Be Inspired This Year – Getaway Somewhere Intimate For Valentines Day
Valentine's Day is almost here, a day that each year terrifies men. Every year, you promise yourself that next year; you are going to do something different. If you still do not have any creative ideas for a special surprise, do not panic, but you had better start giving it some serious thought. Here is a Valentine's Day gift idea that is sure to please your love on that special day.
This one will require a little preparation and a bit of money but most likely no where near as much as you think it might and, but is sure to be great fun for both of you. Plan a secret weekend vacation. If you have kids, organise for sitters without letting your love know about it. Book the plane tickets, book the hotel and when the weekend rolls around, surprise her by having her bags packed, ready to go.
On a romance scale you probably can not do any better than a fairytale weekend at a French Chateau
The highest concentration of chateau in France are found in the Loire Valley just 2 hours from Paris. It is said that "The Loire is a Queen and Kings have loved her".
The Loire river valley – the Garden of France - was for centuries the highway of French history. Today it's a trail on which to chase royal ghosts in riverside chateaux or seek fine vintages on the Route des Vins. Or ideally to do both if time allows and provided you wish to leave your hotel room.
Another lure of the Loire Valley is that you can pursue fine cuisine and history in equal portions, along with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc. The local fruits and vegetables, fish from the river, goat cheeses… all go well with the local wines.
The Loire has been the home of Kings since the tenth century. From the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, the Kings and Queens of the Loire Valley championed artistic and intellectual creation. The result is an endowment of accomplishments for all time in literature and the arts, as well as extraordinary examples of magnificent landscaping and architecture.
Some of these one-time mansions of kings are converted to lodging in various forms from huge castle hotel chains, to small chambre d'hote bed and breakfast chateaux with less than 6 rooms available to be hired. Many are these castle to rent are also near grand historic chateaux open for vistors to tours.
Be sure to check the chateau's rules before booking, however. Many of the chateaux require reservations well in advance that includes a deposit, and some do not accept credit cards or infants. A handful of chateaux have no TVs or have medieval-era technology. Others have all the latest technology with conference facilities and wi-fi access and children welcome with playstations and games and DVDs available to hire. What a smaller chateaumay lack in chain-hotel amenities, it can more than make up for in sheer ambience.
Be sure to check how many rooms are available in the chateau that you are considering reserving because it is not too romantic sharing your Valentine's Day getaway with thirty other couples. There are many smaller delightful castles open for guests, so you have a greater choice than the large chateau chain hotels. Ask exactly where your room is located. Many chateaux have rooms available for rent or hire, but if you have not done your homework adequately you can be handed the keys to a little room in the coachhouse above the stables. Some of the bigger chateaux have converted every little square inch of space into hotel rooms where you can brain yourself if you stand up too quickly in the hallway on the top floor.
Do not discount the smaller chateaux. It is more likely you and your partner will feel like a medieval lord or lady, king or queen in a smaller chateau than one with over sixty chambres.
If you want to experience more than just the chateau that you are staying in, be careful not to chateau yourself silly. Two chateaux, possible three at the most if you're an energetic person, is the recommended daily dosage. Chateau Chenonceau is considered by many to be the most romantic of the Loire Valley chateau.
A getaway involving just the two of you will be fun no matter at what time of year and where you go.
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Corina Clemence operates a romantic fairytale luxury castle in the Loire Valley near Blois, Chateau du Guerinet for up to 15 people perfect for visiting vineyards, chateaux and relaxing.http://www.loirechateau.com Hire chateau Rent castle France