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Founded
in the 1100's by the Benedictines, L’Abbaye is a tranquil
and unique place. Imagine 460 years before Christopher Columbus,
the days of Eleanor of Acquitaine and Richard the Lion Heart.
Although the majority of the ancient Abbey remains intact, you
will stay in the new Abbey, which was built as recently as the
1600's. Over the last thirty years time and care
have been taken to retain the medieval ambiance including tapestries and antique
furnishings, notwithstanding the addition of modern amenities.
Well situated in
Anjou, one hour and forty minutes by train from Paris, minutes
from the train station at Angers, with ready access to the
famous Chateau of the Loire, the Brittany Coast, Nantes, Angers,
Saumur, Tours, the Abbey of Fontevraud and the Cathedral of
Chartres, L’Abbaye is hidden away in the undulating
countryside of the Loire Valley.
Little is known
outside France of the, “Douceure Angevine” --the
gentleness of Anjou. This term, coined by Joachim du Bellay,
encompasses virtually every facet of life: the relaxed way
of living; the moderate climate; the soft light; and the local
cuisine and restaurants --four-course meals, light and well
balanced, replete with fresh, local wines, white asparagus,
subtle goat cheeses and fresh fruits and vegetables.
The English speaking owner will be living at L’Abbaye
throughout the season
in one of the out-buildings facilitating your stay at your
instigation with introductions to L’Abbaye and the area,
suggestions on what to see and where to eat, supplying fresh
garden vegetables and flowers and assisting you in any way you wish.
The tranquillity
of L’Abbaye shelters you from the annual invasion of
tourists visiting France; it is truly peaceful. The stresses
of modern day life evaporate as you fall under the charm of L’Abbaye.
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