La Petite Boutique, 15thC stone cottage in medieval town, LOIRE VALLEY CASTLES

Great experience!

We've had a good week and for sure St Aignan has proven to be a central location for exploring this part of the Loire-Cher region. The town and the gite have had all we needed - watching the market set up this morning- literally on the doorstep - and then listening to locals meeting, greeting and doing their shopping has been a great way to end our stay. As everyone else who has stayed here has commented, the boulangerie/patisserie just around the corner is exceptional! We ate dinner in the town at Le Huit. The daily menu at 23 euros for 3 courses was a bargain for a delicious meal. We've been out and about each day, lots of chateaux visiting (of course) - Chenonceau, Chambord, Villandy and Clos Luce all recommended. Amboise and Tours both have lovely mediaeval squares and buildings, but we recommend taking the train to Tours, parking for free at Noyer sur Cher. The Abbey at Fontevraud is a bit of a drive but worth it to pay respects to Richard the Lionheart and Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. The weather has been kind for the time of the year, but much of the tourist activities (apart from visiting the chateaux themselves) have come to an end. We return home reluctantly, but with great memories of our time here.

The house is well equipped. Situated centrally for local restaurants, shops and bars. ST Aignan-Sur-Cher is a delightful town on the banks of the Cher. There are several good restaurants in the town and we ate at most of them. Not one bad meal which is a bonus. The town is perfect for traveling to the many chateaux along the Cher and surrounding areas. Highlights were the Zoo Parc at Beauval 10 minutes from the Town. Allow a full day as there is so very much to see and do. Amboise, the Chateau Royal and the home of Leonardo da Vinci, Montresor Chateau and the riverboat tour under Chateaux Chenonceaux. No shortage of things to do, just time to do it all. The only down side was the bed and bedding at the house. It was 40 degrees and the mattress protector was plastic, the fitted sheet didn't and there was a warning that using other bedding would result in a charge. There was a curtain in the bathroom which finished about a foot above the bottom of the window which was next to the toilet and opening to a restaurant next door. Nothing worse than someone catching your eye at that moment. Other than that the sofas were comfy, there is a washing machine and dishwasher which is handy. There was a welcoming bottle of wine. Thank you.

La PetiteBoutiques position on the village square in the picture postcard village of St Aignan is ideal. It is a quintessential beautiful French village. We had 2 of our grandchildren with us and felt completely safe sending them off in the morning to buy fresh croissants at the nearby baker.Jane met us on our arrival, and made us feel very welcome. She has very cleverly renovated her lovely cottage,to provide comfort and style.We had everything we could need, and everything was scrupulously clean and well maintained.Thanks Jane we would love to come again.