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Comments from our Guestbook
09/10/2012
'Five star experience' - thanks to Jim & Pauline for not only providing such a well equipped home but for all the advice and assistance - some beyond the 'call of duty'. We travel around the world a lot and you have made this 'world class'.
Art Shulman & Linda Roseman, Melbourne, Australia + Stan & Wendy Finger, USA
Where we do not think, personally, that we have reached these giddy heights, it is a good feeling knowing that the hard work we put in to making our guests' stay as comfortable and as interesting as possible is appreciated.
We wish to thank all our guests for choosing to take their Loire Valley Experience with us during 2012..
21/09/2012
Sadly our week at 'Les Balcons' has come to an end and we bid au revoir to this wonderful maison and Pauline and Jim, such helpful and gracious hosts. We have enjoyed exploring this lovely region of France with lasting memories of the Saturday market at Loches, chateaux at Loches and Chenonceau, the pretty village at Le Petit Pressigny, bus trip to Tours and the delights of the local village - boulangerie and 'Grand Ma's'. Our timing and the butcher's somehow did not sync so we will have to return another time to sample his wares.
Pauline & Jim again- merci beaucoup.
John & Laraine Sinclair, Sydney, Australia.
14/09/2012
Five days of exploring this wonderful region topped off with lunch at 'La Promenade' which is an experience of a lifetime! With all the comforts of home at 'Les Balcons' great hosts and a great patisserie we lacked nothing- even Scottish news!
Thank you Jim & Pauline for the special touches of fresh flowers in every room and essentials in the kitchen. Truly thoughtful hosts.
Dwight & Carol Nelson, Harry & Brenda Furst, Sydney, Australia.
14/09/2012
We had a splendid time, thank you Jim and Pauline for providing us with such excellent accommodation and nice comfy beds. So here are a few of our favourite things to share with future guests:
Chateaux visited, Chenonceau and Azay le Rideau, also Villandry - excellent. We also visited Montresor, it was really like stepping back in time. 'Café de la Ville' was great for lunch there and the staff were really welcoming. We spentplenty of sunny afternoons swimming in the river at Barrou/Lesigny - fabulous. Chaumussay broconte was brilliant and our favourite market was at Loches. It was a wonderful visit!...Great memories!
Ian, Carrie, Mathew, Ailsa and Eloise Mercer, Sussex, UK
24/08/2012
We had a really enjoyable time in this lovely part of the country. The village is peaceful and the people we have seen are friendly. Following Jim & Pauline's recommendations we visited the small villages in the area like La Roche Posay and Loches. All very nice. The house is absolutely lovely and everything is so well organized. Thank you Jim & Pauline. Whatever we could think of we did find and the whole place is absolutely spotless - we had a lovely time here.
The Calladine family Derbyshire, UK
18/08/2012
Thank you Jim & Pauline, we've had a wonderful two stay. Attention to detail,amazing; we had everything we needed. Temperature in the high 90's fans were a godsend. Loved Grand Ma's restaurant in the village. Village was very, very quiet - was everyone on holiday? Jim and Pauline's information was was superb, also veg.parcel from your garden -thank you. Excellent base to tour the Loire.
David & Jane, David & Anne Lancashire UK
04/08/2012
Our second visit to your lovely home. Visited places we didn't manage to do last year. Loches is worth a visit and if you have a head for heights going to the top of the keep is a must. Had a lovely day at Bellebouche swimming in the lake with sandy beach - who needs to go to the coast. Great weather just perfect lovely and sunny but not too hot. Thank you again for an amazing home from home. So sad to leave.
Andre & Nickie Cheetham, Fleet, UK
25/07/2012
Thank you Pauline and Jim for a wonderful stay in a beautiful part of France. 'Les balcons' is a perfect home for an experience of living in a French village. As time went on we grew to appreciate Le Grand Pressigny more. Its a lovely village to enjoy in the warm long evenings. Special thanks for all your 'inside' information on where to visit and where to eat. we had a great time.
Deirdre, Ursila & Mick, Ireland
13/07/2012
From the moment we arrived in this little piece of heaven we were made very welcome by Jim& Pauline. We made 'Les Balcons' our home from home and had the most enjoyable and memorable stay. Thanks to the both of you for the special touches - especially coming back from a long day at Futuroscope and finding fresh strawberries and vegetables as well as kids DVD's at the front door! Your kindness and thoughtfulness was very much appreciated. 'Les Balcons' was the ideal home both from the comfort and relaxation aspects as well as an ideal base to explore this beautiful region of France. We have already forwarded your website address to various friends and family. Thank you for both once again.
Lyn,Niall,Calum & David Brennon, Wemyss Bay,Scotland
29/06/2012
We've had a wonderful holiday staying in 'Les Balcons'. We've loved the garden ( the choice of 4 places to sit plus the balcony), having a barbeque, reading the books in the study and listening to the diverse musical genres. The accommodation is superb with a 'come again' appeal. The fresh flowers in the rooms were a lovely touch. From here, we've enjoyed visiting the sleepy villages, markets and chateaux of the Loire Valley. Thank you Jim & Pauline, you've been amazing hosts - very welcoming. We will definitely recommend 'Les Balcons' to our family friends and colleagues.
