10/09-02/10/2015

Magical place with wonderful surprises in every town or village! ... Jim and Pauline were excellent hosts and most helpful We thoroughly enjoyed our visit

John & Edite Patterson,

Ontario, Canada

29/08 -10/09/2015

We have enjoyed a lovely couple of weeks exploring the countryside by foot, bike and by car. Lots of good food and drink both cooked in 'Le Bourg' and in the local restaurants. Thanks Jim and Pauline for the local info. and for preparing the house so well for us.

Elaine & Geoff Scarsbrook,

England

21/08 - 28/08/2015

Thank you Jim and Pauline for your kind assistance, your generosity and for giving us a wonderful home to enjoy, a splendid place and space to enjoy and relax in. Our home from home with dear friends has been lovely and getting to know this region has been a delight. We leave here rested and grateful for new things discovered - much of which has been thanks to you both

Janine & Louis Peters,

Maastrict, Netherlands

Thank you both for making our stay in Barrou so enjoyable. Your attention to detail and thoughtfulness were much appreciated,

Pat Stone,

UK

  18/07 - 25/07/2015

We have had a wonderful week in the Loire, sun, lots of good food and amazing scenery  - skies that go on forever! We have taken the chance to visit three of grande chateaux and castles. Chinon -amazing! Chenonceau was gorgeous, living up to the photos we all see! The best though was Villandry because it is still a family home with a living history and the gardens are glorious, the best we have ever seen! Thank you sooo much Jim & Pauline. This was the best gite we have stayed in in terms of everything being provided. You have thought of every small item and it's here! Perfect! Have to mention of course it is a lovely 'gite'. Off to the Dordogne tomorrow, hope it is as good. Hope to be back!

Helen & Sam Smith,

Norwich UK

  08/07 - 17/07/2015

Yet another lovely day in our own little 'castle. Pauline and Jim we we have so enjoyed our time here and thank you both for your kindness and help. Exchanging e-mails I felt I knew you before we actually met!...friends and family from Norway and England found it magical here. Hope to see you again in Barrou soon. Kind regards,

Sue & Kiere Danielson,

Oslo,Norway

22/06 - 04/07/2015

Just to say a very big thank you for our welcome, your hospitality and the privilege of staying in a beautiful gite

We felt surrounded by history, love and friendship. Our holiday was wonderful, including all the music!

Thanks for everything.

Brendan & Margaret Murran, Kilkenny

Nigel & Mary  Dublin, Ireland

25/05/2015

Wonderful gite, very comfortable and peaceful. Thank you for your hospitality and great restaurant recommendations!

Guests - be sure to visit Angles-sur-l'Anglin

Jack and Marian Archibald,

Canada

29/04/2015

Pauline and Jim were great hosts and the hallmark of this visit was their generosity in everything...all given with grace and received gratefully. We loved your home and your hospitality. If you are ever in Chicago give us a call!

Terry  & Barry Locke

Pat Coyle, Dublin

13/09/2014

We had a very lovely stay at 'Le Bourg'. The house was very comfortable and functional and the aera surrounding is stunning. We spent our mornings visiting lovely places like Descartes, Angles sur l'Anglin, Loches and chateau Chenonceau and in afternoon sunbathing on the patio - just divine.

Alan & Phil Reeves

Wokingham,Berkshire, UK

15/08/2014

It was interesting living in a village in the heart of the countryside because we were able to see the beauty of French country living. Good bye our friends. Take care until we meet again. Salut Barrou!

André, Toki, Max, Alexa & Xara

Montreal,Québec, Canada

26/07 - 09/08/2014

Another wonderfully relaxing 2 weeks in the Loire on our second year with Jim & Pauline who again were wonderful hosts. Le Bourg is a beautiful house, very comfortable and well equipped. We spent many hours on the terrace and saw some beautiful wildlife including herons, red squirrels, woodpeckers and the stunning golden oriole to name a few. Keep your eyes open and your camera ready! We never get tired of exploring the Loire Valley and have again this year.had some fantastic days out - it's just a shame it didn't last longer.

