the towering châteaux to the exquisite gardens, we unveil the hidden gems and lesser-known treasures, enriching your experience with in-depth insights and fascinating anecdotes.”

We really look forward to meeting you.
Graham and Jacqueline

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