Don’t just visit it, experience it! In the same family since more than 610 years,Chateau de la Barre is more than a luxury accommodation, it is an experience of the gracious hospitality of French aristocracy. All the rooms are replete with precious XVIIIth century antiques and designer fabrics. Twice a week, a prestigeous dinner is hosted in the XVIIth century dining room, on other nights, it is possible to have a romantic supper in the dining room. Rent a car at CDG airport or take the fast speed TGV train directly to Le Mans or Vendome and rent a car there. Alternatively enquire about having our chauffeur pick you up and be your guide. It is also possible to rent a convertible classic car for your stay. Your hosts, Guy and Marnie de Vanssay, will be pleased to arrange customized stays for you, including visits of top wineries of the Loire (Cabernet Franc reds and Chenin whites, such as Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray and Jasnieres), sightseeing from the famous Loire Valley castles to fortified manor houses, medieval towns and picturesque villages, and farmer’s markets. For the activity seeking, kayaking, cycling, hiking, hot air ballooning or why not drive a race car around the mythical Le Mans track.

Surrounded by a private parkland and protected from noise and disturbance by 16th-century fortifications, this elegant privately owned château contains a magnificent collection of antiques, oil paintings and tapestries.

As guests of the Count and (English speaking) Countess, you can benefit from their extensive local knowledge and contacts; they will uniquely tailor your stay to suit your requirements.

Château de la Barre has six rooms. Interconnecting rooms are available for families.

Each room is individually designed, incorporating valuable antiques, family portraits and oil paintings, designer fabrics, beautifully adorned chandeliers, grand fireplaces and Versailles parquet floors, coupled with modern luxurious bathrooms, towels, robes and toiletries.

Château de la Barre is listed among the 25 best small hotels in France on Tripadvisor.

Room prices vary according to size and view.

Twice weekly, Count and Countess de Vanssay host the ‘Grand Siècle Dinner’ in the 16th-century dining hall with its embroidered linen, family silver, fine porcelain and antique crystal. The Count and Countess will introduce you to their château, its history, the Loire Region and its wines.

On other nights, supper is served at the château, consisting of a three-course brasserie-style dinner served on the terrace or in the small dining room.

The extensive wine list of Château de la Barre offers more than 150 different wines from all over France, including many older vintages.

Your hosts, Count and Countess de Vanssay, will tailor an experience to fit your time, interests and budget. You will benefit from their contacts and extensive knowledge of the area. You can experience European aristocracy first-hand with private invitations to meet, lunch or dine with the often colourful owners of France’s famous castles and elegant private châteaux and visit parts of their houses and art collections not normally accessible to the public. A luxury chauffeur can be arranged.

Attractions locally include driving the Le Mans race track at the wheel of a Porsche (early booking is advisable, available at certain times of year), balloon rides over the Loire Valley, launched from the grounds of the château, a wine tour, cooking lessons, or even learning to manufacture a stain-glass window.

Children are welcome at all times with full parental responsibility.