Welcome to Sans Souci Bed & Breakfast located in the heart of the Loire Valley, an outstanding cultural landscape of great beauty, containing historic towns & villages, great architectural monuments and chateaux surrounded by nature, pristine rivers and century old winemakers.
We specifically chose our B&B location of Lorthier, a petit commune associated to Luzillé, nestled in the quiet countryside yet only minutes to some of the greatest attractions of the Loire. From our location we are less that 60 minutes to over 80 Chateaux. Chateau Chenonceau being the most prominent and beautiful in the region is only 6km/ 10 minutes drive.
The Chateaux:
Chateau Chenonceau: The number one chateau in the Loire region, 2nd most popular chateau in France. Located 6km / 10 minutes drive from Sans Souci Bed and Breakfast.
Chateau Chaumont sur Loire: The Château de Chaumont sur Loire stands beautifully over the Loire river and is rich in history. Owned my Catherine de Medici and “swapped” with Diane de Poitiers for Chateau Chenonceau and once home to Nostradamous. It is world renowned for its annual garden festival. Each year the festival presents 24 small gardens designed my artists, architects and professional gardeners based on one common theme. Chaumont sur Loire is located 35 minutes / 26km from Sans Souci B&B.
Chateau Royal Amboise: Located 20km / 20 minutes drive from Sans Souci Bed and Breakfast.
Chateau Clos Lucé: Home of Leonardo da Vinci Located 20km / 20 minute drive from Sans Souci Bed and Breakfast.
Chateau Gaillard: A newly restored Chateau in the heart of Amboise. Small and unique a must see. Dont miss the orange cake on the terrace. If you can manage the simple yet tasty menu du jour lunch after our filling breakfast James and I do recommend! 20km/20 minutes from Sans Souci B&B.
Chateau Palace Blois: Historical and beautiful, Jean of Arc: Located 35km / 40 minutes drive Sans Souci Bed and Breakfast.
Chateau Cheverny: Located 40km / 45 minutes drive Sans Souci Bed and Breakfast.
Chateau Chambord: The grandest chateau of the Loire. Located 51km / 1 hour drive from Sans Souci Bed and Breakfast.
Chateau Azay-le-Rideau: This chateau inspired many a fairytale. Located 58km / 1 hour drive from Sans Souci Bed and Breakfast.
Chateau Villandry: Spectacular structured gardens, beautiful all year round. Located 60km / 50 minutes drive from Sans Souci Bed and Breakfast
The Winemakers:
Chateau de la Grille: Our personal favourite in the grand val de loire region. Located 72km / 1 hour drive from Sans Souci Bed and Breakfast. Near Chateau Villandry and Chateau Azay-le-Rideau.
Caves du Père Auguste: Wonderful wine producer located just 5 minutes from Chateau Chenonceau. Perfect opportunity to visit the castle and a winemaker if you are only in the region for a short stay.
Chateau de la Presle: Beautiful rich wines of the Oisly region. Located 29km / 35 minutes drive from Sans Souci Bed and Breakfast.
Private Tours of Loire Valley:
Loire Valley Time Travel: No car no worries!! This wonderful tour company run door to door personalised tours of the Loire Valley chateaus, wineries and more. In English!
Loire Valley Time Travel specialise in personalised tours of France’s beautiful Loire Valley. Visit the classic chateaux of the Loire Valley and discover hidden corners that only locals know, dine with farmers and artisans in their favorite restaurants, and visit award winning family run winemakers.
Since 2009 they have been using classic 1950’s Citroën Traction Avant cars for all of their tours, an iconic vehicle loved by three generations of French people. Although the cars are now 60 years old you will be amazed by how comfortable the cars are and how much space there is in the back seat. Just sit back and enjoy the envious looks!
Using both their classic cars they design personalised tours for groups of up to seven people travelling in a 1950’s convoy, and for larger groups of up to ten people travelling in three classic Citroën Traction Avant cars.
Bike / Vélos Rental:
Location Vélos “rent a bike” offers daily rate bike rentals of all forms of bikes servicing all types of riders from beginners to the experienced.
Exceptional service with bike delivery and collections for just 1 euro from Sans Souci bed and breakfast (prior arrangement essential).
- Basic touring bike: 18 euros per day.
- Electric bike: 39 euros per day.
- Advanced all terrain bikes: 45 euros per day.
- GPS with cycle routes 20 euros.
Bike hire includes helmet, repair kit, locking system and bags.
The Abbey:
The Abbey Royal Fontevraud: This stunning Abbey is rich in history, first as a royal abbey and resting place of King Richard the Lion Heart, then after the revolution and dissolution of religious orders it became known as one of the harshest prisons in France. The Abbey is located in the Chinon region, near beautiful wineries and chateaux Villandry & Azay-le-Rideau. Located 90km from Sans Souci bed and breakfast, and approximately 1h 10 minutes drive.
The Zoo:
ZooParc Beauval: The largest Zoo in France. Located 20km / 25 minutes drive from Sans Souci Bed and Breakfast.
Historic Towns and Scenic Villages:
Loches: Magnificent medieval town complete with grand chateau fortress and a beautiful old village centre. Well known for its history and art. Located 22km / 25 minutes form Sans Souci Bed & Breakfast.
Montrésor: “My Treasure” notably identified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, complete with a privately owned petit chateau well worth a visit. Not as populated by tourists as other sights so it is much more relaxing. Located 24km / 25 minutes drive from Sans Souci Bed & Breakfast.
Chédigny: A petit village of roses, this village prides itself on maintaining one of the most magnificent village gardens, every home, store and street has manicured rose gardens awarding this small village “4 flowers” of beauty. Park your car just outside the main street and enjoy a stroll through the village. Best time to visit is spring May-June. Chédigny is located 12km / 15 minutes from Sans Souci Bed & Breakfast.
Cities:
Tours: A vibrent university town with great restaurants, bars, lively markets, music, history and fantastic shopping. Explore the old town and the incredible cathedrals and basilica. Located 37km / 40 minutes from Sans Souci Bed & Breakfast.
Orléans: Is the capital of the Center-Val de Loire region. It is located on the banks of the Loire. Joan of Arc delivered the city of the seat of the English in 1429, an event celebrated by an annual festival. A reconstruction of the house where she stayed during the battle, the house of Joan of Arc, presents multimedia exhibitions retracing her life. The cathedral of Orléans is stunning and well worth the visit. Orléans is located 115km / 1.5 hours drive from Sans Souci Bed & Breakfast.