THIS BLISSFUL ANJOU château – home of the de Valbray family since 1820 – stands in 50 hectares of English-style parkland, its tranquillity ruffled only by swans gliding across the lake. Well away from the big tourist beat, Château des Briottières has all the lazy charm of an olden-days aristocratic country house party, hosted by the sociable and hospitable François and Hedwige de Valbray.

While away a summer’s afternoon on the tennis courts,  borrow a bicycle to explore bucolic Loire villages, or discover the secluded swimming pool in the grounds. After dinner, pop along to the library for a game of billiards, or simply sip an Armagnac beneath the twinkling chandeliers of the antique-laden salons.

Family portraits and antiques are everywhere at Château des Briottières. Bedrooms in the main house are bright and airy, with views across the gardens, lake or chapel and extravagantly big bathrooms. A feminine hand has been at work in La Chambre Rose, with its swathes of beautifully coordinated fabrics framing beds and windows, while others are more restrained. There's also a six-bedroom Orangery (le fruitier) in the grounds perfect for a house party with friends
 Guests at Château des Briottières have the option to eat in, starting with a glass of local fizz in the gardens with your hosts.  Linen-draped tables are decked with silver candelabra and a battery of glasses ready for quaffing crisp Anjou wines. Menus include some traditional family recipes and use fresh, seasonal ingredients.
 
From here, feast your senses on the lavish Loire Valley châteaux or visit the great abbeys of Solesmes and Fontevraud. You can pound the streets of medieval Angers or simply paddle along the river in a canoe. The Breton coast and Mont Saint Michel are easy day trips.

Guides de Charme : Hôtels et auberges de charme en France

Off the beaten track, in its expansive English park, the charm of Chateau des Briottières envelops you in calm and tranquillity. The owners welcome you with huge warmth to their home. The reception rooms are linked by a huge gallery – reception rooms filled with 18th century antique furniture, a dining room in pearl grey with pink silk, and a library with a French billiards. On the first floor the bedrooms are decorated with the same taste, ancient furniture, Chinese silks . Some rooms are like little boudoirs , others like vast apartments.

Châteaux & Hôtels de France

The best of French living. Only 2h30 minutes from Paris, in the heart of a 100 year old park in the Pays de La Loire, this 18th century private chateau, in the same family for 7 generations and entirely furnished with antique furniture has been receiving guests for 20 years.

Here you have the rare feeling of being in a private house and a grand luxury hotel at the same time.

Johansens

Surrounded by and English garden of 50 hectares this magnificent family home is in the heart of the calm Anjou countryside. The luxurious interior envelops you in Louis XV furniture and rare objects. The immaculate bedrooms all look over the park and are filled with its scent of flowers and trees. The traditional Anjou dinners are served in the impressive original dining room.