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Le Moulin de St Blaise

Pays De La Loire, Pays de la Loire
1 acre hosted by Elaine L.
Out-of-the-ordinary glamping in a peaceful French village, in the scenic grounds of a converted watermill

‘Insolite’, French for unusual or out of the ordinary, is used to describe Le Moulin de Saint-Blaise. And unusual it is; there are fewer destinations more uniquely romantic than a secluded spot in rolling French fields, surrounded by woodlands, within the grounds of a converted watermill. If you’re looking to chalk up the brownie points with your significant other, this is the destination to do so.

Those holidaying to France typically fall in either one of two camps: city-breakers jetting off to Paris, or those looking for a waterside, wine-soaked getaway in the likes of Nice or Provence. Le Moulin de Saint-Blaise, then, offers a retreat that arguably few you know will have thus far embarked on — it’s not very often you’re afforded the opportunity to enjoy the real French countryside, watching the moorhen and kingfishers from your spot near the river, tucking into a three-course meal cooked by your hosts using produce from their garden, before retreating to your bell tent in the evening from which you can hear little but nature.

The Loire Valley is well-known for its fine wines and scenery, peppered with small communes and the occasional grand château, contributing to a laid-back lifestyle surrounded by beautiful sights. Le Moulin de Saint-Blaise is emblematic of this approach to life, with its off-grid site placing three bell tents within 10 acres of spacious land. The amenities are relatively simple — a compost toilet, a kitchen area for cooking, furnishings made from recycled materials — though across the river is the main building, in which you’ll have access to comforts such as a hot shower and flushing toilet. It’s the best of both worlds; eco-friendly and with an emphasis on keeping your surroundings unspoiled, though with more robust amenities nearby.

As its hosts note, the ‘insolite’ nature of Le Moulin de Saint-Blaise means that it is purpose-built to wriggle you out of your comfort zone. Many can say they’ve been to France and stayed in a hotel, apartment, or all-inclusive resort, but how many can say they pitched up in a quiet field in Chahaignes, a small village with a population of fewer than 1,000?

Activities
Biking
Hiking
Natural features
Forest
Lake
Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
More camping spots nearby
Location
Pays De La Loire, Pays de la Loire, FranceTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Elaine L.Joined in August 2021
From the host
Looking for peace and tranquility?  Set in a field overlooking the river, and surrounded by 10 acres of fields and woodlands, our three 4m canvas bell tents provide comfortable, cosy accommodation for two people.  In the grounds of a converted watermill which also offers B&B and gite. 
Nearby attractions
A 15-minute walk will take you to the small village Lhomme, a peaceful commune with a smattering of shops to peruse. La Chartre-sur-le-Loir is less than a 10-minute drive away, where you can browse the brocante — that’s flea market to you and me — or admire the valley view from the Tour Jeanne d'Arc tower.

For a spot by the water, head to Marcon —  famed locally for its wine production — in under 15 minutes, where the Lac de Varenne lake beach will let you take a dip with scenic surroundings. Along with swimming, feel free to also get involved with sailing, archery, or a round of mini-golf.

For those looking for a city adventure, Le Mans can be reached in a 45-minute drive, internationally famous for its endurance sports car race. Experience a semblance of this by visiting the Circuit 24 Hours of Le Mans (+33 2 43 40 24 24), the venue of this race and a must-see for automotive nuts.

Food and drink
The site provides home-cooked takeaway meals, with a three-course evening meal available for €25 and menu options lifted from the seasonal produce available in its garden.

La Chartre-sur-le-Loir hosts a produce market twice a month, while a main market is also held at Chateau du Loir every Saturday. In Lhomme, take a trip to the Sylvie et Laurent (+33243790449) bakery, or Les Fougères (+33 2 43 44 96 43) for a local restaurant and bar. Chez Miton (+33 2 43 44 62 62) in Chahaignes is only a 30-minute walk or under a 5-minute drive from the site, providing a fusion restaurant with Japanese and French dishes.

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