| VISITORS BOOK All are direct copies from the handwritten entries which can be seen in the | |||||||||||
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 Sara and Jim Call (Innkeepers, 'Meek House', Frankfort, Kentucky, 4060, USA, | Sheila and Brian, We enjoyed our stay here in Le Puy Notre Dame very much. We got a much needed rest and loved being amongst the vineyards. Our meal the first night here was fabulous and Brian was an outstanding guide to the wines in Le Puy Notre Dame. Sheila gave great advice about chateaux to visit in the area and the local restaurant was outstanding. We will recommend your gite to our guests who might be travelling to France. Regards Sara and Jim | ||||||||||
 Jennifer and Nigel Cox (Burton on Trent, UK) 10.10.2011 | Cher Brian et Sheila, Nous sommes retournés chez nous et on vous voudrait dire 'Merci Beaucoup' pour les vacances dans la petite maison a Le Clos des Guyons. We have returned to our house and would like to say Thanks very much for our holiday in the little gite at Le Clos des Guyons. Encore remerciements pour les reseignements vous nous donniez pour les vins, les meilleurs endroits pour aller voir et encore plus. Thanks again for the information which you gave us concerning the wine, the best places to visit and so much else. Nigel aurait aimé passer plus temps avec Brian au Tabac pour l'ambiance. Peut-étre si .... j'y suis allée j'aurai appris plus francias les mots differents! Nigel loved passing a little time with Brian in the ambiance of the local bar. Perhaps, if I went I would have learned different french words. Apres le soleil et la chaleur pour deux semaines à Le Puy Notre Dame ici, chez nous, il est actuellement automnal. After the warmth and sunshine of Le Puy Notre Dame, here at our place, it is actually autumnal. Nous sentons que vous deux améliorions les vacances vraiment agréable. We feel that the two of you made our holiday truly pleasant. Merci Jennifer et Nigel Cox | ||||||||||
Wesley and Kathryn Mckenna (York, UK) 24.09.2011 | Dear Brian and Sheila, We have had such an amazing time here at Le Puy Notre Dame. You both have been fantastic hosts and we have felt very welcomed. The meal Sheila cooked for us was out of this world. We have also learned so much from Brian about the wines of the Loire - and also world history! Good food, good wine, good company and beautiful countryside. A perfect French experience! Wesley and Kathryn | ||||||||||
Kathy and Calvin Smith (Virginia, USA) 23.09.2011 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Thank you so much for making our first visit to the Loire Valley a pleasure! We enjoyed our wine tour and tasting with Brian and visiting the nearby chateaux and especially the Chateau Montgeoffrey - it was fully furnished and that made the past come alive! Thank you for the great hospitality. Regards Kathy and Calvin | ||||||||||
Dr Mike Collins and Susan Pianta-Morrish (Dover, UK) 16.09.2011 | Thanks for recommendations for the Chateaux, the Royale Abbaye and the golf for which we found the best one was at Avrille in the grounds of Chateau de la Perriere just outside Angers. The one at St Hilaire was fine but fairways not brilliant and the nine hole course at Saumur was okay for a knock about but one of the local golfers recommended Golf Bauge which we didn't have time to do. Brian and Sheila thank you for going out of your way to make us feel welcome and may your garden continue to flourish. Mike and Sue | ||||||||||
Mandy and Ron Trussell/ Ron and Diane Hawkins (East Sussex, UK) 16.09.2011 | Sheila and Brian, Thankyou for helping us enjoy our week here, the beds were so comfortable and the gite real cosy. We did all we wanted to do and enjoyed the wine so much. Hope to see you again. Best regards Mandy, Ron, Diane and Roger | ||||||||||
John, and Pat Burt (Bournemouth, UK) William and Sarah Burt (USA) 10.09.2011 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Thank you for a fantastic visit! We enjoyed cycling through the village vineyards and also along the Loire river. Brian's Wine Tour was excellent and informative. We have had a wonderful time and thank you for your hospitality. John, William, Pat and Sarah | ||||||||||
Geoffrey Gwyther (Bromley Cross, Bolton, UK) 10.09.2011 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Thank you both again (my fifth visit)! The week as always has flown by. Brian I shall now always think of the word 'charity' in a different light and I support your Sunday efforts! Keep it going! I managed at last to visit the family estate at Chateau Montgeoffrey - but nobody was at home. However, your Wine tasting/Tour was first class and I had good company with the guests upstairs. Le P'tit Restro in Saumur is a lunchtime must to do! Thanks again for your kindness and warmth. Au revoir and a bientot Geoffrey | ||||||||||
Peter, Debbie, Thomas, Richard and Dena Render (Darlington, UK) 04.09.2011 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Thank you very much for your warm welcome to Le Clos. We have had a lovely time and enjoyed the Loire Valley so much. The gite is very cosy and has everything you need. It was a pleasure to meet you bothand thanks Sheila for your helkpful tips and Brian for the wine tastings. Thank you again. Peter, Debbie, Thomas, Richard and Dena | ||||||||||
Kesserie Pillay and Richard Leoni (London, UK) 29.08.2011 | Brian and Sheila, Although it has only been a short visit we have had a great time! Thank you for your hospitality, the lovely food and the introduction to the Loire region's wines. We look forward to returning to Le Puy Notre Dame and to the Loire Valley soon! Regards Keserie and Richard | ||||||||||
Ken and Pauline Williams (Chester, UK) 27.08.2011 | Dear Brian and Sheila, We are not sure what has impressed us the most during our week with you - the warmth and generosity of your welcome, the kindness of your ongoing hospitality and advice about where to eat and what to see, the depth of Brian's knowledge about wine displayed in the excellent tasting experience in the winery or the size of Brian's tomatoes!! In spite of changeable weather (that we must have brought with us) we have had a great week and have really enjoyed the comfort of the gite. Thank you so much Ken and Pauline | ||||||||||
 Ken and Liz Laurens (Jersey) 20.08.2011 | Sheila and Brian, Although a short visit it has really been interesting and fun! The area is lovely and we know there is lots more we haven't yet seen. It's been a lovely week away. Thank you so much both of you for your welcome and all the advice and friendliness you have given us. Love from Ken and Liz | ||||||||||
Carol, Rob and Dan Foster (Walsall, UK) 20.08.2011 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Yet another SUPERB stay .... Our 7th visit so it's been 7th Heaven for us with no 7th visit itch! The time has flown, the wine has flowed, the laughter has echoed around the courtyard, the pool has been used, the apartment relaxed in, the garden grounds been admired - holidays and hosts don't get any better than this. Le Puy has woven its magic once again and all too soon it's 'Au revoir' from us again but as ever we will be back! Brian and Sheila you are still the BEST hosts and our year would not be complete without a visit - we LOVE it here! We love sharing the magic of Le Clos ... magic created by you both ... See you in 2012 - Hugs, kisses and lots of love Carol, Robert and Dan Foster | ||||||||||
Shelagh, Hugh and Keith Briggs and Marie Wilkinson (Earlston, Scottish Borders, Scotland) 13.08.2011 | Sheila and Brian, Thank you for making us feel so welcome at Le Clos des Guyons, Sheila for all your helpful advice on places to visit and Brian for sharing your extensive knowledge of the local wines. Although the weather was not the greatest for all of our full two week stay, we managed to visit many great places in the area - the Zoo at Doué la Fontaine is well worth a visit, as is Angers, Saumur and Montreuil Bellay. Thanks for keeping the Rouge and Rosé wines stocked up for us in your wine cellar! Brian and Sheila, if you ever get the chance to visit Murrayfield then don't forget to look us up! Thanks again and looking forward to next time already!! Best regards Shelagh, Hugh, Keith and Marie | ||||||||||
 Mitch, Catherine and Victoria Bulbuj (Toronto, Canada) 13.08.2011 | Brian and Sheila, Merci bien for your warmth and hospitality during our stay here. From the moment we drove through the gates we realised we had come to a tranquil yet vibrant part of France. You have steered us well by your giving us great tips on what to do and see. Here's hoping we will one day be able to return to Le Clos des Guyons! Regards Mitch, Catherine and Victoria | ||||||||||
Lee and Jenny Collins (Nottingham, UK) 06.08.2011 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Thank you so much for another lovely two weeks. Again, we will have many fantastic memories. The Grand Prix Retro and the barbeque were such great fun. The scenery, chateaux and the whole area is beautiful. Our wine knowledge (or at least consumption) has increased. Most of all though thank you for making us feel so welcome and making Clos des Guyons such a special place. I'm sure we will be back again. Lee and Jenny | ||||||||||
 Jan, Bjorg Serigstad and Ingrid, John Ronneberg (Bryne 4340 Norway) 25.07.2011 | Hello Brian and Sheila, We are now all safely back in Norway - a different Norway from the one we left. We are in an extraordinary situation at the moment but the whole country is united against the terror that we have experienced. Thank you very much for such a pleasant stay. We saw and experienced such a lot and we would like to come back some time again in the future. Kind regards Jan Serigstad | ||||||||||
Rita and Brian Stewart (Chichester, UK) 06.07.2011 | Brian and Sheila, What a lovely time we had at your gite, you really do have every element covered and we felt very comfortable, the bonus being your great hospitality. We so enjoyed the swimming pool and the coolness of our accommodation, do not believe that I will ever smell lavender again without thinking about your pretty garden. We had a good journey back and le plus rapide route proved accurate to the minute. We had a calm crossing and even saw the Wimbledon Men's Final on Board!! We hope to stay with you again when ever we return to the Loire. Our thanks Rita and Brian | ||||||||||
Neesja, Grant and Maya Leger (Courtenay, BC, Canada) 15.07.2011 | Sheila and Brian, Thankyou for a vacation from our vacation. It has been a wonderful relaxing location to enjoy The Loire. If only we had more time! We loved the Zoo at Doué, daily trips to the Boulangerie, amazing dinner at the local restro and the ensemble dinner here! Grant had an especially good time experiencing 'eau de vie' at least at the moment ... Au revoir Neesja, Grant and Maya | ||||||||||
Debra and Andrew Parsons (Bristol, UK) 15 July 2011 | Brian and Sheila, Thank you for your warm welcome to your lovely gite. We have thoroughly enjoyed our week here and cycled over 120 miles! The roads are perfect for riding with plenty of food stops to refuel at and lots to see. The weather has been perfect and we enjoyed experiencing Bastille Day first hand. Also enjoyed the horse presentation of the Cadre Noir and Chateau Villandry. A fabulous place and great holiday. Regards Debra and Andrew | ||||||||||
 Kieran, Nola, Stephanie, Joseph and Liam White (Shenley, UK and Ireland) 08.07.2011 | Brian and Sheila, Thank you for a great couple of weeks, Puy Notre Dame was a great base to explore all the wonders of the Loire Valley. We had all the season in our two weeks from a great tropical start to a cooler finish. But all the kids had a great time and enjoyed the pool as well as being expert table tennis players. Very best regards Kieran, Nola, Stephanie, Joseph and Liam | ||||||||||
Andy, Jacqui, Dave and Ann Brinicombe (Deal, Kent, UK) 25.06.2011 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Our third holiday in this perfect setting and this time we bought family with us so they too could share our enjoyment. As always, we have had a relaxing week particularly enjoying the wine tasting afternoon with Brian (very informative as always), followed by the superb barbeque in the evening. Thanks also to Sheila for the tips on places to visit especially 'Terra Botanica' where the flowers were stunning and it was a great day out. Sadly the week has come to an end all too quickly but we are already planning our next visit. Once again thanks to both of you for being the perfect hosts. Regards Andy, Jacqui, Dave and Ann Brinicombe, Deal, Kent. | ||||||||||
