Les Sources de Cheverny

So discreet was the sign post to glorious Les Sources de Cheverny, we missed it twice. Of course, it could also have been the distraction of the beautiful landscape it sits in, the heart of the Loire Valley surrounded by vineyards and within a hop, skip and a jump of marvellous chateaux and the sweet little villages that used to service them.

Les Sources de Cheverny is understated and elegant, from its quiet entrance through its own private forest, to the staff that appear seemingly out of no where to offer you a drink in the 18th Century Chateau games rooms or lounge, or the bellhop that cycles your bags to and from your room. Everything is considered and nothing screams.

We ate in the more casual L’Auberge each night, it is cosy and relaxed with a delicious, small seasonal menu and hatted chefs cooking at the open fired oven for added ambiance. So friendly were the chef and staff at Les Sources and L’Auberge, they happily organised dinner when we arrived home late from our balloon ride one evening, we had popped past the bar to have a quick drink before ordering room service, but the team had anticipated our hunger and late arrival and arranged for us to dine just after hours, whilst we were floating above.

For dining, there is also the option of the Michelin starred Le Favori next door, but we were on a family break with our teens and were more than happy in the surrounds of the bistro, although Le Favori looked very well patronised during our stay.

Our teens particularly enjoyed the outdoor heated pool, borrowing the hotel’s bikes to cycle through the forest and past the chateaux, hunting towers and farms (we hired electric bikes once but found this not really necessary, the free bikes outside of reception were just as easy), the tennis court where they enjoyed a hit as the sun was setting and we were having an after dinner digestif at the bar and our special treat - a sunset balloon ride over Château de Chenonceau organised by the hotel. It’s worth noting that both the pool and tennis court are ideally situated away from the rooms and lounging areas, so noise does not carry across and the teens felt that they had a little space and independence. We all had the most beautiful stay at Les Sources and when we were trip planning this past weekend for our upcoming Summer in France, both teens asked to please return. A recommendation if ever there was one.

We stayed in one of the stone farmhouses in interconnecting family rooms (Junior Suite + Superior Room) with a small sun trapped terrace and resident family of black swans. The rooms were quiet and the short stroll home from the restaurant, a nightly joy. Next visit I hope to enjoy the Caudalie Spa.