La Besnardière (the Hermitage) is a 17th century farmhouse, typical of the Maine et Loire region with oak-beamed rooms, inglenook fireplaces, barns, stables and a pond. It nestles in 5 acres of woodland in an area of the Loire Valley well known for its outstanding natural beauty. This is the Anjou wine region.

The Loire Valley is grand Châteaux country, châteaux too numerous to mention. There is so much to be seen and so much to do: locally the Cross of Lorraine can be viewed in the convent in Baugé; at La Flèche on Wednesday mornings a famous market is held. At Angers there is a cathedral, as well as museums, art galleries and lovely parks and, of course, the château where the Apocalypse Tapestry is displayed.

The area is a paradise for birdwatchers with Peregrine Falcons, Buzzards, Kites, Herons and in the summer the Golden Orioles are a delight to hear. The local forests boast, among other animals, wild boar, deer and red squirrels. In spring and summer wildflowers are in profusion everywhere.

La Besnardière can be found between the village of Fougeré (1 mile away) and the town of Baugé (5 miles away); it offers peace and tranquillity. Set in a wood of poplars which is carpeted in spring with primroses, cowslips and bluebells, ducks swim on the pond, chickens wander around, laying their eggs in the stable, and the goats and donkeys browse beneath the trees. It is the ideal restful, relaxing holiday spot which offers many choices of activity and places of interest to visit.

Bed and breakfast, evening meal and self-catering are available options for guests. All meals are vegetarian, (vegan or special diets can be catered for by prior arrangement), prepared from fresh organically grown vegetables from our own kitchen garden, and the eggs are from our free range chickens. In the summer everyone eats 'al fresco' under the open barn. With the light of the stars and the candles on the table, many a good evening has been spent, eating a delicious three course meal, emptying a bottle of wine, enjoying the company of new and old friends, all whilst being serenaded by a choir of crickets!

When bed calls, two comfortably furnished wood-beamed bedrooms await the weary but by now merry guest. The double bedroom overlooks the pond whilst the twin bedroom has a view of the farmyard. The Barn has been tastefully converted to provide accommodation for individuals or groups and comprises three large bedrooms, showers, sauna, toilets, dining area and kitchen, as well as a large room suitable for workshops/meditation. The ground floor, bedroom and bathroom are accessible to wheelchair users. The Barn may also be hired for self-catering stays. Group leaders are invited to enquire about special terms for groups and parties. There is an area set aside for caravanners and campers, either for overnight or longer stays.

Healing massage, aromatherapy and reflexology are available from resident, qualified practitioners.

Tariffs - Farm House
• Bed and breakfast per person per night - 23€
• Vegetarian evening meal per person - 13€

Tariffs - Therapies
• Massage & Reflexology, approx 1hr - 1hr30 - 30€
• Sauna per session - 10€

I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully meeting you on your visit to France.