Your contact:	David and Samantha Nix
Telephone:	+33 (0)2 47 59 52 65
Email:	Click here to contact Crène

Set at the end of a private country lane, Crène was a traditional working farm for over 150 years. Converted from the barn which once housed livestock, it has thick stone walls, traditional tiled floors, exposed beams and dormer windows. Now newly renovated, with three bedrooms (two doubles, one twin plus cot) on the upper floor, it can easily accommodate six guests (plus infant) in comfort, and can offer a third single bed, if required.

Set in a courtyard on a hectare of land, and surrounded by fields, the property enjoys peaceful uninterrupted views across the open countyside. The extensive gardens provide plenty of entertainment for children, with an outdoor swingset, outdoor toys, balls, bikes and sandpit. The game of boules will provide enjoyment for all the family.

On the ground floor is a large and bright open-plan dining and living room, with comfortable leather sofas, satellite television, a DVD and VCR, and a good selection of books, films and board games for all ages. French doors lead onto the terrace, which has patio furniture and a gas barbecue.

The fully fitted kitchen is complete with an oven and stovetop, a microwave, a dishwasher and a fridge/freezer. Also on the ground floor is a separate laundry room with washing machine.

Upstairs are three spacious bedrooms with exposed beams and sloping ceilings. One bedroom has a pair of twin beds (third single available), and the others have double beds. One of the double bedrooms has its own ensuite shower room, the others share a separate large shower room. The beds (freshly made for your arrival) have wrought iron bedsteads and bedside tables with lamps. All of the rooms are bright and airy and overlook the countryside.

Special features:

• Bilingual assistance available on site • Maid, Cook and Driver can be arranged on request • Credit cards accepted

It’s an easy walk to the small village of Varennes, which has a café-bar and a fishing lake. The medieval town of Loches is less than ten minutes' drive, and has a range of services, including bars, cafés and restaurants to suit all budgets, supermarkets, petrol stations, banks and other amenities.

Twice a week, Loches hosts an open-air market. It’s worth a visit to the picturesque chateau, and don’t forget to see the dungeon. Swimming pools, crazy golf and other sports facilities are available in Loches, and the nearby towns of Ligeuil, Chatillon-sur-Indre and Descartes.

All of the Loire châteaux are within easy driving distance, including Villandry with its spectacular gardens, and Rigny-Ussy, which --it is said- was the inspiration for the film Sleeping Beauty. Many of the châteaux also perform Son et Lumière shows during the Summer.

Tours, with its twice weekly markets and historic old town, is forty minutes' drive away, and Poitiers is an hour. Futuroscope, in Poitiers, offers an excellent day out for the whole family, with virtual reality rides and circular cinemas. Golf is available at nearby Verneuil-sur-Indre (nine holes) and at La Roche-Posay (nine and 18-hole course).

There are many vineyards to visit, offering tastings and a chance to tour the caves. There is also La Haute-Touche, the largest safari park in France, Les Grottes Pétrifiantes, a cave network, the donkey sanctuary at Parc Le Fou de L'Ane, and the steam train from Richelieu to Chinon.

Other sites worth visiting include Les Aigles du Donjon, an 11th century castle with displays of birds of prey, and the Aquarium de Touraine, complete with piranhas.

The lane leading to Crène	Dining out in the garden
The dining area, with French doors leading to the terrace	The fitted kitchen
The twin bedroom	Hot air balloons are a frequent sight at Crène
One of the shower rooms	One of the shower rooms

We had a fabulous time. This was a great location to base ourselves for the chateau hopping experience. The childrenenjoyed running about and we enjoyed our evening chatting over wine.
W. Family - Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

What a great place to stay! It was very relaxing and had all the comforts of home. We wish we could have stayed longer.
Peta F. - Perth, Western Australia, Australia

A lovely gite, bright and airy, very comfortable. Excellent location, peaceful and quiet yet near to many attractions. Friendly hosts were the icing on the cake, we hope to return.
Tim and Margaret M. - Essex, England

A relaxing serene week. Ideal for visiting the Loire but far enough away for the quiet. A good base with all you need and very friendly hosts. A good holiday.
Keri and Susan T. - Milton Keynes, England

The gite exceeded our expectations, being bright, spotless and well-equipped. It’s also well situated for visiting the local chateau. The owners were attentive and helpful, thanks for a memorable week.
Howard C. - Cobourg, Ontario, Canada

We had a really great time here at Crene. The gite is very nice and well equipped. You have been very kind and helpful and Oliver was a great team mate for Viking Chess.
K. S. - Pirmasens, Germany

This was more than we expected. The location was perfect for visiting chateaux, Tours, Amboise and of course Loches, which gave us the perfect introduction to the region. The gite was perfect for our needs. It was both traditional and modern and we can’t rave too much about Sam’s cooking! Thanks!
David and Nancy O. - Auburn, MA, USA

We have had a lovely time, visiting Chateaux, markets and towns, walking in the forest, reading, eating and drinking local wines. The gite was just what we needed, beautifully decorated and spotless. Thank you.
Barbara W. - Hinckley, England

A gem in the French countryside, just to sit in the garden taking in the broad expanse of fields and singing birds in the mornings makes for a pleasant diversion from the busy sights around. The gite is generously furnished and stocked. Thank you!
F. P. - Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada

A beautiful tranquil setting, a wonderful house, full of character, plus a warm welcome from the owners. We’ve especially enjoying Clos Luce at Amboise, Beauval Zoo Parc and kayaking along the Cher to Chenonceaux, all great fun with our young children.
M. C. - Kettering, Northants., UK

David and Sam welcomed us with a lovely bottle of wine, which set the tone for a wonderful stay. The gite is very comfortable and had everything we needed and more. We would definitely come again, as well as recommend Crene to friends.
Harold K. - New Hampshire, USA

We got what we came for, rest and relaxation. The wonderful welcome has been a true bonus and much appreciated.
Jane and John B. - Kent, UK

We have really enjoyed our holiday in your beautiful gite. We are already looking forward to seeing you again.
Judy and Michael G. - Bedford, UK

A lovely and restful stay here at Crene. Thank you for the wine and all your advice on what to see, do and how to get around! Loches is such a fun place to explore!
Kerrie J. - Rhode Island, USA

Lovely home away from home. Loches, Amboise and Tours definitely worth a visit. Thank you for all of your care and attention.
Joanne and Simon A. - Northumberland, UK