This converted farm building is a wonderfully rustic and comfortable setting for your French vacation. Nestled in verdant, flowery gardens, Douce France House offers ease and comfort in the heart of Loire wine country. A private courtyard paved with old flagstones features an ancient fountain and herb gardens.

In the house, there are two bedrooms and two bathrooms, one with a tub, one with  a shower. A huge living room features oak beamed ceilings, a large stone fireplace, handsome dining table for eight to ten guests. The recently updated country kitchen, opening to the outdoors, is equipped with a gourmet stove, dishwasher, microwave and a table for six. Exterior laundry room with washer and dryer.

• Wonderful location in the heart of Loire wine country:  Tours, Chinon, Saumur, and Bourgeuil are all minutes away by car.
• TGV from Paris: 1.5 hours
• High-speed internet
• Picturesque setting with extensive storybook gardens
• Indoor and Outdoor Dining
• Huge living room with added sleeping arrangements
• Private dining terrace
• Boules court

This is an ideal base for a visit of the Loire Valley and some of the finest wineries in France. Tours is a 15 minute drive away. Baulay is  less than 4 miles from Azay-le-Rideau with one of the most romantic châteaux in the area, and near the château and gardens of Villandry. It is only two miles from the village where the famous sculptor Alexander Calder lived. The local château serves as the Honoré de Balzac’s Museum. Chateau d’Ussé, which inspired the tale Sleeping Beauty, and "La Deviniére", the house where François Rabelais was born, are other attractions of the area. The adventures of Pantagruel and Gargantua were set around Chinon.

Activities include wine-tasting, hiking, biking, golfing, fishing and crafts, from basket weaving to cooking and wine and cheese making. Great restaurants. Wonderful hosts.

We had a fabulous time at Baulay, our hosts Patrick and Benny were so kind and helpful. We loved Baulay and were sorry to leave. Rosalie Martin, Victoria, AU.