A bientot Jim & Pauline

Les & Audrey Robson

Co.Durham UK

11/07/2014

A wonderful place to experience French villge life -so far removed from Australia and our way of life.The Villages around Barrou had markets that are well worth a visit  especially for the fabulous local produce. Our hosts Pauline & Jim were extremely helpful  (especially the doctor's appointment) and we would be delighted to reciprocate their hospitality should they ever make the long trip to Australia. Thanks for making our holiday in Barrou one to remember.

19/05/2014

Thank you Jim and Pauline for a lovely stay in Barrou. The people of the village were generally helpful particularly Willi and Sandra in the restaurant, Mme. Picot in the bakery and the lovely lady (Claire) in the shop. They stood up well to a barrage of broad Australian and very poor French. Loved the little restaurant in Maire - Willie & Sandra do a good lunch too and Willi makes a good pizza. Loved the house very convenient for the bar - too convenient! Pity the wineries are so far away but driveable. Had a great time, Earl.

Thanks too for you friendliness and helpful advice & the bottle of Champers! The house was great for a holiday, spacious living and dining area and large private terrace overlooking the river - couldn't have been better! Lyonne.

Earl & Lyonne Boyd,

Australia

17/05/2014

Had a wonderful time, the house was so cosy and comfortable. Loved the area, each town was more beautiful than the last, I would definitely come back! 

Kathy, Toronto, Canada

11/04/2014 - 22/04/2014

Jim and Pauline - We loved staying here at 'Le Bourg'. It met and exceeded our expectations.

The four sisters.

Jill Appell, Altona, Illinois,

USA

These charming ladies liked it so much that they have booked to return next year - and we are looking forward to having them stay again.

27/09/2013

Jim and Pauline - We had a thoroughly enjoyable time spending nearly a week here in Barrou in this beautiful little 'chateau' in the French countryside. It has been a very comfortable place to stay and we've enjoyed daytrips villages chateaus and castles.

Gary and Linda Piro, Chelan, Washington, USA.

01/09/2013

Thank you Jim& Pauline, we loved making your barn our barn !! We decided to do one major visit  spent a day and drive around the the smaller roads through untold villages and beautiful farmlands. Chenonceau, Villandry and Loches were the highlights. The Loire Valley was a delight and we enjoyed everyday - just wish it was longer.

John & Jeanette : Heather & Peter, Australia.

31/08/2013

We spent a fabulous two weeks in Barrou at 'Le Bourg'. Jim and Pauline provided wonderful recommendations on things to see and do - most helpful! Weather was great and the house is a lovely place to stay - we enjoyed many meals on the rear terrace.

Many thanks!

Tom, Marie, David and Caroline, Calgary, Alberta Canada.

10/08/2013

Had a wonderful week in this very beautiful & peaceful part of France. The house is amazing and so comfortable and well equipped. We explored many of the local villages and towns - including Angle-sur-l'Anglin for the amazing fireworks. Azay-le-Rideau was beautiful and Loches and Tours very interesting. Preferred little museum in Preuilly to the one in Le Grand Pressigny.

Thanks Jim& Pauline for advice, wine, etc.. Would recommend free canoes at lake in Chatellerault.

The Gray family, Pam, Andy, Alex, Tasha & Dan, Stafford, England

03/08/2013

We really enjoyed our two weeks and Jim & Pauline were super helpful. Be sure to ask Jim about the restaurant in Loches, a great place to visit after the market. We really enjoyed visiting Villandry and Valencay. Swimming in the river was a great way to end a long summer's day. Thanks again! All of us enjoyed our stay tremendously.

Fidelma Boyd & Tracy Leskey Sheperdstown,USA,- Ethna Boyd,Carrick on Sharn,- Deidrie Boyd,Dublin,- Sharon Boyd, London, -Robert and Shirley Leskey, Rockwood,PA USA,-Mathew Leskey,Orlando, Florida,USA.