Jim and Sue Riches (Kent, UK) 18.06.2011 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Our second holiday with you comes to an end - but it certainly won't be the last! Yet again the week has gone way too fast. What can we say other than thank you for being the perfect hosts as always. The weather wasn't auite so kind to us this time round but at least we were able to sit around sampling the wine and putting the world to rights. We look forward very much to doing it all again! See you soon. Jim and Sue ps - 'Up the shrimpers'! | ||||||||||
Anita and Carl Metelko (Wolverhampton, UK) 11.06.2011 | Thanks so much for your hospitality. After a long journey the 'apero' was much appreciated as was the comfy gite. We have really enjoyed a much needed relax with a few visits to local sites - so many to choose from thrown in for good measure. We really appreciated your local knowledge, advice and, of course; Brian's wine tastings - a unique experience. We have had a lovely time. Anita and Carl Metelko | ||||||||||
Geraldine and Alan Hochet (Jersey, Channel Islands) 04.06.2011 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Many thanks for your hospitality and superb accommodation - every detail has been thought about to make the stay more enjoyable. We have visited all around the area and we loved Saumur, Tours, Amboise and Chinon. Going home now today feeling very relaxed but really could have stayed a lot longer. A beautiful area with good food and wine and the restaurant in the village here is superb. Once again many thanks Brian and Sheila and our very best wishes. Geraldine and Alan Hochet (Jersey, Channel Islands) | ||||||||||
Harvey and Jeanette Stephens (Whangarei, New Zealand). 27.05.2011 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Our sojourn in your gite has been a lovely finalé to our UK and France sojourn. The wonder of living amongst buildings that are older than our country is amazing, as are all the chateaux, the troglodytes, the wines, we could go on and on! We have been most comfortable in the gite and it has been ideal as a central oasis amongst all the sights. We will take back fond memories of "Le Clos des Guyons" and Le Puy Notre Dame - plus hundreds of wonderful photos - thank goodness for digital cameras! And now we have to say "Au revoir" to you both and France - be assured you will not be forgotten. Our fondest thanks to you both. Harvey and Jeanette Stephen | ||||||||||
Penny and Kim Merriman (Northampton, UK) 25.05.2011 | Brian and Sheila, Thanks for making this holiday so special, your advice and knowledge of the area is really helpful and adds real value. The village is delightful especially the restaurant and the boulangerie. The whole area is so beautiful. We particularly liked Saumur and Angers. I am sure we will visit again sometime soon. Thanks again for making this holiday so special. Kim and Penny | ||||||||||
Brian and Mary Crabtree (Mississippi, USA) 20.05.2011 | Dear Sheila and Brian, We thoroughly enjoyed our week spent in Le Puy Notre Dame. We loved walking up to the boulangerie every morning and our very good dinners at the village restaurant eating local food and drinking local wine. The cathedral is beautiful as are the local castles. Thank you so much for your gracious hospitality and for sharing your knowledge of the area. We learned a great deal about the wines of the area from Brian's guided tastings. Merci beaucoup!! Brian and Mary Crabtree | ||||||||||
 André et Eliane Turpin (62860 Saudemont, France) 07/05/2011 | Sheila and Brian, Nous avons passé une excellent semaine dans un gite trés calme et trés agreàble. Merci pour votre accueil chaleureuse. Au revoir André et Eliane | ||||||||||
Pip and Martin Ruddock (London, UK) 07/05/2011 | Dear Sheila and Brian, A place with character and charm, well placed for many activities from watching the day pass by to trying the flavours of the Loire! Loved Le Puy Notre Dame. Thanks to Sheila and Brian for advice and company. Will visit again as very much enjoyed our week. Regards Pip and Martin | ||||||||||
Brian and Ann-Marie Hooke (Ireland) 30.04.2011 | Brian and Sheila, Many thanks for an enjoyable stay in your lovely gite. We have had a wonderful time here in Le Puy Notre Dame. The highlights of our visit were the wine tasting and visiting some of the areas magnificent chateaux. We really valued your advice and hospitality and friendship over the past seven days. We look forward to seeing you both again in the future. Regards Brian and Ann-Marie | ||||||||||
Molly and Hank Merrill, Chris, Michelle, Madeline and Luke Merrill (Chevy Chase, Washington, USA) and Roberte Munoke (Lincoln, NE, USA) 23.04.2011 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Best Welcome! Best Wine Tasting ever - that never stopped! We love you both and your hospitality and your lovely quiet village. Thanks for everything! Molly and Hank Merrill and Roberta Munoke | ||||||||||
Diane and Michael Curtis (Philadelphia and Florida, USA). 15.04.2011 | Dear Brian and Sheila, We have had a wonderful week in the Loire Valley. We very much appreciated all you have done for us to make our stay comfortable. The welcome aperitif was lovely and Brian's wine tour was very informative and interesting (and the wines were great too)! Our visits to the surrounding towns were all so different and interesting that it is difficult to name a favourite - the Saumur Chateau, The Royal Abbey at Fontenvraud, Chateau Azay le Rideau, the fortress in Chinon, Chateau Brissac, Chateau Angers and Chateau Montreuil Bellay - did we really visit all of those castles in just one week????!! Not to mention the wines we tasted too! But all good things must come to an end and we leave you with fond memories of the region and of Clos des Guyons. Merci beaucoup! Diane and Michael | ||||||||||
Karlena and Stuart Young (Reading, UK) 15.04.2011 | What can we say, well the sheets were more than we expected, clean and homely. Sheila and Brian were like two people we knew from the past and it was great to meet again. A BIG MUST is a visit to the ZOO! It looks small but it is well packed so you did not have to walk very far to see another creature and all of the animals have plenty of room as they would have in the wild. Can honestly say as a zooy person it is the best I have seen in my life. Brian, thanks for the lessons on wine and Stuart said he now knowS what he can buy off the shelf at home, ho ho! Sheila, thank you for all the chats we have had and about what things were in the area. We will hope to be back in the future, money permitting. Stay good both and all our love. Karlena and Stuart xxxx | ||||||||||
June and Jon Hale (Berkshire, UK and Le Grand Sault, France) 04 January 2011 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Many thanks for your kind hospitality and for all the advice and information. You helped turn what began as a working holiday into a proper Christmas and New Year celebration. The superb food - and wines - were all we could have wished for on a 'Christmas Break'. Just wish we could do this every year! Despite a heavy cold, 'man flu' and a broken toe between us, we really enjoyed our stay. Thanks again and our very best wishes for 2011. June and Jon Hale | ||||||||||
 Rebecca and Paul Baker (Yandoit, Victoria, Australia) 28.11.2010 | Dear Brian and Sheila, A great place to base yourself for a tour of the Loire Valley. We saw many of the great sights in the snow during our visit. Can I also advise visitors to explore the lovely country roads around the district too - we had a delightful time doing this. Thankyou for your help, advice and hospitality. Regards Rebecca and Paul | ||||||||||
Cathryn, Tim, Ryan, Zac Breen (USA/Belgium) 06.11.2010 | Dear Sheila and Brian, We have been thrilled from start to finish to have found you on the web! We have had an excellent time enjoying all that this area has to offer. We have loved it here at the gite and just outside the door in your cozy little town. Thank you for all your tips, offers, Brian's wine tasting tour and all suggestions. We will definitely be sending friends and family this way so ... just keep the kettle on! All the best, Cathryn, Tim, Ryan and Zac!! | ||||||||||
Jayne, Reg, Hukins, Shirley and Andy (Birmingham, UK) 30.10.2010 | Sheila and Brian, What a fab 50th I had, great food, good weather, warm and toastie in the gite with comfy beds. Happy evenings spent in your comfortable surroundings. Would like to visit in the summer to take advantage of outdoor facilities. Jayne, Reg, Shirley and Andy | ||||||||||
Marilyn and Andrew Szita (Kelowna BC Canada) 16.10.2010 | Sheila, Brian, Our stay at your comfortable apartment Le Chenin in October was a most pleasant experience. Marilyn and I greatly appreciated the arrival meal put on by hostess Sheila and particularly the cucumber/ sardine starter. We enjoyed meeting the other guests from Le Sauvignon apartment and loved exchanging stories about our travels. Getting towards the end of October we were able to sit by the pool on most days and enjoy the warm, sunny afternoons. We have visited and toured many wineries, but Brian's escorted tour of the local winery and his knowledge of the local winemaking process, we found both interesting and informative. We will remember our stay with you as one of the highlights of our trip. Marilyn and Andrew Szita | ||||||||||
Valerie, Dennis Gerring and Sheena and Paul Kussey (Folkestone, Kent, ) 16.10.2010 | Sheila and Brian, Thank you for a very enjoyable stay. We have really enjoyed the good weather and great friendship. This is an ideal base for visiting the area and thank you for all your assistance. Sincerely, Valerie, Sheena, Paul and Dennis Kussey | ||||||||||
Cindi and Dan Doell (San Ramon, Carolina, USA) 09/10/10 | Brian and Sheila, Thank you so much for our lovely stay including the sunshine! The gite is darling and so easy to get to. We enjoyed all of your recommendations and next time will stay longer! We just dipped our toes in the area this time. We loved listening to Brian and learned so much from him. The caves visit and the wine tour were just super. Right now listening to the church bells and enjoying the peace and quiet of the village. We hope Brian recovers from his flu and thank you Sheila for your warm hospitality and sharing your home with us. As our "Governator - Arnold S" says: - "We'll Be Back"!! Cheers dears! from Dan and Cindi, San Ramon, Carolina, USA, (just 30 minutes east of San Francisco) | ||||||||||
Jan and John Cook (Perth, Western Australia) 02.10.2010 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Thanks for a very enjoyable stay. The wine tour and tasting with Brian was excellent and we learned a lot of information about French wines and sampled quite a few also during our week here! This is our second trip to France and we thought we would perhaps have had enough and want to try somewhere else - but this has just made us want to come back again; Good luck with all your plans and we thank you very much for making our stay so pleasant. Regards John and Jan Cook | ||||||||||
Jason, Genefer and Alessia Benhamdouni (Toronto, Canada) 02.10.2010 | Dear Brian and Sheila, We had an amazing time staying in your gite. Sheila's tips were so useful and they made our travels with our four year old daughter a breeze. From the Circus, to Sleeping Beauty's Castle, to the horse gala at the Cadre Noir, she was endlessly entertained and, of course, we were entertained too with the best wine tasting of our lives - "Thank you Brian". Finally, the village is really beautiful. We will have a lot of memories from here. Regards Jason, Genefer and Alessia, Toronto, Canada. | ||||||||||
