Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé — Hotel in La Flèche

At the end of my European holiday, I like to single out the stay at the Hotel Chateau du Grand Luce for the most Memorable one. My check in Thursday June 15, 2023 was a sunny Day with just the right temperature to enjoy the views and inhale the Air. i arrived by limousine and was greeted “Welcome Mr. Hans to Chateau du Grand Luce” and ushered up the grand stairs and greeted to be seated in the luxurious grand foyer. Refreshing towels where passed followed by a couples of perfectly chilled glasses with Champagne, a refreshing very bubbly welcome indeed. The champagne had just the right acidity and perfect temperature on this warm spring day in June. We had planed a dip in the pool and where accompanied to our room on the first floor where our luggage was already located .we planed to freshened up. I looked out from the window overlooking the beautiful landscaped gardens for a while and then combed trough the Kit provided with bath room amenities and I decided to take a bath instead to shower as the bath tap looked to inviting. whilst my wife showered. the soap was the best and the shampoo sooo good. One of my Beef in Hotels are the bottling of shampoo and body soap as well conditioner when trying to read the label I read the branding of the hotel in large fonts however the content is printed so fine and small is unreadable to the writer; in this case its clearly stated and the quality in the bottle is of unusual high quality. and not wasted on a graphic designers super fine print. After the splash in the tub we decided to give the pool a miss and rather get ready for on early Dinner as my Guest arrived early. We decided to enjoy the alfresco setting of Restaurant Le Luce. The view from the restaurant is stunning overseeing the gardens and huge trees of Chateau du Grand Luce stretching for a good distance, we were greeted by the Maitre D’ and she explained the menu, my guest choose the wine a we decided to order Hors d’oeuvres and Mains first deciding on the dessert at later stage. We ordered Soup of the day wish turned out to be a very good choice, personally I loved the carrot soup, the others had the avocado and shrimp cocktail and French Onion Soup. The Main courses ordered where the bone in Rib Eye, Lamb Shank and tagliatelle with basil pesto I would have liked to see a Carre d’ Agneau on the menu instead the Shank however it turned out fine ,the rib eye was of outstanding quality and sauce Bearnaise a masterclass of cooking skill with the tarragon taste just right.The waiter had provided steak knifes not serrated and it turned out to be the real McCoy KNIFES. Super sharp knifes cut the beef like butter and the meat melted in my mouth. The Beef was a generous portion and slices where shared at the table. After the meal I we went to our Room, found the bed turned down with a personal note and lovely Praline condiments. We had on early morning as we heading the CDG Airport and had breakfast, I choose the American Breakfast and my wife continental breakfast and freshly squeezed Orange Juice, by the way the local yoghurt is...

Stay away from this place! You'll be ruined!How will you ever return to your work-a-day, droll existence once you've experienced the luxury and service of Hotel Chateau du Grand-Luce?

When we approached the huge outer gate, there was a doorbell to ring. We thought we were in the wrong place. Tall gates opened displaying the vista of a grand, graveled approach /lawn. Think "Great Gatsby!"

We drove up to the steps approaching the front door. A gentleman came out to greet us. I believe his name was Batiste. He said, "Don't bother with your luggage. I'll park the car and bring your luggage up to your room." We stayed at several chateaux in Loire and Bordeaux. This was the only place we were treated so graciously. See what I mean? Ruined!!

We were given a glass of champagne and a quick tour of the grounds to orient us. Afterwards, we were shown to our room wherein was waiting a welcoming basket of wine with a fresh baguette and jam. There was a lovely, handwritten note welcoming us. Thoughtful details!

We had reservations for dinner. But there was just enough time to freshen up with a shower before dinner. The dining room is on the ground floor. Tastefully decorated. There were only three tables dining that evening. We had wonderful cocktails before dinner, wine with our first course, wine with our second course. Dessert.

The food was of the highest quality. Suffice it to say, it was prepared and presented in a manner befitting the surroundings. The service was attentive, but not obtrusive. The selections of wine were thoughtfully curated.

There was time after dinner for a stroll around the grounds, which, again, look like something out of The Great Gatsby!

We dragged ourselves to bed. Slept soundly in a comfortable bed. The next morning, bright and early, we wandered through the magnificent estate. Met a gracious woman who I believe may have been the daytime manager. She suggested that we have a seat in the salon and she would bring us coffee. She was as good as her word. There we sat, sipping coffee in a beautiful, 18th century salon, wondering how we got to this point.

Breakfast was a galette that I recognized from travels in Saint-Malo. Filling and very different.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. So I say, "Stay away!" How can we be expected to return to normal lives with rush hour traffic and soccer practice after staying at Hotel Chateau du Grand-Luce? Nonetheless, I can't...

Entering the steel gates to the Court of Honor was the beginning of unwrapping the Chateau. Greeted by the valet who immediately received our luggage from the driver to the staff offering champagne to us on entering the vestibule it was a gracious welcoming. Only a quick signature proceeded a guided tour of the Chateau.

The elevator brought us to our apartment which opens to the opulent and coiffed gardens of boxwoods, roses and trees. It was immediately a restful experience bringing the life experience of the age of this Chateau.

For the evening dinner, after taking the elevator opening to the garden, we were able to dine alfresco with a beautiful evening and garden views. The chateau to table experience such as freshly harvested mushrooms for the soup was incredible. The touch of a purse hanger for the table was unexpected. Our champagne was only locally available but one we would desire in the states. Our dinner was delightful and all our questions answered patiently by Ludovic, the Manager. His hospitality and the service by his staff was so gracious but discerning. So lovely, serene and relaxing. To hear the church bell till the hour punctuated the calm evening.

At night the natural darkness was unrivaled for sleep and the quiet. We awoke refreshed and enjoyed the modern bath amenities. Breakfast served in the Rose room was perfect and such engaging staff. The juice and bakery goods all locally sourced and the butter from local sources was superb. The Croque Monsieur was phenomenal.

We toured the gardens by cart as my wife has some arthritis was arranged and provided by Ludovic. This was delightful and educational. His passion for the gardens for beauty and sustainable sourced food for the Chateau restaurant was clearly evident. The gardeners are amazing and deserve our thanks for such beauty.

The Chateau is a find and an escape for enjoyment and reflection. We were pleased with the experience and the staffs commitment to guests and history.

While we prefer not to have competition for rooms this is a wonderful experience to be repeatedly enjoyed by those seeking a unique experience.

The destination is prized for weddings and one can understand the once in a lifetime experience.

We will treasure the memories and hope to return with members...