"La Samsonelle" self-catering gîte

Whilst you are visiting the Loire Valley, A UNESCO World Heritage site, why not stop over at “La Samsonelle” in Fontevraud L’Abbaye, ideally located for touring the Loire valley region. You will discover a place where the words gentle life and charm are given their full meaning.

Sylvie, Mark and their children welcome you to an extremely well located and cosy residence, less than 2 minutes walk away from the magnificence of the royal abbey, in the heart of the historic village.

This tastefully restored country gîte is a traditional tuffeau house set in a delightful property including a landscaped flower garden looked after by Sylvie who is a passionate gardener.

In the spring and summer, the pond is a central feature with its waterlilies, flowers, fish and frogs.

Couples or families up to 6 people are welcome for a week, a short break or a couple of nights.

We are fluent in English, French and German (even a bit of Spanish) and will do our utmost to welcome you and make you feel at home.

Sorry, no pets are allowed - cuddly cats are provided.

This gîte has recently been meticulously renovated in a traditional style. See the photos below showing the property and facilities.

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Ground Floor :

The cosy and spacious lounge and dining room has been meticously restored with the local limestone "tuffeau". The open fireplace is a nice feature and the atmosphere is very peaceful:

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The fitted kitchen is brand new and fully equipped with modern comfort. It has a view and direct access into the garden:

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There is a downstairs toilet.

First Floor :

2 extremely calm bedrooms.

The room La Saumuroise (10m2) accommodates 2 people:

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The room La Fontevriste (15m2) accommodates 4 people (1 double bed and bunk-beds):

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Thanks to the choice of decoration, the bedrooms conjure up memories of family life. They both look onto the garden.

The bathroom overlooks the garden and has 2 washbasins, bath and Italian shower:

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There is a separate toilet on the first floor.

You can enjoy the landscaped garden at your leisure and also make the most of an enclosed privacy garden with garden furniture, deckchairs, barbecue, swings, table tennis, large inflatable pool.

Here is a quick list of the on-site facilities:

Washing machine
Dishwasher
Fridge
Oven and microwave
Satellite television

Central heating
Broadband internet access

No smoking inside the gîte building

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There are plenty of activities available locally. Here is a short list:

In the village

Shops in the village (bakery, butcher, grocery...)
Services (doctor, chemist, post-office, cash-dispenser...)
3 Gastronomic restaurants
Bikes for rent

Around the village

Childrens play and activity area 2km
Tennis 4km
Horse-riding 8km
3 Golf courses 3km and 18 km
Canoe and boat trips on the Loire 4km

Walks in the beautiful surrounding countryside
Numerous touristic and historic sites near by
Reputable wine producers and caves near by

Outdoors and indoors swimming pools and spas 18km

Concert performances and local shows in the abbey

Hot-air balloon rides

Attraction and adventure parks - Parc du Futuroscope, Puy du Fou, Parc Anjou Aventure

Zoos - Zoo de Doué la Fontaine, Zoo de la Flèche

Brochures are available in the gîte and Sylvie and Mark will only be too happy to advise you on the activities not to be missed !

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Catering service

The gastronomic restaurant La Licorne just opposite the gite offers a fabulous catering service if you wish to treat yourselves as a couple, a family or for a special occasion... this is at an interesting price per person. Reservation required.

Guest reviews

From Kevin and Debbie (Ireland):

"We had an extended holiday in France this summer and stayed in three different locations in France. This was by far the best place we stayed in, not only because of the quality of the Gite and the kind hospitality of the proprietors, Sylvie and Mark, but also the location in general. Even though the Gite is in the middle of Fontevraud, the large back garden is surrounded by nice old stone walls which provided a wonderfully calm and peaceful atmosphere. Our children had a wonderful time playing hide and seek. The village itself was great for walks and the Abbey is superb. The rich heritage of the hinterland around Fontevraud provided wonderful days out for us visiting chateaux, vineyards etc.

Mark and Sylvie are simply lovely people and it was a pleasure getting to know them. Mark is an impressive singer and guitarist. What a talent! It was great entertainment for us all."