Kjeld and Pattie Sorensen (Gaithersburg,Maryland, USA) and Helen and Bob Decker (North Carolina, USA) 25.09.2010 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Many thanks to you both for all you did for us during this week that regrettably has flown by so swiftly. Your friendly guidance and loving concern has made our stay here one which none of us should ever forget. Pattie and Kjeld especially enjoyed the Wine Tour and Tasting with Brian at the local winery and have talked about it ever since! As for Bob and me, well this is obviously our last trip abroad - Bob will be 89 years old next week and I am not far behind him, so we are more than pleased that our final trip to Europe was one which brought the two of you into our lives. Long may you continue to bring joy to those whose lives you touch. Sincerely and With Love, Kleld and Patie Sorensen, Maryland Bob and Helen Decker, North Carolina | ||||||||||
Roy and Betsy Stanford (Arlington, Virginia, USA) 23.09.2010 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Your warm hospitality and thoughtfully appointed 'Le Chenin' were a perfect welcoming to our Loire experience. Les Clos des Guyons turned out to be a real find with its proximity to Saumur and other historical villages. We visited major chateaux within our first three days and enjoyed side trips down roads less travelled. We made discoveries not noted in guidebooks and will take delight in memories of our many photographs. Brian led us on an informative tour of a local wine maker, into the caves, and then tapped off the experience with a really delightful wine tasting seminar in which he showed us how to intelligently indulge and savour the nuances of the grape. Betsy indulged her life long passion for horses in the two days we spent at the Cadre Noir in Saumur, watching dressage horses from around the world prepare to compete in the 4-Day International Grand Prix. Their stables accommodated more than 400 horses and are world known for their teaching and coaching. Our sincere thanks to you both for all your help and in making our Loire visit so memorable. On now to Dijon and Paris. All the very best, Betsy and Roy Stanford, Arlington, Virginia, USA. PS Sheila, we couldn't have survived without that Super U! | ||||||||||
Anne and Bede Squire Vivienne and Greg Gilpin Bill and Marie Hinkley (Levin, New Zealand) 18.09.2010 | Dear Sheila and Brian, We have enjoyed a great stay here and enjoyed great weather too, great wine, great food and great friendship. This has been an ideal place for us to relax after busy days of sightseeing, shopping and searching for patisseries! Thank you for your assistance, directions and hospitality. It has been a great seven days and we have all enjoyed the Loire Valley immensely. Onward now from here to Italy! Au Revoir! Vivienne and Greg, Anne and Bede, Bill and Marie New Zealand | ||||||||||
Nick, Melody, Fyrne, Freddie and Tilly Sawyer (Salisbury, UK) 08/09/2010 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Thank you very much for such a relaxing and enjoyable stay. It is a shame it was so short! We particularly enjoyed the cycling and pool and of course the boulangerie and wine tasting! Please keep an eye on the Chateau up the road for us. We should win the Euromillions soon! Thanks again, Nick, Melody, Fyrne, Freddie and Tilly | ||||||||||
Karen Bell (Liverpool, UK) 03.09.2010 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Thank you both for a lovely holiday and all your help and guidance. Enjoyed trying all the new wines and even the reds! Weather has been just fantastic and totally recharged my batteries. Learned some new French and I can order a coffee properly now, thanks Brian. The meal out was lovely last night and I even ate a snail ... Can't believe the week went so fast. Back to sunny Liverpool tomorrow. Hope to see you again next year. With lots of love and thanks. Karen (Liverpool) | ||||||||||
Carol, Robert and Dan Foster (Walsall, Staffordshire, UK) 14.08.2010 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Another vintage year - thanks to you and the magic of Le Clos des Guyons, you are hosts with the most qualities, the local sites fantastic, plus the eatery! Time flies when you are having fun - it's flown and we certainly did! It was lovely meeting Judith and Pitou and the Bostonians - it all adds to the special times guaranteed here ... This has been especially fab for us - it's been great to see what a difference a year makes - 2010 "our year"! We'll be back for our 7th visit! Cheers to Health, Harmony and Happiness. Lots of Love to you both. from Carol, Robert and Dan Foster XXX | ||||||||||
Barbara, Roy, Katharine, Helen and Patrick Roach (Bishop's Stortford, Herts, UK) 07.08.2010 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Thank you very much for a lovely week, it has flown by. You are both so friendly and helpful - nothing is too much trouble. Thank you for suggesting a visit to the zoo, it was fantastic and a must see for everyone else. The local restaurant was superb and thank you for booking the table. Thank you very much again. Au revoir, Barbara, Roy, Katharine, Helen and Patrick | ||||||||||
Keith and Rita Herkes (Bedford, UK) 31.07.2010 | Two weeks have flown past and it is now time to leave Le Clos des Guyons and our wonderful hosts Sheila and Brian. Although only our second visit we feel very much 'at home' here and in this lovely area of France. The Grand Prix Retro was one of the highlights, with many others to remind us of Le Puy Notre Dame. We shall return! Keith and Rita | ||||||||||
| Geoffrey Gwyther and Robert (Bolton, UK) 17.07.2010 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Well where has the week gone! This was a particularly nostalgic return visit for me to "Le Clos des Guyons" and at first I felt I could not go through with it, but with your usual happiness, help and direction and also that of my great nephew, Robert, you can see from all the photos this last few days, everyone has had a wonderful time. Thank you for inviting us to your "Special Birthday Party Sheila" and meeting your local friends and neighbours and Peter and Denise "downstairs". What a night! Again, on the 14th July at the Fete de Bastille in Saumur, what a spectacular firework display and such an excellent meal in Le Grand Bleu, Saumur. Brilliant weather, fine wines and French food, all have contributed to a good "ambiance". I am sure I have seen that teapot before!! I will be back - a bientot! Geoff I had a great time too here this week meeting new people and seeing places in France I have not seen before. Thank you very much for your hospitality and I will hopefully see you both again! Thanks from Rob xx | ||||||||||
| Denise and Peter Crowley (Coventry, UK) 17.07.2010 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Well we have had such a lovely week again and it has been so nice getting to know you both much more. The wine tasting with Brian, the lovely evening we had celebrating Sheila's birthday and the coffee we had in the café at Doué together. Just everything really. Love to you both and see you again for sure. Peter and Denise xx | ||||||||||
Andrea and Philip Killen (Leeds, UK) 03.07.2010 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Another wonderful stay in your magic kingdom. Memories replenished, spirits refreshed and we travel with our dream of living in France still intact! Many, many thanks. Andrea and Philip - The Killens | ||||||||||
Anne and Peter Brown (Devon, UK) 06.07.2010 | Bonjour Brian and Sheila, Peter and I so enjoyed our stay at Le Clos De Guyon. We loved Le Puy and the whole area around it - there are so many things we didn't get to do that a return visit is certainly on the cards. Thank you very much for looking after our needs - Sheila was ever a fund of useful advice and friendly inspiration. We enjoyed our wine tour with Brian very much, it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. Other highlights would have to be our Sunday lunch in Saumur followed by the 'Fetes des Geants et des Masques' but really we enjoyed each and every day - all our bike rides, local and further afield were fun and we loved Montreuil Bellay. The Chateau was well worth visiting but the town itself is lovely to walk around and Chinon was fascinating - especially the medieval quarter. We visited several Caves and found them all interesting although I think Cave de Saumur was my favourite after Domaine de la Paleine. The boulangerie in Le Puy and the town restaurant have to have a mention too both are very good. We have returned with a fair bit of interesting wine and lots of happy memories. We hope the rest of the season goes well for you and we hope to see you again. Au revoir, Anne and Peter | ||||||||||
Chris and Helen Carder Graham and Kathy Collins (Canberra, Australia) 10.06.2010 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Thank you so much for being here in this idyllic place and for providing such a comfortable homely place for us. We have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves - indulged actually! Regards Chris, Helen, Graham and Kathy | ||||||||||
Matthew and Lesley Gage (Bath, UK) 19.06.2010 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Thanks so much for a comfortable stay. What a delightful and tranquil place in France you live. All the very best - see you! Regards Matt and Lesley. PS Hope England manage a victory in the World Cup on Wednesday! | ||||||||||
Jim and Sue Riches (Sevenoakes, UK) 12.06.2010 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Thanks so much for a fantastic week. A perfect gite in a perfect location. We really couldn't have asked for more or expected so much! We appreciate all the hard work you have done in supplying all the creature comforts and on top of that we loved Brian's Wine Tour but most of all we enjoyed the company of both of you throughout our holiday. Hope to see you both again! With best wishes Jim and Sue | ||||||||||
 Guus and Evelien Tonino (Rotterdam, Holland) 04.06.2010 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Thank you for your lovely hospitality both in and outside the gite. We have enjoyed our stay with you and we liked the nice invitation to the aperitifs. All the best for you both. Guus and Evelien Tonino | ||||||||||
Jeff and Linda Ballance (New York, USA) 22.05.2010 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Thank you for your wonderful hospitality and we enjoyed meeting your friends across the road. We enjoyed Le Puy and the region and the information in the apartment was very helpful especially the book on the history of France. All the best for the future! Jeff and Linda | ||||||||||
Nancy Phillips, David and James Zalaznik (Dallas, Texas, USA). 22.05.10 | Dear Sheila and Brian, You are great hosts. The gite and advice given was useful. We just wanted to let you know we had a great time at your place and in your small village. We all agreed that this was the best part of our trip. The pastry shop one block away was great and the restaurant in walking distance was some of the best food we had while in France - tell them again thanks for making us a special meal of rabbit! We felt like we got to know more about the wines of your region through the wonderful, personal wine tasting you did for us at the local vineyard. We enjoyed talking politics, health care, etc., out on your beautiful courtyard and seeing the caves under your home was very interesting. Best regards Nancy, Dave and James | ||||||||||
Mark Cundle and John Finch (Warfield, Berkshire, UK) 08.04.2010 | We stayed only two nights but were so impressed with Sheila and Brian's place that we want to stay next time for a week. Best regards John Finch and Mark Cundle | ||||||||||
John and Beverley Price (Coquitlam, BC, V3K3H7, Canada). 30.04.2010 | Sheila and Brian, Many thanks for your hospitality! John and Bev | ||||||||||
Judith Kaplan and Pitou (Paris, France) 23.04.2010 | Dear New Friends, I can't begin to thank you for your hospitality and friendship over this past week. I so enjoyed myself and I can speak for Pitou also. We can't wait to return! A bientot!! Fondly, Judith and Pitou | ||||||||||
Debbie and David King (Rochester, Kent, UK)  17.04.2010 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Thank you both once again for a truly delightful week. We arrived needing a rest and we certainly enjoyed one but, as ever, it is the welcome and the wonderful atmosphere of calm that you create that make for a relaxing break. Thank you too for inviting us in to your part of the house and for entertaining us and also for the wine tour tasting sessions! All in all, a wonderful week and we really look forward to the next. Good luck with the approaching summer season and please stay in touch. Our love to you both, Debbie and David | ||||||||||
Karen and Chris Mead (Piedmont, California, United States of America)  14.04.2010 | Dear Sheila and Brian, We have loved our stay in what has to be the most atmospheric, comfortable and charming accommodation ever! You are lovely, entertaining and helpful hosts and we have enjoyed our daily chats. It's difficult to leave "our" cosy home - we really wish that we could transport it with us on the rest of our journey. Thanks for introducing us to the Domaine de la Paleine Saumur Brut - I'm sure it will impress and delight our hosts at an up/coming dinner party in Paris! Take care - and make sure that next January and the rest of the year are safe and healthful. Regards Karen and Chris Mead | ||||||||||
The Goldstraws, Morgans, and Bloor Family, (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, UK) 10.04.2010 | Sheila and Brian, Good memories to reflect upon and a great time with copious amounts of great wines and food. You are both a credit to the gite business and have told many people what good hosts you are. Cordialement, Stephen, Helen and Tom Goldstraw, May and Peter Morgan, Theresa, Steve, Sammy and Corey Bloor | ||||||||||
Marilyn and Doug Roberts (Leek, Staffordshire Moorlands, UK) 03.04.2010 | Sheila and Brian, What can we say!!! Lovely place to stay, peaceful and quiet, wonderful hospitality from our hosts. We have not managed to do half of what we wanted to, so we will have to return which we would love to do. Hopefully next time we will pick a better week weatherwise but it has not stopped us getting around and about! Thank you very much "Merci Beaucoup"and au revoir. Marilyn and Doug | ||||||||||
Kim, Andrew, Angela and Alistair Fortune. (Lara, Victoria, Australia) 02.04.10 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Had a lovely time, great place to stay, the best one yet said the kids! Hosts are very friendly and the gite is roomy and full of everything you could want. We wish we could stay longer. All the best, Kim, Andrew, Angela and Alistair | ||||||||||
Jerry and Helen Lyons (Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America) 27.03.2010 | Dear Brian and Sheila, We thoroughly enjoyed our all -too-short stay in the beautiful Loire Valley! So many fantastic chateaux to see that one could spend a whole season here and still not see them all. Your help in finding markets, restaurants and ATM certainly was always timely and gracious. Brian's wine tour and tasting was the best we have had in France, Italy and the Nappa Valley of California! If and when you retire from operating your gites Brian you could start running a Loire Valley Wine Tour - I am sure that the Yankees would "drink it up"! ("actually Jerry - I do run wine tours" - Brian)! Brian - remember that old Mr Jack Daniels is "Tennessee Sippin Whisky" just like good Scotch (is there any other kind?). This will probably be our last time to visit France (this was our sixth visit) and we could not have found better hosts!!! Good health, good weather and good times! Jerry and Helen Lyons | ||||||||||
Hazel and Jonny Smith (Newcastle, Scotland) 14.11.09 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Thank you very much for taking us under your wings at such short notice! It was a fab welcome and the meal was fantastic after a day of travelling, absolutely delicious!! especially the duck!! Having your knowledge of the area and helpful guidance was a blessing and made the week here pass as if it was a long weekend! We have felt spoilt for choice of food and great wines all week long. The wine tasting Brian was brilliant and we were able to buy quite a few Christmas presents along the way. Many thanks. Hazel and Jonny | ||||||||||
Linda and Andy Johnson (Saddleworth, UK) 31.10.09 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Thank you so much for your generous hospitality. The dinner on our first night was especially welcome - and delicious! Having you both around to offer information, help and guidance has made this a great and memorable holiday in a lovely part of France and we are truly delighted to have found such excellent quality sparkling wine from the local wineries for our daughter's wedding! We hope to return soon and look forward to seeing you both again. Many thanks and best wishes, Linda and Andy Johnson | ||||||||||
Janet and David Allen (Leek, Staffordshire, UK) 11.10.09 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Great place, great holiday and will return! All the best, Janet and David | ||||||||||
Bernard and Janet Lawson (Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, UK) Dave and Sue Lawson (Ashbourne, Derbyshire, UK) 08/10/09 | Thanks Sheila and Brian for your hospitality once again. Another really enjoyable short holiday. This time we discovered the lovely walks around here and hope to have another opportunity to explore them further before too long. Thanks also for the fascinating wine tour and tasting! A bientot, Bernard and Janet Dave and Sue | ||||||||||
 Thomas and Pascale Vrielink (Brussels) 02/10/09 | A vous deux! Nous cherchions une place romantique, jolie, calme, quelque chose de different de tout les jours. Et auprés de vous nous avons trouvé tout cela. Les jours sait dévenus trop court, nous avons vu de loin Le Puy Notre Dame. Nous pensions y passer une nuit pour commencer notre Voyage de Noces mais votre accueil etait si fantastique, que nous n'avons pas seulement une chambre trouvé mais aussi je pense de nouveaux amis pour les anneés à venir. Bons bisous ,Thomas et Pascale et merci pour les meuveilleux souvenir. | ||||||||||
Guy and Shirley AnneRobillard, also Jackie, Raymond, Bill and Peiette (St Constant, Québec, Canada) 25/09/09 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Thank you for a very nice week. It was our first time in France and we really enjoyed your recommendations. We will always remember sipping a glass of wine with you upon our arrival - the signature of your hospitality. Also we will remember the typical French property that you are so very fortunate to own and so generous to share! Thankyou. | ||||||||||
Rob and Sandra Cartwright (Sutton on Sea, Lincs, UK) 11/09/09 | Dear Sheila and Brian, A wonderful week of good weather, wine tasting, walking and cycling. We enjoyed your company and the trip to the local vineyard with Brian was informative, interesting and not to be missed. We enjoyed the local village walk around the vineyards and the local restaurant comes highly recommended. A perfect week for our first trip to the Loire! Many thanks to you both. Rob and Sandra | ||||||||||
Barbara and Leo Carney, (Brisbane, Australia) 04/09/09 | Dear Sheila and Brian, We have had a wonderful holiday in a delightful village. It is such a great area with so much to see and do. We particularly enjoyed our day at the Wine Festival that you recommended at Aubigné sur Layon - good wine, good food and good music! Angers was another highlight with the wonderful Cathedral and of course the Apocalypse-tapestry. We really enjoyed out two visits to Saumur and the Royale Abbey at Fontenvraud. The lovely restaurant in the village was a bonus - it was great to be able to walk in a few minutes and get such good local food. After many trips to France; we have really enjoyed visiting this area. Sheila and Brian, your hospitality, knowledge and willingness to share it with us made this a great holiday. Thanks for everything. Barbara and Leo | ||||||||||
Nigel, Jeni, Robert and Jordan Pim (Waterford, Ireland) 21/08/09 | Cher Sheila and Brian, Merci beaucoup for everything! Thank you so much for all the pre holiday assistance and the wonderful welcome you gave us. We really loved being part of the 'family' for the week. Also, thanks for the French lessons Brian, we really learned a lot in such a short time! Best of luck with the continued renovations, we look forward to visiting again and seeing the progress. Au revoir! Nigel, Jeni, Robert and Jordan. and Sue Pim. | ||||||||||
Jenny and Lee Collins (Nottingham, UK) 21/08/09 | Dear Brian, Sheila and Meg! We have had an amazing time in Le Puy! Thank you so much for the lovely welcome. It is impossible to pick out a favourite memory - the chateaux and sites have been beautiful but it is our time at 'Le Clos des Guyons' which will really stick! From enhancing our wine appreciation, watching shooting stars, lazing around by the pool and delightful evenings outside with a glass (or 7!) of wine - it has all been wonderful. Watch this space, I'm sure we will be back and with a trailer for the wine this time! Love from Jenny and Lee (and an ear rub for Meg!) xx | ||||||||||
Carol, Rob and Dan Foster (Walsall, UK)
15.08.09 | Dear Sheila, Brian and Meg! We have had yet another fantastic visit - the sun shone, the sky was blue, the pool was warm, the company marvellous, much wine was quaffed - time has flown! Another vintage year - thanks to our hosts with the most! Will be back next year for more fabulous times. Cheers to you and all you do! Until 2010! A bientot! Lots of Love, Carol, Rob and Dan | ||||||||||
Peter, Denise, Sam, Lee, William and Isobel Crowley (Coventry, UK)
07.08.09 | Dear Brian and Sheila, We have all had a lovely two weeks in your gite. You have both made us feel so welcome and we especially enjoyed the BBQ, such a lovely start to the holiday! William and Isobel have enjoyed the pool, even Nanny had a dip! You have been so helpful with places we have visited and have enjoyed the evening we spent in the courtyard sharing a glass of wine or two! Will have lovely lasting memories of our stay in Le Clos des Guyons. Our Wine Tour was also very memorable thanks to Brian and William enjoyed the ride back in your lovely car! Well all we can say is 'See you next year'! Love, Peter, Denise, Sam, Lee, William and Isobel | ||||||||||
Steven and Helen Goldstraw (Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, UK) 08.08.09 | Dear Sheila and Brian,
Brilliant!
Very best wishes, Steven and Helen | ||||||||||
Tami and Mike Ross (Chester, UK) 30.07.09 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Thanks for a fantastic and quick "week". We really enjoyed the BBQ at the Grand Prix and getting to meet so many nice people. Thanks Brian for both wine tours! We learned a lot about wine and certainly imbibed our fair share also. Mike was happy to help you redecorate your courtyard (sorry about that)! We will be stealing some of your sunshine and taking it back to the UK. Thanks again for your fantastic hospitality. You may be seeing us crazy Americans again! Best wishes, Tami and Mike Ross | ||||||||||
David and Mandy Harnett (Bucks, UK) 25.07.09 | Brian and Sheila, Thank you very much for your hospitality over the past week and the aperitifs on arrival really helped us to settle in quickly. We have had a really relaxed week and managed to visit several markets in the area, our favourite being Bourgueil. Ate some great food at the Auberge Bienvenue at Doué being highly recommended, also really enjoyed three visits to the local restaurant in the village. Thanks to Sheila for booking the restaurants! Best wishes from David and Mandy and thanks again! | ||||||||||
Paul, Julia, Faye, Lucy and Matty Clarke (Stoke on Trent, UK) 25.07.09 | Brian and Sheila, Thanking you for yet another wonderful holiday at Le Clos des Guyons. Great Bastille Night celebrations! We enjoyed our visit to the Military Tank Museum and also the Oriental Gardens too. With best wishes, Paul, Julia, Faye, Matty and Lucy | ||||||||||
Tom, Jay and Gerant Thomas and Ceri, Willie, Stella and Luke Fairhurst (Scotland) 18.07.09 | Sheila and Brian, Thanks for a lovely holiday in your gite. You have certainly settled in a beautiful place - with good food, good wine and fantastic hospitality. Stella (age 5) and Luke (age 2) loved visiting Chateau Brezé especially when they could play at being Kings and Queens! A week is not long enough to spend here. A bientot! | ||||||||||
Sue and Steve Cherry and Mary and John Gobey (Surrey, UK) 11.07.09 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Words cannot express how much we have enjoyed being here. Sheila makes us feel so welcome and Brian has an uncanny ability to make visitors relax, so much so that we have not been getting up till late! We really hope we can get back here within a year or two. "Merci, nous avons fait un bon sejour".
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Andy and Jacqui Brinicombe (Deal, Kent, UK) 04.06.09 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Well what more can we say that we didn't say last time. Our second time here in nine months and this time two weeks instead of one, that in itself should say something. We came expecting good weather, good food, good company and good wine and have not been disappointed. We have had a nice lazy break and our thanks to you both for providing such a lovely environment enabling us to relax and feel at home, as well as being such good hosts. Thanks once again for everything and we wish you well in the future. Andy and Jacqui. | ||||||||||
Pat and John Price (Gloucester, UK) 27.06.09 | We stayed here in September 08 and couldn't wait to return! Our second visit has more than lived up to our memories and expectations. We re-visited the Zoo and visited Angers for the first time - the Tapestry is on a scale neither of us had imagined. We have really enjoyed our all too brief week with you and once again your hospitality has been outstanding. This has been the best gite holiday we have ever had. Very best wishes Pat and John | ||||||||||
Norma and Philip Luxton Pauline and Alan (Hampshire, UK) 20.06.09 | Sheila and Brian, Another lovely week in your gite. It really is the best we have been to in France. The weather has been perfect (mind you we did order it when booking)!! Thank you Sheila for the wonderful meal and all your help in booking our boat trip on the Loire. Thank you Brian for your help in the wine cave. Wishing you both all the best! Norma, Phil, Pauline and Allan | ||||||||||
 Sue and Doug Armstrong (Haliburton, Ontario, Canada) 20.06.09 | Brian and Sheila, Thanks for the memories! You're great hosts, super advice on places of interest, wine and food. I even managed to save some wine to take home - don't know how given the assault on our stash by Brian and I on a couple of memorable evenings! Cheers! Sue and Doug | ||||||||||
Gloria and Ralph Huff (Massillon, Ohio, U.S.A.) 10.06.09 | Sheila and Brian, You made our first experience at a gite very enjoyable. Best wishes to you both for a long, happy and enjoyable life! Gloria and Ralph | ||||||||||
Sue, Jay and Ryan Ramsay (Brisbane, 4122 Australia)
06/06/09 | Dear Brian and Sheila, What can we say! You have been the most delightful hosts! Your hospitality has been amazing. We have felt so comfortable and we are now fully rested to begin our next adventure. We will recommend your gite to all and sundry so be prepared for an onslaught of Aussies! Keep well and remember our drinking times together Brian and the happy times here, as we will always remember you both. Sue, Jay and Ryan Ramsay
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Chris and Cathy Dymond, (Toronto, Ontario, Canada).
23/05/09 | What could be better than Springtime in France? Springtime in the Loire at Brian and Sheila's lovely well supplied gite!As many have already noted they are the perfect hosts - a veritable wellspring of information about things to see and do, always ready to visit but non-intrusive too. The 'Sauvignon' was equipped so well It was easy to prepare meals. Brian and Sheila even provided a cooler with freezer packs and picnic bag so you can take cold drinks and lunch each day - we really appreciated that! A Wine Tour with Brian is an absolute must do. He has a vast knowledge of everything about wine and its cultivation/production and he is happy to share it. You will gain a whole new appreciation of all aspects of this industry! Brian and Sheila, first you welcomed Nick and Xeidhar and now us too. We arrived feeling as if we were already friends and you have made us feel even more so by your wit, warmth and charm. Thank you for sharing your wonderful slice of paradise with us. We repeat Nick and Xeidhar's invitation. You are welcome in Canada anytime! Our warmest regards, Chris and Cathy Dymond, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. | ||||||||||
Jérome et Maryline Blum (21110 Rouvres en Plaine, Dijon, France) 03/05/09 | Un grand merci Sheila and Brian pour votre accueil et votre gentillesse. Notre sejour fut trés agréable mais malheureusment trop court. Nous gardons précieusement votre adresse. Nous vous adressons nos sincéres sentiments. Maryline et Jérome. | ||||||||||
David and Hazel Hanley (Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, UK) 30/04/09 | Thanks Sheila and Brian for your hospitality and supplying such a lovely gite for us to relax in after busy days in our vineyard.
Regards David and Hazel | ||||||||||
| Jill, Kimberley, Colton and Cassidy Palmer. Susan Frankel and Brittany O'Leary. ("The Pacific Coast Vaulting Club", Woodside, Carolina) 94062. 12/04/09 | Thank you both. We have had a lovely stay at your home! Merci!
The Palmers and Frankels | ||||||||||
Louise and Graeme Tasker (London, UK) 07/03/09 | What a fantastic time we have had here in Le Chenin. A shame to have to leave and return to London. It was the perfect jumping off point to explore the Loire. So much to see and do and still time to just kick back and chill out. Sheila and Brian are bon vivants of the highest order. We thoroughly enjoyed our first evening's meal and wines and the visit to the local winery and our final night spent again in Sheila and Brian's most interesting company. We will return! Lou and Graeme | ||||||||||
Jacques et Brigitte Grumberg (92330 SCEAUX, France) 01/11/08 | Cher Sheila and Brian, Nous ont acceullés trés chaleureusement du Chenin. Jacques et Brigitte
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Paul, Julia, Lucy and Matt Clarke (Stoke-on-Trent, UK) 01/11/08 | Dear Sheila and Brian, We have had yet another great time at Le Clos des Guyons. We are all looking forward to seeing you on our return in July 2009! With best wishes, Paul, Julia, Matt and Lucy | ||||||||||
Tess, Tony and Emma Hart (Alstonville, Australia) 22/10/08 | Dear Sheila and Brian, We enjoyed our brief but wonderful stay with you. You made us feel completely at home and directed us to the most interesting areas around here! We will be back with the rest of the family to explore more and taste more vino ! Many thanks from Tess, Tony and Emma | ||||||||||
Nick and Xaidhar Dymond (Toronto,Ontario, Canada)
4/10/08 | A remarkable couple et une 'Gite Incroyable'! Xaidhar and I have had a wonderful time on our "Honeymoon" and though we are heading to Paris today we will definitely miss your hospitality, gastronomic knowledge and company.
Sincerely yours, Nick and Xaidhar | ||||||||||
Laurel and John Moore (Collingwood, Ontario, Canada)
04/10/08 | Brian and Sheila, We are in love with this beautiful region, the magnificent wines Brian introduced us to and your wonderful gites. Our stay in Le Sauvignon so charming really added to the old world atmosphere. We had everything we needed and since we love to cook it was perfect! Thanks again and bon courage with the renovations Sheila and Brian! A la prochaine! | ||||||||||
Margaret and Allan Thomas Birmingham, UK)
27/09/08 | Le Sauvignon 20-27 September 2008 We have returned for our belated summer holiday, our grandchildren having arrived safely eight weeks before their due date. Luck has been with as as we have had warm sunny days to enjoy the beautiful Autumn countryside. What can we say about Clos des Guyons that hasn't already been said by its many guests? Perhaps that when arriving we have a feeling of coming home and the main reasons for our returning so often are our hosts who ensure that all is perfection with the property (and I am sure Brian has a hot line to God to sort the weather!) What can we suggest for future guests? Villandry in September is just stupendous but perhaps because we have often visited at earlier times of the year, it has had such an effect on us this time. Chinon is fab and the work on the Chateau bears watching. Above all, please enjoy all that this beautiful region has to offer. Thank you again Brian and Sheila for making our holiday so great! Allan and Margaret. | ||||||||||
Pat and Bob Dawkins (Epping, UK) 27/09/08 | As Francophiles of many years standing we know that we would enjoy our first visit to the Loire region. How seven days have flown by and we have only scratched the surface! What we didn't know was how very comfortable we would be in Le Chenin and and how hospitable and helpful we would find Sheila and Brian. We are only sorry that we didn't find time to explore some of the local wines with Brian but next time it will be top of our to do list. We wish you both many happy years at Le Clos des Guyons and hope to see you again before too long. Pat and Bob | ||||||||||
Pat and John Price (Gloucester, UK)
20/09/08 | Le Sauvignon, 13-20 September 2008 Sheila and Brian have been excellent hosts - attentive but never intrusive - and their welcome aperitif when we first arrived was an ideal start to what has been a great holiday. The gite itself is extremely comfortable, well equipped and is probably the best we have stayed in during many years of 'giting'. The weather has been very good and so we have spent many of our afternoons just basking in the sun trap that is the garden rather than doing all the things we had planned. However, the highlight of what trips we have made has been the Zoo at Doué - a treat not to be missed as is the village restaurant and the local wines. We plan to be back! Many, many thanks, Pat and John | ||||||||||
Andy and Jacquie (Deal, Kent, UK)
20/09/08 | Brian and Sheila, Thank you so much for being excellent hosts and providing an extremely comfortable and well equipped gite. The aperitifs on arrival were the perfect start to our holiday and we have enjoyed subsequent evenings by the pool relaxing and chatting over a few glasses. The restaurant in the village provided us with an excellent meal as did The Barbecane in Montreuil Bellay and the Troglodyte Caveau Restaurant in Doué la Fontaine. There is so much to do in the area and unfortunately we ran out of time, but we would recommend the Zoo at Doué la Fontaine, the Chateau at Brissac, Futuroscope in Poitiers, a day in Angers, especially viewing the tapestries in Chateau d'Angers and, last but by no means least, the visit to the village winery with Brian which was interesting and informative, followed by a leisurely tasting. There is so much more to see in this area I am sure we will return and we can't think of a better base than here with Brian and Sheila. Andy and Jacquie | ||||||||||
Norma and Phil Luxton(Portsmouth) and Jane and David (Devon) 13/09/08 | Arriving later than anticipated, a warm welcome awaited us, Brian with the wine and Sheila with the food. The meal was superb and the choice of wines were excellent! We were very lucky with our choice of gite, the weather and our hosts. Brian and Sheila were unobtrusive but always willing to help in any way which was much appreciated. This is one gite we will definitely be returning to (if only to get our boat ride on the Loire)!!! Jane and David, Norma and Phil. | ||||||||||
Stephen and Sarah Johnson (Barton upon Humber, North Lincolnshire, UK)
06/09/08 | As first time visitors to this region we have been impressed with the enormous range of 'things to do' on our doorstep. Ideally placed for many days out, we have benefited with the favourable location Le Clos des Guyons enjoys. A special 'Thank You' to those future guests who are kind enough to transport our wines back to Blighty while we battle on North on motorcycles. When we open a bottle during the winter we shall relive fond memories of The Loire and be grateful to arrangements made by Brian, Sheila and friends to assist in shipping. Much appreciated. Initial impressions of C-d-G entirely favourable and failed to dwindle despite the best efforts of not good weather. Regardless, adventures to various sites of historic interest throughout our week has meant that we leave C-d-G entirely happy. Recommendations to friends and family interested in this part of the world will include Brian and Sheila's project here. Our first wine tasting experience is highly unlikely to be our last. I personally hold Brian responsible for this dangerous new hobby! With genuine thanks for a memorable holiday. Stephen and Sarah Johnson | ||||||||||
June and Alan Clark (Barton upon Humber, North Lincolnshire, UK) 06/09/08 | We have had a fabulous week, although the weather has not been particularly kind. The accommodation is very cosy and comfortable and has everything you could need. Sheila's food on our arrival evening was superb as was Brian's knowledge and choice of wines to complement the food. They are both lovely, welcoming hosts - thank you. We enjoyed the wine tasting in the village and look forward to our purchases being delivered to England in due course. Good luck with your continuing project!! Love Alan and June. PS Love Meg Dog too!! | ||||||||||
Karen, Sandy, Jasmine and Anya McAvoy (Yorkshire, UK)
30/08/08 | Mine Hosts, We all had a great week here. Weather very good and the accommodation was excellent, plenty of hot water and a comfy bed hit the spot! Brian's knowledge of wine making and wines is exceptional. The local village restaurant excellent value for money, visited three times as the quality of food and service was superb. The girls loved the pool and sun terrace. For us this part of France is a real pleasure, we loved the whole area, the local wines and chateaux everywhere. We recommend Chateau Breze with its underground caves. Anya loved the Zoo at Doue la Fontaine and Jasmine the shopping in Saumur. The views from the top of the hill at the Chateau in Saumur are just spectacular. Sheila and Meg are lovely and the other guests from Manchester, Rachel and Michael were good fun! With love, Karen, Sandy, Jasmine and Anya | ||||||||||
Rachel and Michael Taylor (Manchester, UK) 30/08/08 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Thank you for a lovely week in 'Le Chenin'. The accommodation was great and the weather was fantastic! Brian's knowledge of wines is second to none and the wine tasting trips were enlightening! Although we feel a detox is needed now! We loved Saumur and would recommend the 'Canoe hire on The Loire' - although beware they drop you off 13km away and you have to make your own way back - so not for the faint hearted! Thanks to you both for all your tips whilst we have been here and we hope to visit again soon! Love Rachel and Michael | ||||||||||
Alison, Keith, Bethan and Marc Davies (Cardiff, Wales) 23/08/08 | Dear Brian and Sheila, We have had a lovely week here in the Loire. The apartment is really lovely too. We've enjoyed going to the Zoo at Doué it was really fun and it was the best Zoo we have ever been to. We also enjoyed playing table tennis a lot and we have had fun on the bikes. Mum and Dad have loved sitting out in the pool area every night. Thankyou for everything when we've been here. Hopefully, we will come back and stay here again. Lots of Love, Bethan , Marc, Alison and Keith. PS. I loved stroking Meg too!
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David and Debbie King (Rochester, UK) 23/08/08 | Dear Brian and Sheila, Thank you so much for a truly delightful week! The welcome was warm and the accommodation the best that we have experienced in twenty years of coming to France.
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Carol, Robert and Dan Foster (Walsall, UK)
16/08/08 | Brian and Sheila, Thanks again - it's been another magnificent visit! We have had a marvellous time visiting the same old sites, dining in familiar restaurants, re-acquainting ourselves with our hosts and re-uniting with John and Maria. Our first night was memorable, the local restaurant in the village a real find and the complimentary Calvados a worry! As ever, our hosts have been hospitable to the max - long may they reign supreme ... it's the reason we return! The week has flown by but will definitely be back - reservation already made. 2008 another vintage year..... Roll on 2009! Lots of love Carol, Robert and Dan and big hugs to Meg too! | ||||||||||
John and Maria Bannister (Manchester UK)
16/08/08 | Brian and Sheila, Thanks once again for your warm hospitality. We have had an enjoyable and memorable holiday. The reunion dinner at the local restaurant captured all that is great about the area:- good food, good wine and good company! Best wishes and good luck in the future! John and Maria | ||||||||||
David, Ela and Ryan Brown (Blackburn, Lancashire, UK)
08/08/08 | To Sheila and Brian, What a wonderful fortnight we have had! So much to do! Every day provided us with something different. For me, 'Puy du Fou' was the best place to visit. It made me forget about reality and time to dream a little. The Show in the evening was out of this world! David enjoyed being away from the rain in England, loved the food and the evenings in the sunshine. Ryan on the other hand will be raving about the swimming pool, table tennis, not to mention the DVD's he watched. The trip to Futuroscope won't be forgotton and we will remember the trip on the River Thouet canoeing! We would like to thank you both for all the advice and guidance you have given us, without it we would not have done as much as we did. Thankyou and Merci! Ela, David and Ryan | ||||||||||
Keith and Rita Herkes (Bedford, UK)
01/08/08 | Dear Sheila and Brian, We were in Le Puy Notre Dame for the very first Grand Prix Retro in 1997 and have not been able to return until this year! The wait was well worth it, as not only was the Grand Prix great fun to watch but Le Clos des Guyons and your great hospitality and conviviality have made our week here both enjoyable and memorable. Your welcome, helpfulness and caring approach have helped to make this week one of the best we have spent in France, including the Wine Tasting Tour!! I hope the MG makes it home with the extra weight of wine! We plan to be back! Best wishes, Keith and Rita | ||||||||||
Julie Lloyd, Charlie Burman, Ruby and George. 26/07/08 | Thank you so much Sheila and Brian for having such a lovely gite and helping to make our stay so pleasant. Convivial and private. Sending a few photos we thought you would like. We're home now (il pleut!) with fond memories of our stay with you, and I don't just mean the wine! We've all had a great holiday. Thanks for being such considerate hosts. We were fortunate with our other gite too, not so well equipped as yours (I think yours will be hard to better) but charming. We feel very fortunate. Hope the Grand Prix went well and wish you both every success with Clos des Guyons. You deserve it. Best wishes, Julie, Charlie, Ruby and George. Merci Bien! | ||||||||||
Bertine Wierda/Renée Lentjes Leest 7 Eindhoven 5641 ND, Nederland Les Pays Bas 25/07/08 | Brian and Sheila, We have had two weeks of enjoyment in your gite and your hospitality. You are a wonderful host and hostess. Because of you we have been able to enjoy the beautiful Loire region with all its culture, its roses and its beautiful wine. Thank you very much for your wonderful hospitality. Bertine Thank you a million times for a 'bon séjour'. We loved the conversations and wish you good luck! Renée | ||||||||||
The Fairhurst Family (Edinburgh, Scotland) 19/07/08 | Brian and Sheila, Thank you for your warm hospitality and lovely accommodation, it was ideal for us. Geraint and Willie were particularly thankful for Brian's Wine Cellar and Fridge, much better than a trip to the off licence back home. Chateau de Brezé and the Zoo at Doué la Fontaine were particular highlights as was the Mushroom Farm at Sanziers, so many uses for caves and not at all scary for the children. Although the caves at Brezé were steep and narrow, they were possible with the baby buggy. The children had great fun in the pool and we had many a nice bbq knowing the children were in shouting distance close by. Many thanks, Ceri, William, Luke, Geraint and Stella! | ||||||||||
Eileen and Alan Yeomans (Yorkshire, UK) | Many thanks for a lovely weeks holiday here at Le Clos des Guyons. From the moment we arrived (eventually at 9.15pm)! you have both been so welcoming and helpful. Thanks for the trouble you went to Brian for checking up on the fishing permits! The gite is 'home from home' and we immediately felt settled. There is everything anyone could need even down to the baking tins and rolling pin! We have thoroughly enjoyed the week and wish we had booked for two weeks. We hope to return and wish you both well. Many thanks, Eileen and Alan | ||||||||||
Sandra and David | Thank you for your warm welcome, glorious aperitifs and champagne on arrival and the gite which was really comfortable and had everything we needed. Lorraine and I especially enjoyed the bikes and the pool chair lilos! Great company too and a really informative wine tasting. We will certainly recommend Le Clos des Guyons! | ||||||||||
Pat and Brian Prior | Brian and Sheila, We have had a warm welcome from Sheila on our arrival which was much appreciated. Great chats with Brian and his wonderful knowledge of wines went down a treat. Clean and comfortable was the gite with everything to hand - what more could you want! Regards Pat and Brian | ||||||||||
Gill, Roger, Debbie, Christopher and Isabel James | Dear Brian and Sheila, Thank you very much for your very warm welcome and the invaluable advice and information that you have given us. Isabel has had a wonderful introduction to France. We have all thoroughly enjoyed our holiday and hope to return to the Loire region in the near future. With best wishes. Roger, Gill, Christopher, Debbie and Isabel (17 months) James | ||||||||||
Sally Jean and Sonia Bell (Adelaide and Perth Australia)
21/06/08 | Sheila and Brian - 'Mine Hosts Extraordinaire'!! We have so enjoyed our time in the Loire seeing Villandry with its magnificent gardens, Saumur, Azay le Rideau (and the town so quaint)! Montreuil Bellay and Chinon with all the old medieval buildings, etc. Got lost somewhere every day so travelled many additional kilometres. Thoroughly enjoyed the special winetasting with Brian and of course the tour of the caves! Thank you both so much for your hospitality. The gite was just perfect with everything one could possibly need, then there were the 'welcome' and 'departure' drinks by the pool, fantastic!!!! Sally Jean and Sonia | ||||||||||
Susan and Richard Jameson (Columbia, Maryland, U.S.A.)  Pippa Sales and Wendy Hansen | With great appreciation and a Special 'Au revoir' to our hosts, Sheila and Brian, from Pippa and Wendy (Afrique du Sud) and Susan and Richard (Etas Unis) Thank you Brian and Sheila for a memorable stay. It became our comfortable base and "Isle de Comfort". The birthday treat to Richard was a nice touch and superb send off for him into the next decade. Thank you also for your intervention with the weather - delightful. Sheila, your warmth and desire to make our stay so comfortable and Brian your enthusiasm for the wine industry and your dry sense of humour, contributed to our most enjoyable stay. We wish you a very successful season. | ||||||||||
| Graham and Avril Pipes (Lincoln UK) 14/06/08 | A wonderful break and weather lovely and warm - except for the 20 minute bike ride when Graham got a soaking! The only rain of the week - how did that happen?! Thank you Sheila and Brian. We hope to return for further explorations! Graham and Avril | ||||||||||
Frederick and John Hester | Thanks for a great stay and great hospitality. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with you and visiting the chateaux - especially Saumur. The wine visit was great and very interesting. Brian was very knowledgeable and enlightening! Good luck with your building projects and thanks again! | ||||||||||
Gloria and Jim Van Orsdal Carmen and Dandy (United States of America) 14.05.08 | Brian and Sheila, Although you didn't see us often as we traversed the Loire Valley visiting the many lovely chateaux and villages, we adored the gite very much. We had everything we could want or need for an even longer stay. Thank you for 'bailing us out' with condiments the first morning to go with our lovely local baked goods from the boulangerie! Spectacular weather, a lovely region and wonderful hospitality. With much appreciation, Gloria, Jim, Carmen and Dandy. | ||||||||||
 Héléne et Eugéne Gendronneau. Yves et Josette Girardeau. (44310 St Philbert de Grand Lieu) | Nous avons passé un tres agréable sejour dans votre region. Nous vous remercions de votre bon accueil Merci.
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Nigel and Heather Burn- Murdoch (Hurst, Berkshire, UK) 10.05.08 | A very comfortable and relaxing week - thanks for all your hospitality Brian and Sheila. This gite has everything you could want , rain or shine and is just the ticket! We wish you all the best for the coming season and look forward to visiting again. Regards, Nigel and Heather | ||||||||||
Gloria and Jim Hearn (Llandeilo, Wales)
10.05.08 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Thanks we have had a wonderful break. Your gite is very comfortable, well thought out and well equipped. We have been lucky with the weather and our visit to the Doué Zoo was excellent as many others have said. We also enjoyed Montreuil Bellay and our visit to the Chateau. Jim also enjoyed the visit to the Military Tank Museum at Saumur. Our visit to the local vineyard with Brian was excellent and we would thoroughly recommend this - the wines are very good and Brian is very good at explaining it all to you. Thanks again for your hospitality and it was a pleasure to meet you both. Wishing you both all the very best for the future, Gloria and Jim | ||||||||||
Patrick, Paula, Krystina and Joseph (Pontypridd, UK)
04.04.08 | Dear Brian and Sheila, We have had a wonderful time and many thanks for your hospitality. The drinks and nibbles when we arrived was a lovely start to our week here. Having access to the bicycles has been great fun for us all, although we are a little saddle sore! We particularly enjoyed the 'Wine Tour and Tasting'. I think we now have a budding 'Master of Wine' as Joseph keeps talking about 'legs' and bottle weights! We certainly hope to return some time in the future. Kind Regards. | ||||||||||
Pete and Mel Davison 12/03/08 | Dear Brian and Sheila Just wanted to say thanks for everything over the last few days. It was great to see France and especially the area where you are living. The Wine Tasting was quite an experience and we both thoroughly enjoyed it! It was so nice to see you both again after so long and to catch up with what we have all been doing. We will be keeping an eye on your website from now on and look forward to hopefully seeing you around September time when the kids are back at school. Have fun with the renovations. I am sure it will all look great in the end; especially as Brian is in charge!!! Thanks again, Pete and Mel. | ||||||||||
Margaret and Fred Mann (Little Humby, Grantham, Lincolnshire, UK) 16/02/08 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Many thanks for a lovely holiday and your warm hospitality - the aperitifs when we arrived were much appreciated. We were blessed with wall to wall sunshine for most of the week (albeit a bit chilly at times) which enabled us to take advantage of all this beautiful area has to offer. We particularly enjoyed spending "St Valentines Night" with the locals in the village restaurant here - a great meal, very good value et beaucoup d'ambience! Thanks again, Margaret and Fred. | ||||||||||
David and Janet Allen (Leek, Staffordshire, UK) (07/11/07) | Dear Sheila, Brian and Meg! Thank you for your excellent service during our stay and for the lovely food and wine on our first night. We are apparently your final guests of the 2007 Season before you close for a couple of months and we hope you can now go on a well earned round of social visits. Once again, many thanks and we look forward to returning in 2008! A bientot, Janet and David. | ||||||||||
Paul, Julia and Lucy Clarke (Stoke-on-Trent, UK) 27/10/07 | Well after this my third visit this year to spend get another memorable week, still finding it hard to leave and again looking forward to returning here! We had a lovely trip to La Rochelle on the coast. Fantastic wine and food again. A first visit for my new partner Julia and her daughter Lucy. They have enjoyed their visit and are looking forward to returning. Best wishes for the rest of 2007! Looking forward to a great 2008! Love from Paul, Julia and Lucy | ||||||||||
Steve Robertson (Los Angeles, United States of America) and Joelle Choo (Singapore) 22/10/07 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Thank you so much for making the start of our vacation such a memorable one ..... the hospitality and attentiveness to everything have been truly unexpected. Your generosity is much appreciated AND BEYOND our expectations we felt like we were visiting old friends! We are excited about coming back and can't wait to bring family and friends here. We wish you well and good health. All our love and prayers to you both. Steve from Los Angeles, USA and Joelle from Singapore | ||||||||||
Sarah and Alan Burnley, 10/10/2007 | Brian and Sheila are the perfect hosts. We have been renting gîtes for many years and this is the best and the best value. In fact we were initially concerned it was too cheap!!! We loved the village, the food, the wine and all the very friendly people. Take the 10km. walk through the beautiful countryside, it is worth it!! Thanks, Sarah and Alan | ||||||||||
29/09/07 | Dear Sheila and Brian, Another excellent holiday (comme d'habitude)! Your neighbours supplied excellent wine tastings along with Brian's commentary to add colour and authenticity. Sheila, your care and attention to our various requests made everything happen and heading back now to Leek has come too soon. Looking forward to seeing you at Christmastime! Love Pat and Bob. Sheila and Brian, Thank you for your wonderful hospitality. I am afraid the end of the wine ...(I mean week)! came much too soon!! We really have enjoyed the wine tastings and Brian's knowledge of wine. We have enjoyed your company and the accommodation is excellent. Once again, thank you Sheila and Brian for all you have done to make this holiday the success it has been - but beware "We'll be back"!!!! | ||||||||||
Julie and Dale Donovan (Rushyford, Co Durham, UK)
(29.09.07) | Thank you for a lovely holiday. We arrived two weeks ago uncertain what to expect on our first visit to France but it has been wonderful. Brian and Sheila made us very welcome with advice on where to visit and eat etc. Brian's Village Wine Tour is a must and Sheila's lovely welcome aperitifs much appreciated. We've enjoyed touring around the Loire very much. Chinon is well worth a visit and we had a great meal at the Cafe des Arts sitting in the square by the fountain on a sunny afternoon. Fantastic Chateau D'Usse is lovely. The village of Candes St Martin is a hidden gem. The Langlais Wine Cave Tour is a must. Le Clos des Guyons offers everything you need for a great holiday. Fantastic accommodation, lovely garden, the perfect hosts. Many thanks Brian and Sheila for making our first French holiday so enjoyable. | ||||||||||
Lea and Andy Duffy-Kosusko (Bremerton, Washington, United States of America)
14/09/07
Aurore Craenhals (Belgium)
14/09/07 | Thank you for a lovely week. Our first time to the Loire and our stay here has been truly memorable. From the chateaux, to troglodytes, to walks in the vineyards and all around Le Puy. The best part was the wine tastings in the village, lazing by the swimming pool and the wonderful BBQ with Brian and Sheila and Geoffrey and Doreen. Having Aurore, our former Belgian exchange student with us also completed our vacation perfectly. You both have been very warm and shown perfect hospitality to us all! We are thankful for the beautiful sunny weather and the chance to spend a short week of our lives in this perfect corner of the world! We will hold this memory of our "9 Year Anniversary Celebration" vacation precious. Thank you! Lea and Andy Duffy Kosusko (Washington, United States of America) Thanks for everything! Aurore - Andy and Lea Et maintenant une Belge Thank You for Everything Aurora from Belgium!! | ||||||||||
Doreen and Geoffrey Gwyther (Bolton, Lancashire, UK)
14/09/07 | This has been our third visit and we still have not seen and done everything we had planned to do. We did manage to get to 'La Licorne' in Fontenvraud for our "Wedding Anniversary Celebration" and it really is a lovely place to eat - you need to book. The afternoon river trip along the Loire was also interesting and worth while even if to look at Saumur from a different angle! The new restaurant in the village was good with quality local food. Of course the BBQ on Thursday evening with our upstairs neighbours was an event to remember! Brian and Sheila have been wonderful hosts, full of advice on where to go and visit and where to eat. We didn't manage to go to the Zoo at Doué this year which was disappointing but Brian's guided tour around the Winery together with the 'tastings' afterwards plus the bottles we bought will bring back memories when taking a glass or two or three even, in the weeks to come. Back to reality next week, will miss Meg's appearances at our door! Great weather all week! Best Wishes et Bonne Chance! Doreen and Geoffrey. | ||||||||||
Nigel and Nicky Donahoe (Norfolk, UK)
08/09/07 | Fantastic spot, its amazing what you can fit in in a week (so many things to see and do - so little time) however, we gave it our best shot and managed:- Shopping for essentials in Super U - plus non essential shoes! Antiques Market and Tour around le Chateau at Montreuil Bellay. Wine Tasting in Saumur - shame we had the car! Angers Castle and the famous tapestries plus drive along the Loire. Troglodyte caves at Forges plus Rochemenier!W ine Tasting with Brian - still searching for the butterscotch! Day trip to the of the Venice Vert and to La Rochelle. Puy Notre Dame Church with lights and music! Le Cadre Noir Ecole Nationale d'Equitation - horse lovers paradise! These trips inter-twined with lots of table tennis, cycle rides, the odd chill out by the pool, a few glasses of wine and the unsurpassed hospitality from Brian and Sheila here made for the most enjoyable holiday, even the weather has been kind to us. I guess we will be back, if only to check on Brian's restauration progress - thanks for a wonderful time! Nigel and Nicky | ||||||||||
Carol and Chris Green (Ilkley, West Yorkshire, UK) 08/09/07 | Thank you both for an absolutely fantastic week. Our days have been packed with lots of things to see and do. We could have easily spent a month here. Loved the swimming pool and garden area and really enjoyed the wine tasting. Hope all goes well with the renovation work in the next few months and that you both get to relax in such beautiful surroundings. Take care and hope to see you again soon. Many thanks | ||||||||||
Sarah, David, Isaac and Phoebe Sheffield. (Ashbourne, Derbyshire) 01/09/07 | Thanks so much for such a great week's holiday. We have loved the apartment and the children especially enjoyed playing in the pool - what a treat! It has been wonderful exploring a little of the Loire and lots of good food and wine - can't think of a better way to spend a week. Thanks especially for making us to welcome and we hope to see you next year! Anytime you are visiting North Staffordshire we will repay the hospitality! (not in quite such a beautiful environment!!!!) With our best wishes. Sarah, David, Isaac and Phoebe. PS We will miss Meg! | ||||||||||
Ruth and Stuart Wright (Twickenham, Middlesex, UK) 01/09/07 | What a fantastic week we have had! A fantastic friendly welcome and support throughout the week as we have eaten and drunk our way around the local area. We love the village and will have many happy memories. With many thanks. Ruth and Stuart | ||||||||||
Wendy and Clive Webb Roy and Sue Howett (Auckland, New Zealand) 25/08/07 | Well here we are in our last week in France and this has been a great place to finish our holiday. Brian and Sheila have made us very welcome and the location is just great for exploring the Valley!Points of interest included the Chateau in Angers and the Routiers Truck Stop by the second roundabout in Saumur for good food at 11.00 Euros, including wine. The Silk Museum around the corner in the village is just great and good value for money - the kids would love visiting it! Once again a Big Thank You to you both and Meg for making our stay such a fabulous one! Kind Regards. Roy, Sue, Wendy and Clive, Auckland, New Zealand. "Go the All Blacks"!! | ||||||||||
Louise, Rosie and Andy Jenkins (Cardiff, Wales) 25/08/07 | Dear Brian, Sheila and Meg, Fantastic two weeks - thank you very much. Hope we didn't drive you up the wall. We'll be back in 2009. Andy, Louise and Rosie | ||||||||||
Carol, Robert and Dan, Foster (Walsall, Birmingham, UK)
