Manoir Des Arts | 5-Bedroom Villa in Allonnes Maines et Loire Brain-su

Ten guests arrive at Manoir Des Arts in Allonnes, Maine-et-Loire, and immediately understand why this 470-year-old manor commands respect. You’re standing 16 kilometres north of Saumur, in the heart of the Loire Valley’s most coveted corner, where Renaissance châteaux dot the landscape and vineyard-lined roads lead to villages that time forgot. This luxury villa rental in Allonnes Maine-et-Loire combines authentic French character with the amenities that make extended family gatherings actually work.

Inside Manoir Des Arts

Manoir Des Arts sleeps 10 guests across 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, distributed across the main manor house and a separate guesthouse. The layout rewards both togetherness and privacy.

Ground floor living centres on a substantial kitchen—recently renovated with a La Canche professional gas range featuring five burners and three ovens, a barista-grade coffee system, and a central island that becomes the heart of meal preparation and casual gathering. Double doors open directly onto the garden, collapsing the boundary between cooking and outdoor living. Adjacent, the dining area accommodates the full group comfortably. A guest WC handles practicalities. The library offers quiet refuge with its own particular calm. The living room’s working fireplace draws everyone in during cooler months, ideal for evening aperitifs or animated board games.

Lower ground holds a laundry room (washing machine and dryer included) and a modest wine cellar—perfectly positioned for sampling local Cabernet Franc and Saumur sparkling wines gathered from nearby producers.

First floor bedrooms represent considered luxury. The master bedroom features a king-size bed paired with an en suite bathroom. A second first-floor bedroom offers a queen-size bed, also with its own en suite bathroom—essential when multiple couples need uncompromised privacy.

Second floor provides two additional bedrooms: one with a queen-size bed, another with two queen-size beds (ideal for families or friends). A substantial family bathroom serves these rooms, featuring a bath, separate shower, double sinks and a separate WC.

The separate guesthouse—a true glamping experience—sits metres from the manor’s main entrance. A king-size bed occupies the lofted-ceiling space accessible via private entrance. No running water distinguishes this annexe intentionally, creating an unconventional retreat that still connects easily to the manor’s facilities.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds surrounding Manoir Des Arts span several acres of walled garden, woodland and open lawn. A 12-by-5-metre swimming pool with depth ranging from approximately 1 to 1.85 metres anchors summer living, complete with safety alarm system. The pool operates May through late September, with heating available for an additional daily fee during shoulder seasons.

A dedicated cabana houses games and exercise equipment: table football for tournament-style competitions, table tennis for quick matches, dartboard for evening challenges, plus weights, exercise bands and yoga mats for morning routines. Badminton setup unfolds across the lawn itself. An al-fresco dining zone with charcoal grill handles outdoor meals for the full party. Ample parking includes one covered space. A small lake emerges at the garden’s far end, nestled among woodland—though it occasionally dries during peak summer heat.

Entertainment technology inside includes stereo systems, Smart TV, DVD library, Wi-Fi throughout, and heating via central system. Every bedroom receives a hairdryer. Board games and darts ensure evening amusement. The property includes maid service as part of the rental.

Location: Allonnes, Maine-et-Loire and the Surrounding Area

Manoir Des Arts occupies one of France’s most historically layered landscapes. Saumur, 16 kilometres south, anchors the region as the undisputed hub. This is not merely a charming Loire town—it’s the epicentre of sparkling wine production (Saumur AOC covers the region), home to the prestigious Cadre Noir equestrian school, and crowned by a white château commanding the river like a fairy tale made stone. Saturday mornings bring the legendary weekly market, where local producers sell everything from Quernon mushrooms to Tours pâté. Top-tier restaurants cluster in the historic centre; dinner here followed by a ten-minute taxi ride back to the manor makes perfect sense.

