The house is a 19th century converted barn with 140m2 of living space on the edge of the village of Avon les Roches. The house is accessed via its own driveway and has ample parking for several cars.

There are two completely separate and independent gites in the grounds-this one (La Maison) and a smaller 4 person gite (La Grange - ref HAUK - 8949559)

The house offers a tranquil setting for up to 6 people.

OUTSIDE

It is situated on the side of the valley in over an acre of land with its own oak wood, flower beds and large grassed areas.

The beautiful terrace in front of the house provides a unique view overlooking the village and the valley of the river Vienne, offering a perfect place to take a glass of wine and enjoy supper outdoors. It is equipped with BBQ and garden furniture.

The 10m by 4m, 1.2m deep heated pool is located at the back of house. The area is fenced and overlooks the surrounding country side. The pool is shared with the other gite. There are set pool hours.

DOWNSTAIRS

The terraced area leads directly into the lounge/dining area, offering a large living and entertainment space. The open plan living dining is a very traditional room with exposed oak beams and stonework, large fireplace, and marble floor. TV and WIFI is available.

A fully fitted kitchen has:-

induction hob
electric oven
fridge/freezer
dishwasher
microwave

There is a cloakroom with WC, washing machine and wash basin.

UPSTAIRS

On the first floor there are three large bedrooms, two with a double bed and the other one with twin beds. There is a bathroom and a second shower room with toilet.

THINGS TO DO

There is something for everyone in the area round La Belle Etoile, largely thanks to the ideal climate, the history and history, and the local rural landscape. These are just a few of the things on offer.

-visiting historic monuments and towns
-canoeing on the Vienne or near the chateau at Azay le Rideau
-horse riding at the various riding stables in the area
-tree climbing centre at Benoit la Foret
-zoos at Doue and Beauval
-walking
-cycling (bicycles are available)
-mountain biking in Chinon forest
-golf
-wine tasting and wine fairs
-food, there are a number of excellent restaurants in the area
-swimming-pool at the house, indoor pools at Avoine/Tours and the river Vienne
-shopping in local markets
-local festivals and festivities at various times of the year

THE LOIRE VALLEY

The Loire Valley spanning 280 kilometres (170 mi), is located in the middle stretch of the Loire River in central France.

The area of the Loire Valley comprises about 800 square kilometres (310 sq mi). It is referred to as the Cradle of the French and the Garden of France due to the abundance of vineyards, fruit orchards (such as cherries), and artichoke, and asparagus fields, which line the banks of the river.

Notable for its historic towns, architecture, and wines, the valley has been inhabited since the Middle Palaeolithic period. In 2000, UNESCO added the central part of the Loire River valley to its list of World Heritage Sites.

The valley includes historic towns such as Amboise, Azay le Rideau, Angers, Blois, Chinon, Montsoreau, Orléans, Richelieu, Saumur, and Tours.

The climate is favorable most of the year, the river often acting as a line of demarcation in France's weather between the northern climate and the southern. The river has a significant effect on the mesoclimate of the region, adding a few degrees of temperature. The climate can be cool with springtime frost while wine harvest months may have rain. Summers are hot; however, influences from the Atlantic moderate the temperature with breezes.

CHINON AREA AND WINES

La Belle Etoile is situated in the AOC (Appelation d'Origine Controlee) of Chinon.

The town of Chinon is situated on the banks of the River Vienne in Indre-et-Loire. The vineyards of the Chinon AOC cover the relatively steep banks of the Vienne as well as the less steep slopes running northward from the hills above Chinon to the Loire.

Spread across 18 communes and encompassing over 50 different soil types, it’s fair to state that archetypal Chinon rouge doesn’t really exist. Identifying what ‘true’ Chinon might be is further confused by the fact the 240 registered wine producers each have their own interpretation of what Chinon should be.

The Chinon reds and rosés are made from Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon. They are typically dry and light to medium bodied and go well with food. In good years the red wines can be kept for 10 years or more.

Cabernet Franc grown on the stony terraces of the area tends to be a young wine with dominant notes of blackcurrant and anise. The wines from the steeper rockier areas along the hills that separate the Loire from the Vienne tend to produce wines that are more tannic . These wines also tend to develop a velvety depth of spice flavors as they age. Though typically thought of as lighter wines, reds from good producers and strong vintages can be full bodied and well structured for aging.

Their whites are composed primarily of Chenin blanc. They are typically described as dry, soft, light, and fresh.