La Grande Maison

• Walking and cycling around the local vineyards and along riverbanks and stopping for a picnic
• The wine expertise of the friendly owners which is delivered in a fun and unstuffy way
• The sense of complete escape amidst beautiful countryside and traditional French life
• The food which is all homemade and locally sourced where possible. A lot of the ingredients come from La Grande Maison’s own orchard and pottager (vegetable and flower garden)
• Eating out at one of the many local restaurants ranging from traditional rustic to gourmet Michelin starred
• Relaxing and reading a book in one of the tranquil hideaways within the garden

• Four double rooms each with good quality bed linen.  Two are within the manor house and two are garden rooms within the converted Vinehouse and Bakehouse.  All rooms have views over the gardens or the vineyards and are simply and elegantly furnished
• All rooms have contemporary en-suite bath or shower rooms with luxurious towels and handmade soaps
• French Loire Valley tours and courses organised by the expert owners – Sue and Micaela.  Choose from a wine tasting supper through to a three day tour of wineries, vineyards and wine caves. Something for all abilities from beginner to connoisseur. Fun, informal and informative.  Taste, discuss and buy. And don’t forget to see La Grande Maison’s very own wine caves and tunnels dating back to the 17th century.
• Wonderful French rustic walled garden with lots of places to read, relax and drink wine including the pigeonniere with its fine view over the vineyards
• Breakfast in the Grand Hall, family kitchen or the garden in the sun. Full continental breakfast. Feast on figs, peaches and walnuts fresh from the orchard in Summer
• Try out the wine sampling supper or three course dinner with delicious fresh local food including wonders such as oven baked salmon and tornados of beef in a mushroom marsala sauce
• Bikes and picnic hampers are available – explore local vineyards, riverbanks and lakes
• Well stocked wine library
• There is also a romantic self catering river cottage nearby called LA PEITE MAISON.

There is not much that Sue and Micaela don’t know about wine.  They created the original Loire Valley tour package back in 2004 and have been building on their knowledge and experience ever since.

Both originally from Brighton, Micaela’s background is in hotels and computer software and Sue worked in the wine business.  They both fell in love with La Grande Maison in 2004 and now enjoy sharing their passion for wine and the Loire Valley.

Read Sue and Micaela’s interview on our blog and their guide to the Loire on our blog.