Look forward to returning next year."

From Kate and Jonathan (London, England):

"Thank you very much Sylvie and Mark. We really enjoyed the comfort of La Samsonelle and meeting you both. It was a great place to stay and we had fun exploring the local area. The weather was great and we had a perfect relaxing holiday. many thanks."

From Grant and Holly (New Zealand):

"We have had a very relaxing and enjoyable break. La Samsonelle is extremely comfortable, just lovely. Thank you Sylvie and Mark for your warm hospitality and of course all the trips in the local area. We will spread the word about your fantastic gîte and will be back ourselves!"

From Virginia, Mark, Therese and Matthew (Australia):

"Thank you Sylvie and Mark. We will have wonderful wet memories of Fontevraud, especially our last meal gastronomique, Fabrice, the abbey, wedding anniversaries and champagne, your magnifique garden and your French hospitality. C'est un fait accompli."

From Nikki and Andy (Manchester, England):

"Thanks so much for your hospitality, we had a great time and will definitely be recommending the gite to friends. Here is our online photo gallery - there are some nice panoramas of the chateaux."

From Sue (London, England):

Thank you for making our stay in Fontevraud so lovely - we both had a super time and will definitely recommend you to our friends. Here is our online photo gallery

From Almarie Hugo (Paarl, Republic of south Africa):

What a wonderful experience and course in Fontevraud. From the minute that Sylvie collected me at the station, it felt like we have known one another for several years. Sylvie and Mark treated me in so many different ways.
I experienced the French hospitality in so many ways while staying with them in their gite. Being a beginner it helped me to be part of this family for a week. Sylvie makes use of a disciplined structure while teaching and it puts you at ease. Our afternoon excursions were wonderful and she adapted our excursions to the interest of her students. The food that the family prepared was fantastic and we sat around the table in Sylvie and Mark`s beautiful garden.
This course is highly recommended and I would advise any student to stay with Sylvie and her family in their gite.

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One week :

Autumn & winter :
From 17th September 2011 to 28th April 2012 : 690 Euros

Spring & summer :
From 29th April 2012 to 15th September 2012 : 890 Euros

Autumn & winter :
From 16th September 2012 to 27th April 2013 : 700 Euros

Short-breaks :

4 nights : 490 Euros
3 nights : 375 Euros
Week-end : 250 Euros

Inclusive of all services bed-linen/towels, all bills/local taxes and housekeeping at end of stay.

 Availability calendar

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At the time of reservation the tenant shall pay a non-refundable 30% security deposit of the total rental price. The reservation can be cancelled, but the non-refundable deposit is forfeited.

The remaining balance of 70% must be paid 30 days in advance. If the tenant has not credited it to the owner's account 30 days before arrival, he/she is considered to have cancelled the reservation and the owner has the right to find another client for the same period.

A security deposit of 100 Euros has to be paid 40 days prior to your stay and is refunded 7 days following the tenant's departure according to French laws on holiday rentals that is if no damage, beyond normal wear and tear, has been occasioned to the rental property, its contents and the communal parts of the site. The tenant will also be held responsible for all losses, or damage, exceeding the value of the security deposit. In the event that the client is unable to take-up occupancy, the security deposit will be returned to the client, without delay.

At your departure, the premises must be left as clean and tidy as on arrival. The owners reserve the right to care about the garden, cutting, watering and maintaining it as is required with maximum discretion. The described premises are at the tenant's disposal, except for cases of absolute necessity or technical reasons beyond the owner's control.

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Payment

Payments can be made by personal cheques drawn on French banks in euros made out to Parfum de France or by bank transfer in euros to our account (please contact us for bank details) in which case it is imperative that a photocopy of the transfer order is included with the reservation. Please note that all transfer and exchange costs are payable by the sender.

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For enquiries and reservations please email or call us:

Sylvie REEVES
"Parfum de France"
40 rue Robert d'Arbrissel
49590 Fontevraud l'Abbaye
France

Tel: +33 (0)2 41 51 78 74
Mobile: +33 (0)6 78 94 36 19

email: