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A tree lined drive where you can often spot red squirres and rabbits leads to the cottage,once part of the old stables,set in the middle of the park leading down to the banks of the Mayenne river and surrounded by fields and copses. There is a barrage within reach that is a good place for fishing and have a boat that you can take out on gentle trips throught the locks along this lovely river.
The ground floor of the cottage is an open plan living room with a farmhouse table that seats six people and a corner kitchen, equipped with a dishwasher and fridge. a hob and microwave, as well as a kettle,toaster a coffe maker. The living room area is arranged around a log burning fireplace that is cosy and inviting during the cooler months. There is a small CD player and a TV with a DVD player and the bathroom also has a washing machine.
The original staircase leads to the first floor landing and a double bedroom and a twin bedroom that share a bathroom with bath. The landing has a handsome armoire and a single bed, if needed.
The garden has outside furniture,and there is a barbecue and swings for children.We also have a small lake with roach and pike.The whole park is yours to enjoy and if you take the boat across the river,there are sme marvellous walks and cycle rides along the two path.
Winthin a radius of 2 kms you can go water skiing and hire canoes and bicycles.Chateau-Gontier has a swimming pool open to every one,a small golf course and tennis courts.In the center of town is a cinema.Laval and Angers both have excellent golf course.If you like fishing,a daily permit is easily arranged.
If you take the boat across the river and moor at the beautiful Jardin du bout du monde,you can easily walk around Chateau-Gontier from there.At the bottom of the gardens is a romanesque church with frescoes and an 11th century crypt.Further along is the old part of the town with ancient colombage houses and some fine 17th and 18th century house,one of which houses the museum.Crossing back over the river via the old bridge,our walk brings you now to the outskirts of the town and the 12th century Chapelle du Geneteil and the splendid Convent des Ursulines,which is now the home of the Theatre National des Pays de la Loire,a talented company that is wellknown and loved here.Just beyond that is where one of the largest markets in the mayenne is held every thursday morning.Food is taken seriously in this part of the world and local restaurants range from traditional family run ones gastronomic,all at reasonable prices.
Leaving Chateau-Gontier brings you into rich agricultural farming country,where the rythm of lfe continues as it has done for centuries.South of the town is Craon with it's charming medieval streets and 18th century white syone chateau,surrounded by 42 hectares of gardens.An hour to the west are some of the most beautiful of the Loire chateaux and in two hours you either be on the beach at La Baule or eating seafood in Saint Malo,or gazing at the great island cathedral of Mont Saint Michel.
