We've had a fabulous time in Montsoreau, at Lara's place. In fact we extended our stay, so were here nearly 2 weeks.
This was my first time to France and I feel like we hit the jackpot - it couldn't have been a more perfect location.
Montsoreau is officially one of the most beautiful villages in France, with charmingly crumbling limestone homes trailing down the hillside to the Loire River. A beautiful classic chateau right in your backyard, and narrow, winding streets filled with roses in bloom. Perfect, right?!
Add to that the Loire a velo (cycle route) going past the door and as many Chateaux, castles and churches anyone could ever want to visit.... (and wineries). Oh and did I mention fascinating troglodyte homes (cave homes) all along the river, carved into the hills?
So if you are dreaming about a quiet French village, surrounded by wine-growing vineyards and chateau, away from the tourist rat-race but with everything you need, I recommend Lara's place.
The 'annexe' apartment was perfect for the 2 of us with a large bedroom and bathroom upstairs (loo with a view of the chateau), and kitchen/ dining and lounge downstairs plus the courtyard. It had everything we needed, and lots of character.
We especially liked: cycling from Montsoreau to Saumur and return, cycling from Saumur to Gennes and return. Breze Chateau (highly recommend, very unusual and interesting). We also did some hikes through the countryside, a historic walking tour of Saumur, and visited Pierre et Lumiere (scale recreations of many local chateau), The gardens of Puygirault and the mushroom museum (it's a 3 in one ticket). But the best thing was wandering the little lanes and alleys, smelling the roses and relaxing in the courtyard. We visited in June, the weather was hot and sunny, and there weren't many tourists around. Thanks again Lara!