20/07/2013

Back again for two glorious, sunny weeks in this gorgeous part of France. Swam nearly every day at Lesigny, all of life can be seen there! Excellent market at Loches Sat/Wed. followed by lunch at the 'Gerbe d'Or', the maitre d' is a charming and amusing host. Chinon was a very good visit -very picturesque medieval town. The lake at Chatellerault has free activities which include kayak/canoes until 20th August. Small village of Chedigny just north of Loches is drop-dead gorgeous. not much use for future guests but another highlight was watching the Tour de France go through  Tours and Montresor on successive days.

Hard to see how we will avoid coming back here again!

Thanks Jim and Pauline.  

Ian, Karen, Mathew, Ailsa and Eloise Mercer, Sussex, UK

05/07/2013

A wonderful place to reconnect with my homeland. Peaceful, cool,great,   loving each moment of it. How nice to listen to the frogs, the birds and the wind - perfect heaven to paint. We enjoyed cooking here. Everything was perfect,

Marie-Francoise Concher, Sedona, AZ, USA

05/07/2013

This is my third time staying in Barrou and my second at this house. Jim & Pauline are wonderful hosts, the house is fantastic with a wonderful terrace for great meals outside with the birds.

Sandra Beck,Sedona, AZ, USA

22/09/2012

A lovely gite, in a lovely part of France. Our stay has been made all the more enjoyable by the hospitality and advice from Pauline and Jim. The highlights have been the chateau and gardens at Villandry and lunch at the 'Auberge de Vieux Port' at Maire - five courses and wine for €10.00! 

Penny & John Halcrow, Herefordshire, England

10/09/2012

Thank you Jim and Pauline for a warm welcome and lovely stay. Beautiful area to stay and visit so many wonderful chateaux. Thank you Pauline and Jim, keep up the good information and fantastic house - be back soon... 

Janine & Phil Warren, Horsington, Somerset, England

03/09/2012

We have stayed in many properties in France, other European countries and America but this has been the best. It was as if Pauline and Jim had sat down and compiled a list of what makes a holiday home and then gone and done it !! The weather was stunning, as was the area, where we particularly enjoyed Chinon, Loches and Angles sur l'Anglin. The advice and help from Jim and Pauline was invaluable and we would recommend 'Le Bourg' to anyone.

John & Betty Hollis,  Sheffield, England.

19/08/2012

One of the most spacious, well-equipped and comfortable gites we have encountered over the last 20 odd years. We swam several times in the river at nearby Lesigny - water very warm. Markets are good at La Roche Posay and Chauvigny, where we got soaked in a sudden down pour! Chenonceau was more beautiful than we remembered it from our last visit in 1990. Angles sur l'Anglin very picturesque. More than enough to entertain us in this beautiful area without going further afield.

Ian, Carrie, Mathew, Alison and Eloise Mercer, Sussex UK

11/08/2012

Liked what we saw on the web - liked it even more when we saw it for real. Despite arriving much later than planned Pauline & Jim were there to guide us into the property as it was dark when we finally arrived. Visited several vineyards in the Chinon/Saumur region, brocante in Lesigny and market in Descartes. Thanks to Jim & Pauline for their advice and warm welcome -and talking of warm, it is today (17th) 36deg.!! Excellent lunch at the Auberge in Mairé. Downside?-traffic noise early morning in front bedroom! For nature lovers - on the terrace at about 9.30 Harry the hedgehog makes an appearance, watch out for the red squirrels.

Happy holiday...

Pam, Ron & Steven Poole, Wilts,Glos. UK

Ron & Pam

04/08/2012

 Weather not brilliant at first but got better as the week went by, by Friday it was scorching! Had a few trips out Beauval Zoo which was brilliant but was very busy, also Chenonceaux chateau, was well worth seeing also very busy- the gardens were also nice. Shopping at Chatellerault was good, lots of nice clothes shops - a racing trip (La Roche Posay) to see the trotting,flat and steeple chasing -didn't win anything!  The market (brocante) on Sunday in the square behind the restaurant was good for passing an hour meeting and practicing our French which isn't good. Enjoyed the house,so much room and the garden is very pleasant. Pauline and Jim go out of their way to help you in any way, much appreciated.