Just beyond Saumur’s immediate orbit lie the ‘Plus Beaux Villages’—Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau (both under 25 kilometres away), where the Loire and Vienne rivers converge. These are the villages that Instagram dreams of, with narrow cobbled streets, ancient church spires and river views that don’t require filters. Fontevraud Abbey, 20 kilometres away, represents one of Europe’s most significant monastic complexes—12th-century architecture in landscape-defining proportions.

Chinon (roughly 35 kilometres west) shifts the focus to medieval splendour and wine. The fortress dominates the town’s skyline; Thursday mornings bring the weekly market to the winding lanes below; wine caves dot the hillsides offering tastings of Vieilles Vignes and Cabernet Franc. Canoeing and kayaking along the Vienne launches from here—a paddler’s introduction to the Loire Valley’s waterways.

Cycling defines this landscape. La Loire à Vélo, the 800-kilometre Loire Valley cycling route, passes within easy range. Head west from Allonnes toward Gennes and Le Thoureil, or pedal east toward Chinon and beyond. Flat terrain and minimal traffic make multi-day cycling genuinely accessible. Several outfitters near Saumur rent canoes and kayaks; floating downriver remains one of the region’s most contemplative experiences.

The Troglodyte caves at Rochemenier (40 kilometres away) reveal how locals literally carved dwellings into tufa cliffs across several centuries. Temperature-stable and fireproof, these caves house everything from medieval storage to wartime shelters to modern homes.

Tours (62 kilometres northeast) expands horizons considerably. This cathedral city offers Renaissance architecture, museums covering everything from fine art to natural history, and direct TGV rail connections to Paris (roughly 2.5 hours). The Vouvray vineyards lie just north of Tours—Chenin Blanc territory producing some of Loire’s most distinctive white wines.

Major château destinations include Château d’Ussé (55 kilometres south), famed as the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty, Château d’Azay-le-Rideau (roughly 45 kilometres), and Château de Villandry (approximately 50 kilometres), celebrated for its Renaissance gardens. All remain within comfortable day-trip range.

Nantes Airport (approximately 135 kilometres southwest, roughly 2 hours by car) handles most international arrivals. Paris CDG and Orly both connect via TGV rail to Saumur directly, or to Tours with onward connections. A 16-kilometre supermarket run reaches the small local village within 5 minutes; a neighbouring farm sells fresh produce and eggs directly.

Seasonally, May through October represents peak visiting months. Summer (July-August) brings peak crowds and heat—the pool becomes essential, though the lake may recede. May and September offer temperate weather, fewer tourists at major sites, and harvest activity in the vineyards. Winter transforms the manor into a fireplace retreat; spring (late March onward) brings vineyard renewal and Easter market activity.

To explore more options across this remarkable region, browse our villas in Pays De La Loire, or discover luxury villas throughout Europe. For comprehensive destination planning, consult our France travel guide. Those specifically searching for properties in this microregion should review our full collection near Brain-sur-Allonnes.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational family reunions find their ideal home here. The master suite offers parents privacy; first-floor bedrooms accommodate couples; the second-floor configuration works for teenagers or younger children. The guesthouse solves the in-law negotiation entirely. Games room, pool and outdoor space keep various age groups simultaneously entertained.

Friend groups numbering eight to ten benefit from the scale. Large enough to prevent constant togetherness, small enough that group dinners feel intimate. The commercial-grade kitchen suits groups including serious cooks; the market culture around Saumur supports day-by-day menu planning rather than rigid meal preparation.

Couples combining separate travel plans work well here. One pair might spend a day cycling La Loire à Vélo while others visit châteaux; reconvening at the manor creates natural rhythm.

Smaller groups (four to six guests) find the manor less economical but absolutely viable—two or three couples can occupy the main house comfortably, leaving the guesthouse as meditation space or unopened luxury.

Practical Information

Capacity: 10 guests, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Nearest major airport: Nantes (135 kilometres, approximately 2 hours by car). Alternative: Paris CDG with 2.5-hour TGV rail to Saumur, then 20-minute local taxi. Nantes also offers TGV rail connection to Saumur (approximately 1 hour).