18/08/07 | Dear Brian and Sheila plus Meg, This is our third time and it was still BRILLIANT! We've had a fabulous time .. and it's down to you. The hosts are still sparkling despite the injuries, the apartment still inviting, the wine as tempting and the poolside a haven to relax in - yet again - SHEER BLISS! In fact, it's so tranquil it is quite difficult to motivate yourself to move although as it's the third visit the pressure for sightseeing is off! The BBQ, our re-union with old friends and wine tasting was memorable, the following headache best forgotton - but our very first meal in the village restaurant was a triumph! Thanks again - it's been fantastic. Until August 2008 and take care! Lots of Love, Carol, Robert and Dan Foster xxx PS I never did get to dip in the heated pool! | ||||||||||
Bill and Teresa Mackenzie (Dursley, Gloucestershire, UK) 11/08/07 | Dear Brian and Sheila, We have had a wonderful holiday at Le Clos des Guyons. A splendid setting and a warm welcome. We will return if you will accept us!! Au revoir, Bill and Teresa | ||||||||||
Gerald and Anne Davies (Chepstow, Monmouthsire, UK)
11/08/07 | A wonderful relaxing time had by all! Highlights include the wine tasting in the village with Brian (obviously) and a visit to the effigies of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II at Fontenvraud Abbey. Also relaxed chess with my son and darts with my daughter! We have already talked of returning with friends next year for a relaxing time cooking and drinking. NB - I have used the word relaxed several times: Sums it up! Gerald and Anne | ||||||||||
Gaynor, John and Laura Cobb (Berkshire, UK) 04/08/07 | Thanks so much for a lovely week which we have looked forward to all year and we were not disappointed, you even arranged the weather! The old cars and motorbikes racing around the village when we arrived were a sight for sore eyes! We visited several chateaux, Angers, Chinon and its lovely 'old town' also Chenonceaux - a longer trip but well worth it for it splendour and history. Thanks Brian for the wine tasting. A very interesting tour and explanation of the wine flavours - must spend more time 'savouring' and less time drinking - some hope! Many thanks for the comfortable, well equipped accommodation and for your hospitality, especially for inviting us to your special 'Race BBQ' which we enjoyed very much (lovely food and atmosphere - a great start to our holiday). With very best wishes. | ||||||||||
Paul, Faye, Matthew Clarke and Charlotte. (Stoke-on-Trent, UK) 04/08/07 | Yet another fantastic break. A planned break to see the Le Puy Grand Prix Retro and what a superb event! A great BBQ followed by a relaxing few days. A great night out at Saumur for the Fete 'Grande Table de Saumur Champigny' with a wide variety of music and dancing for all to enjoy. Once again it is a chore to leave and now looking forward to a return visit! Best Wishes! | ||||||||||
Lynn and Jim Forbes (Belleville, Ontario,Canada) 27/07/07 | Dear Sheila and Brian. We have had a wonderful time. It's hard to leave. Your place is marvellous! We enjoyed the village wine tour. A great place for biking! Take good care both! Lynn and Jim | ||||||||||
Denis and Karen Robinson (Newtownabbey, Co Antrim. N.Ireland) 29/07/07 | We had a lovely time staying with you and thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality. The icing on the cake was the barbeque for the Grand Prix. It was a great meal and we enjoyed meeting all your French and English friends. Tell Brian to take care on that scaffolding! Once again thank you so much for making our holiday so enjoyable and hope the rest of the season goes well for you. | ||||||||||
Donalda and Jeff Simmons (Belleville, Ontario, Canada) 27/07/07 | This was our first France experience and it was just great! We enjoyed many great sites and experiences. Your enthusiasm and hospitality was a memorable addition to a great holiday. All the best! Donalda and Jeff | ||||||||||
Stephen Hunter (Belleville, Ontario, Canada) 27/07/07 | Dear Brian and Sheila. On my four month 'Tour of France' I have never enjoyed better facilities, location; times ......... and, above all, HOSTS! You have made my stay fantastic and I know all my friends who visited agree. Hopefully, I can return some day ... and bring my wife Cathy with me this time! Thanks again for your time and good company and I hope you continue to enjoy the wonderful place you have! Best Wishes, Stephen Hunter, Belleville, Ontaria, Canada. | ||||||||||
Gemma and Will (Didsbury, Manchester, UK)
21/07/07 | We have had a lovely week and lovely weather, enjoyed lazing by the pool punctuated by the odd game of table tennis. The bikes were great and cycling through the vines at dark watching the hares and swallows was just lovely. Had a great time on Bastille Night joining in the dancing with the locals in the square and drinking lots of red wine! The restaurant in Puy Notre Dame is a must, the food was excellent (best créme brulée ever) and its great value at 16,00 Euros for four courses! The city of Angers is lovely with great shopping. The gardens at Chateau Villandry are stunning also; we drove there alongside the Loire and passed through Montsoreau, Usse, etc., all beautiful villages. Many thanks to Sheila and Brian for being such great hosts. We hope to return with family and friends! | ||||||||||
Elizabeth, Steve and Alison Parkes (Seaford,UK) 14/07/07 | We have had a wonderful stay here in this lovely accommodation. It has been a most relaxing week, the rooms were nice and the setting around the pool so pretty. We had a lot of fun playing table tennis and darts in the barn. Unfortunately the weather was not as had hoped for but that didn't stop us getting out and seeing a few of the towns like Saumur and everything they had to offer. A very enjoyable stay. Thank you very much. | ||||||||||
Paul, Del, Kathy, Marie, John and David Taylor (Queensland, Australia) 06/07/07 | This has been a truly lovely six days. We wanted to experience French country life after visiting Paris - don't think we could have picked a lovelier location. Have enjoyed exploring neighbouring areas and the castles. We will never forget this and thank you Brian and Sheila for your hospitality. | ||||||||||
Sarah and Dominic Hollingsworth (Crewe, Cheshire, UK) 06/07/07 | We have had a lovely week here at Clos des Guyons in one of the most comfortable beds! The accommodation is excellent and would certainly recommend a holiday here. Thank you. | ||||||||||
Jenny and Ernie Wells (Rochester, Kent, UK). 29/06/07 | We can only repeat in our own words what has been said by many before us. A lovely authentic French Gite where we have enjoyed soaking up the Anjou atmosphere all week visiting many places, despite the weather. This made possible by Brian and Sheila being so friendly and helpful. We will return. Kind regards! | ||||||||||
Dawn and Denis Denereax (Victoria, Australia) 16/06/07 | We came here to relax and enjoy the country of France after travelling through Morocco and Spain. We found Le Clos des Guyons and its hosts, Brian and Sheila, a very pleasant and welcoming part of our journey. Life here has many similarities to the area of Australia (Gippsland) in which we live. It will now hold special memories for us which will be passed on to family and friends. With Best Wishes! | ||||||||||
Gillian and Mike Kirby (Surrey, UK) 23/06/07 | Thanks for the welcome and aperitifs on our first evening they were just what we needed. The accommodation is excellent and we have really enjoyed our week here. The weather hasn't been as good as we expected but it has not prevented us from visiting the many local attractions. A week to recommend to our friends. Best Wishes.
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Peter and Sue Bufton (Adelaide
09/06/07 | When planning our five week French holiday from so far away, we wished to satisfy at least three main desires. They were to:- After a month on the road we arrived at Le Clos des Guyons, to a wonderful welcome, and (to us) the new thing of "aperitifs". We soon felt, in some small way to be joining in the rhythm and lifestyle of Le Puy Notre Dame. The morning trips to the boulongerie, then off to the boucherier, the supermarket, the restaurant, bar/tabac and, malheuresement - an amende! (parking fine) And so, for the future, we wish Sheila and Brian all our very best. We hope that Sheila is able to go from strength to strength and that with Brian's able assistance they are able to cope and carry on with an endeavour they both truly enjoy and are so very capable, and with the flair they demonstrate with such ease. With all our best wishes! Les Australians Fous, Peter and Sue Bufton, Adelaide, South Australia. | ||||||||||
Allan & Margaret Thomas
01/06/07 |
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M. Mme Jean Jacques Lataillade et Rosa! (78990 Elancourt, France) 20/05/07 | 2 Francais et 1 Portugaise, amoureux du Cheval qui ont decouvent le gite "cozy" lors d'un déplacement à Saumur. Séjour rapide, (une nuit), mais que nous a permis d'apprécier le lieu et l'accueil souriant et efficace de Sheila et Brian . Une adresse à retenir et a conseilier. | ||||||||||
Paul Clarke and Glenis Taylor (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire,UK)
13/05/07 | Yet another memorable stay with superb hosts. It's a fantastic area with good food and great wine. Looking forward to return visit at the end of July for the Grand Prix! Best wishes. | ||||||||||
Ray and Pam Daniells (Portsmouth, UK) 06/05/07 | Brian and Sheila. We loved our stay with you and the apartment was superb - an excellent start to our holiday. We will recommend you to our friends, hopefully one day to return ourselves. Kind regards. | ||||||||||
Rich and Louise Tandy
Kath and Ryan Tandy (New Jersey and New York City, United States of America) 28/04/07 | We will always remember our enchanted week visiting the wonderful Loire Valley. Our long awaited vacation to this lovely country retreat was beyond our expectations and dreams. Your charming hospitality has proved to be the piéce de resistance and we are sad to leave here now. Our best regards to you both until we return some day. Rich and Louise, NJ, USA.
Thank you for being such wonderful hosts - next time we will stay a month! All the best for the place. Le Clos des Guyons gave us a rustic feeling that we DON'T get in New York City. A great week! Thanks again. Ryan and Kath, NYC, USA. PS. Thank you Sheila for sharing your delicious asparagus from your garden. Thank you Brian for your wine expertise, it was very educational. | ||||||||||
| Bernard and Jan Lawson, Morris and Sue (Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, UK) 21/04/07 | Thank you Brian and Sheila for a wonderful holiday. We've been to lots of places but we think we have found the perfect place to unwind and recharge our batteries. There are lots of beautiful chateaux to visit and we really enjoyed the Zoo at Doué but the best part for us was sharing the warm, friendly French way of life. We look forward to a return visit and sharing 'encore du bon vin rouge' with you! Aurevoir! | ||||||||||
Martyn and Beth Elzer (Richmond, UK) 14/04/07 | Thank you! What a fantastic week! We've had a wonderful time exploring the region and sampling its delights. Thank you for all your help and advice, you've been excellent hosts. The highlights of the trip were the Oriental Gardens at Maulevrier, Cholet, and the conservation Zoo at Doué. We also went to visit Futuroscope. It's been a perfect mix of relaxing, chateaux, wine, food and glorious countryside. All the best! | ||||||||||
Tony, Boo, Daniel, Dean and Shane Peel (South Africa) 07/04/07 | We have had a fantastic week - thank you! Weather a bit cool to begin but lovely last two days. The apartment, hospitality and surrounding area are exactly what one is after on a French holiday. Thanks to Brian for teaching us about the local 'Le Puy' wines and the 'Wine Talk and Tasting' in the village winery is an absolute must!! The highlights of our trip was a guided tour in English around Chateau Brissac, the conservation Zoo in Doué, sightseeing around the pretty villages of Montsoreau, Candes St Martin and the lovely timber framed buildings of Chinon. Our last day spent on Brian and Sheila's bikes around Le Puy Notre Dame on the recommended trails through the vineyards was absolutely heaven! Thank you to Sheila and Brian for all the help and extras. Would love to return again to Le Puy Notre Dame before we leave back home to South Africa. Our best regards to you both! | ||||||||||
Bob and Sue Smart (Lincoln, UK) 12/03/07 | Just a quick note to thank you for our holiday last week. In spite of the weather we really enjoyed ourselves and have arrived home feeling refreshed and relaxed. We hope to come back again to visit you as we really liked the area and your apartment was just perfect for us! | ||||||||||
Mick and Gill Callaghan, Pete and Shaz Gresswell (Grimsby, Lincolnshire, UK) 05/01/07 | Absolutely excellent holiday. Brian and Sheila the perfect hosts and we are the perfect guests! Nothing more can be added. Kind regards. Will see you soon! | ||||||||||