Jenny & Pete & granddaughters Isobel and Charlotte, Notts. UK

21/07/2012

 We had a lovely time, the weather was good and we enjoyed discovering the region. For the kids we went to the local pool in Descartes (outdoor pool with two slides!) - three times !-and also made a trip to the safari park - and the local troglodyte caves , though sadly missed the English translation, which made it a bit less interesting and informative. Many thanks to Jim and Pauline for being so helpful and friendly - it made a big difference. We shall happily recommend Barrou and 'Le Bourg' to our friends in the UK!!

Simon, Anna & kids, London

14/07/2012

 We had a wonderful time here in the Loire Valley The area is beautiful and has many interesting sites to investigate and activities to do. Thanks to Jim & Pauline for a welcoming place to stay. It was fantastic. We will definitely share this spot with our friends back home.

Mary, Diederick & Kathryn Jalink, Canada

14/07/2012

In spite of the 'monsoon' we had a lovely visit. The village is charming, check out the bakery early so as its not sold out and try and catch the men playing 'bocce' (pétanque) in the square behind the restaurant. Ask Jim or Pauline to book you a meal at l' Auberge (Mairé)... 5 courses and wine €11.00 !!. We would love to come back and explore further afield.

Jane & Hugh MacDonald, Kinston, ON Canada

22/06/2012

 Wonderful accommodation, the house was clean and comfortable and the terrace was marvellous, particularly in the evenings. The view of the river is fantastic. There is a wonderful tranquility. I loved the proximity of the kitchen, the boulangerie and the epicerie . It was also convenient being across the road from the restaurant. Willi and Sandra were wonderfully friendly. Thank you for providing such a lovely place.

Sandra beck, Sedona, Arizona, Usa

25/05/2012

 Wonderful rural area, very friendly. Pauline and Jim, thanks for making our stay so accessible. What a magic area, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and will definitely stay in touch

Ian & Jenni Cocking ,Brisbane, Australia

04/05/2012

 What can we say? The weather was not at its best but a couple of nice sunny days. Despite this we managed to see the chateaux at Chinon, Azay le Rideau, Usse, Chenonceau, Azay-le Ferron, Clos Luce and of course Le Grand Pressigny. Thank you Jim & Pauline for all your help. Would love to come back again perhaps in summer.

Cameron, Joice, Raphael & Oscar, Frankston, Victoria, Australia

24/09 to 02/10/2011

 Our first experience of French country life has been most enjoyable -  thanks to Jim & Pauline providing excellent advice on transport options and the best villages to visit. The weather was unseasonably warm - next time will bring shorts and thongs! We found the 'big barn' very comfortable plus the kitchen and laundry provided much more in the way of facilities than we usually find in self catering accommodation. Thanks again for allowing us to use these facilities.

Ivan &  Penny Brown, Claremont, Western Australia

17/09 to 24/09/2011

We have loved this spacious, 'homey' comfortable place. Also the area is so lovely - enjoyed Chinon, Chenonceau and Azay le Rideau plus visiting many local towns and markets. Thank you so much to you Jim & Pauline, for being here on our late arrival, for the food and drinks here, for your suggestions and wonderful hospitality. Hopefully we will return.

Jean &  Murray Kinniburgh, Newmarket, Canada

03/09 Tto 17/09/2011

Two weeks flew by - markets, lunches at restaurants, croissants for breakfast. The butcher and grocer in town filled in the gaps. Jim & Pauline's advice in 'book' and in person was  invaluable...   A beautiful area with much history. House had all amenities and so much space.  

Jerry & Carol Mc Donnell, Blyth, Ontario, Canada

06/08 to 20/08/2011

Having returned for our second visit we were not disappointed and have had another wonderful holiday. We will be back. Thanks Pauline & Jim as ever - wonderful hosts, a bientot!

For anyone thinking of coming with friends or grandparents, family etc. the 'little house' works really well as a 'refuge' *In-laws stayed there and had their own space- worked a treat.