Local supermarket (5-minute drive): village amenities include bakery and general shops. On-site laundry facilities. Pool heating available for additional daily fee. Wi-Fi throughout. Maid service included with rental. Check-in/check-out times available upon enquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions about Manoir Des Arts

How many guests does Manoir Des Arts sleep?

Manoir Des Arts accommodates 10 guests across 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The main manor contains four double bedrooms (distributed across ground and second floors) plus the separate guesthouse’s king bedroom. Bed configurations include one king-size in the master, two queen-size in first-floor bedrooms, one queen and two queen-size options on the second floor, plus one king-size in the guesthouse. No sofa beds or camp cots; sleeping capacity is fixed at 10.

What is the nearest airport to Manoir Des Arts in Allonnes, Maine-et-Loire?

Nantes Atlantique Airport lies 135 kilometres southwest, approximately 2 hours by car. Paris Charles de Gaulle (approximately 350 kilometres) and Paris Orly connect via TGV rail to Tours (45 minutes by car from Manoir Des Arts) or directly to Saumur (2.5 hours from Paris CDG). Most guests find Paris rail connections preferable to driving; Saumur sits 16 kilometres from the manor via scenic country roads.

What is the best time of year to rent Manoir Des Arts?

May through September offers reliably warm, dry weather. July and August bring maximum heat and international crowds—peak season for Loire châteaux. May and early September provide moderate temperatures, fewer tourists, and vibrant vineyard activity. October remains pleasant for cycling and wine tourism. Winter (November-February) suits fireplace retreats and quiet contemplation, though some activities close. Spring (March-April) brings Easter markets and new-growth vineyard scenery. Pool operates May through late September; heating available for additional fee. The Saumur wine harvest (September) creates regional activity and market abundance.

Is Manoir Des Arts suitable for families with children?

Yes, with considerations. The swimming pool (12-by-5 metres, depth 1-1.85m) includes a safety alarm system and operates May through September. The grounds provide open lawn and woodland—substantial space for outdoor play. Table tennis, badminton, table football, dartboard and board games support indoor entertainment. The guesthouse’s lack of running water makes it unsuitable for families with very young children. Nearby Saumur includes family restaurants and markets; the Loire itself offers paddling and shallow spots. No specific children’s beaches exist locally, though the river environment and outdoor space compensate. Closest family-oriented beaches appear around the Atlantic coast (100+ kilometres), making this better suited for families who prioritise countryside, games and cycling over seaside swimming.

What is included in the rental price at Manoir Des Arts?

Included amenities: Wi-Fi throughout, central heating, working fireplace (living room only), utilities, maid service, pool access (May-September), games equipment (table tennis, badminton, darts, weights, exercise mats), board games, DVD library, stereo and Smart TV, washing machine and dryer access, and high-quality linens and towels. Pool heating requires additional daily fee. Bedside hairdryers in every bedroom. The separate guesthouse lacks running water (glamping-style accommodation). Breakfast items, wine and groceries require local shopping at village supermarket or farm stands.

What restaurants and shops are near Manoir Des Arts?

Saumur town centre (16 kilometres, approximately 20-minute drive) concentrates high-end dining options, wine bars, and international restaurants. The Saturday morning market operates year-round with local produce, cheese, charcuterie and regional specialities. Bakeries, butchers and general shops line the main streets. A local supermarket operates 5 minutes’ drive away in the adjacent village; a neighbouring farm sells fresh eggs, fruit and vegetables directly. Wine tasting and purchase: Maison Ackerman, Bouvet-Ladubay and smaller producers throughout Saumur AOC region offer cellar visits (book ahead). Chinon (35 kilometres west) adds further restaurant options and traditional wine caves. Markets operate Thursday mornings in Chinon.