5 Grand Rue

12 Reviews

Star Travel Rating

4/5

Review type

Accommodation

Location

Date of travel

Sep, 2013

Product name

Product country

Product city

Travelled with

Friend(s)

Reasons for trip

Other

The next day after a pleasant breakfast in the light and airy breakfast room at Hotel de la Baie de Somme we set off for our next stop which was scheduled for Le Lude in the Loire valley.

I knew of Le Lude as I had been to a firework display at the chateau in the town some twenty years ago. I felt that I would like to re-visit the area so therefore so that is why I choose the town for our second stop. The chateau of Le Lude is not one of the famous chateaux of the Loire but nevertheless an impressive one. It is well worth a look as it nestles in the centre of the town and is easily accessible.

Our accommodation this time was not a hotel but a bed and breakfast called 5 Grand Rue. This turned out to be a wonderfully restored town house with large, well furnished rooms and quality bathrooms. Breakfast was included in the price of this booking which was taken in a spacious dining room where we were served by our convivial hosts Simon and Sue who also did the cooking to a high standard. Dinner can be ordered in advance as Simon will email when you have made a booking and will send sample menus. We decided to try our luck in town as we needed a wider choice than what was on offer at No 5 although it looked good.

We wandered the narrow streets of Le Lude as we needed some exercise after being in the car all day and we soon found a restaurant to our liking. This was called Le Vulcano in 6 rue Oree. It is in fact a pizzeria but serves French dishes as well. Good service and an enjoyable meal. 

We came across a fascinating shop with a very small frontage but once inside it opened up into an Aladdin’s Cave full to the brim with every imaginable local produce in tins and intriguing jars. This was called Marita d’ici et d’ailleurs on 8 Rue de la Boule D ‘Or which sold specialities of the Sarthe region which we were in. Specialities include rose liqueur, local wines from Jasniere and the Coteaux de Loire,foie gras’jams,speciality coffee beans and the biscuits sales de Sable de Sarthe which were laced with wine. There were so many other gems and it was difficult to take it all in a short visit one to return to one day. After a restful night we paid the bill which came to €160 for the two rooms and breakfast which divided up was €40 each which we considered good value for such a quality place. Payment is cash only as they do not have a credit card facility.

Car parking was just right here as it was in the courtyard and the big gates were locked at night so the car was secure. There is a little side door where you can access the street so you can creep back in this way if you have a late night dinner date in town. Market day is Thursday morning if you like browsing local produce. Read more.

sunshinegirl

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.