'The Willinghams', Cornwall, UK

20/08/2011

Well here it is time to go home Boo-Hoo! We have had the best holiday in years.

*Lori & Alan Dearing, Collington, Cornwall, UK

22/07/2011

Thanks for a wonderful stay Pauline & Jim and also for your good advice. Chenonceau and Grand Ma's ( in Le Grand Pressigny) were excellent but dinner at 'La Promenade' in Petit Pressigny was the highlight - a must if you appreciate fine dining, Best wishes for your future ventures ,

David, Anne & Steph Cussack, Brisbane, Australia

04/07/2011

Wonderful house and amazing things to do and see. We especially enjoyed the museum at Le Grand Pressigny. Very fortunate to be in the village for the music festival. Thanks Jim & Pauline for the lovely welcome and good suggestions.

'Au revoir',

Deb &  David Cossart, Canberra, Australia

All our thanks too! Delia & Tony von B. Canberra

06/10/2010

This was our second visit. After you have done a day of travelling through the lovely countryside, visiting chateaux and wine tasting ,it is wonderful to come home to this peaceful quiet space; our 'home away from home'. Gods many blessings on all who visit within these walls.

'Au revoir',

The Hoskins, Peterbourgh, Ontario, Canada

17/09/2010

Lovely place to stay - loved the village, definitely recommend the crème brulée across the road at the restaurant. Loved the market at Descartes. We visited the chateaux at Chenonceau, Chambord and Villandry - Chenonceau was definitely the best although the gardens at Villandry were beautiful.

Had everything we needed here and couldn't hope for a better place to stay - we hope to be back - thank you!

Sylvia, Imegen and Barry, New Zealand

03/09/10

We have had a wonderful time and been very comfortable here. Thanks to Jim & Pauline who have been very helpful recommending places of interest etc.. Thanks also for the welcome with the milk, orange and wine in fridge. We particularly enjoyed the markets and many of the chateaux. We would love to return sometime - here's hoping !.

The Greer's, Melbourne, Australia.

28/08/10

L'accueil chaleureuse de Pauline et Jim a rendu notre sejour tres agreable. La region nous a enthousiasmes et nous reirendrons tres certainement. Quel plaisir  de rencontrer de gens passionnes par ce qu'ils font!!

Anne, Olivier, Mathilde, Heloise et Thibaud, Mas Blanc des Alpilles (13) France

21/08/10

The house had lots of space and was lovely to come back to on a hot day...... Visited Blois 5/10...,Villandry 8/10 - gardens were stunning, Azay le Rideau..8/10...,Chenonceau 8/10 -boat trip recommend. Clos Luce De Vinci house very enjoyable 8/10....Descartes- beautiful park and swimming pool -- though only very small trunks allowed!

 Jim & Pauline -- thanks for your hospitality. It was so nice to have milk etc. in the fridge. We had a lovely relaxing time and are sure we will be back.

Kate, Phil, Chloie, Jenine and Jules, London, England

14/08/10

House has marvellous ambience -- great break. River swimming and sunbathing at nearby 'beach' at lesigny recommended.

'The Willinghams', Cornwall, UK

05/08/10

Wonderful house, village and holiday.

Pip & Nigel Dalgleish, Western New Zealand

08/07/10

Had a lovely time - we will be back -- soon!

The '3 Mc Hargs', Scotland

April 2010

We stayed in Le Bourg for two nights after a prolonged internet search. We found most accommodation had a 7 day minimum stay. Jim and Pauline kindly responded allowing us 2 nights stay.
We found them to be extremely helpful sending us directions, a driving in France document and allowed us to pay only when we arrived.
A fire already made and the house was warm. The house was just what we had hoped for and more.
We were shown a lovely restaurant across the road and Jim and Pauline let me follow them to the local supermarket. They also told us of an amazing market in Descartes.
I highly recommend Loire Valley Experience and Jim and Pauline. The Loire is exceptionally beautiful and I only wish we could have stayed longer.

The Brockbank Family, (via email}

London UK