Jack and Effie Eadie, Isle of Skye. Scotland
Dale and Kathleen Halford, Dunfermline, Scotland
16/06/2012
Despite rather chilly wet (unseasonal) weather we have enjoyed our stay in this most charming of houses. Our hosts were most attentive and nothing was too much trouble. The house is beautifully equipped and the gardens ideal. We enjoyed our visits to La Roche Posay and Loches, in particular market day in La Roche Posay - a must. We look forward to another visit with extra sunny days.
Edward and Lesley Vickers, Broadway, Worcestersire, UK
06/062012
Robin
Spent 2 weeks here- met some great people, had loads of fun, beers at both bars in the square, had our hair done by Christian! Jim & Pauline are the best - would come back in a minute!!
Bob & Candy
Truly lost in France here! It was the best way to explore the country. 'Les Balcons' has been our home away from home. Jim & Pauline are the best hosts ever - we will be back!!
Kirk & Carole
Enjoyed our first trip to France - Jim & Pauline 'rock'! Take their suggestions - they truly know best - we leave with many memories.
Elk Grove,San Ramon,Livermore, California ,USA
21/05/2012
Marie Gomis:
Lost in Loire-- we have weaved our way along the beautiful Loire and discovered gems that took our breath away! Our wine trail commenced on 'Les Balcons', need we say more (Jim & Pauline's company included). We have wined and dined throughout the Loire, enjoyed gorgeous tranquil villages, chateaux and the magnificent countryside. Merci Jim & Pauline for your warm welcome, your beautiful house, which we thoroughly enjoyed and admired every detail - and last but not least merci for 'Les Balcons', a gem in the Loire, abientot.
Jane Rochcouste:
Wicked...
Solange Gomis:
An amazing rest after a long year of travelling! Thank you so much!
Marc Rochcouste:
Cheers Jim & Pauline! Your house is exactly what we had planned and more. Love what you have done with it and would recommend it to anyone- thanks again !!
Marie & John Gomis, Jane & J.C. Rochcouste, Solange & Marc,
W.Australia
09/05/2012
Thank you Pauline & Jim for a wonderful week in the Loire Valley. We loved staying at 'Les Balcons' it is the perfect home away from home. We followed many of the directions and recommendations in Jim's book and had great visits to Chenonceau and other chateaux. Great dining at 'Le Promenade', Grand Ma's in the village and in La Roche Posay. This is a lovely part of the world and we look forward to returning. Thank you so much.
Eric and Linda Weston, Tennessee, USA
07/10/2011
The Loire Valley gave us a true sense of French culture and lifestyle outside the big cities.A fabulous mix of wide open spaces country lanes and beautiful villages - not to mention the chateaux! Add beautiful weather and excellent food and it was the perfect holiday. Thank you Pauline and Jim for the use of your beautiful, spotless and comfortable home. We have not wanted for anything. We found your advice on trips, restaurants and sights spot on. 'Les Balcons' was well situated for everything we wanted to do in the area and being located in a village the size of Le Grand Pressigny was a real bonus. We will definitely recommend 'Les balcons' to friends
Heimut, Shannon Englehard & Lorraine Hayden, Australia
24/09/2011
After 5 weeks in this lovely place it feels like home. I am sitting on the balcony listening to the birds and regretting that this lovely time has come to a close. We came to see the countryside and we certainly did do that!. So many charming villages, back-roads...and friendly warm people. Many great places to eat ( follow Jim & Pauline's lavender book -- it's a bible of sorts! ) Loches, Montresor, Azay le Rideau and farther afield - Cahors and the never to be forgotten experience of Oradour sur Glane all going into the memory bank forever. We give so many thanks to our patient, warm hosts Pauline and Jim, thank you for a remarkable time.
Betty Hallock & John Wester, San Francisco Bay Area California, USA
Via email: 02/01/2012 Betty and I wish you both good health and a very successful year. We will always remember you as two of the nicest people we have ever met. Thank you for making that vacation a memorable one.
You may quote us:
Our stay at “les Balcons” in Le Grand Pressigny exceeded all our expectations. The house is fully equipped with modern equipment (even music in the shower!), spotlessly clean, with a delightful outlook on the surrounding gardens from the upstairs balcony. It is within walking distance of stores and cafés in the quaint village. The friendly owners live nearby and were always available for information and directions. We highly recommend it for a great vacation experience.
John & Betty
13/08/2011
Delighted to have found Jim's website www.loirevalleyexperience.com as it lead us to book 'les Balcons'. We had a great week here in France. We loved walking to the bakery every morning. The house had everything we could have wanted, the balcony is so lovely. The drawer of brochures was better than the tourist office! Our favourite village was Angles sur l'Anglin and it is well worth a visit. Loches is also a beautiful town with a great market.....We are moving north tomorrow to Dol de Bretagne for a week and hope our stay there will be as exciting as our week in Le Grand Pressigny. Thank you Jim & Pauline, we will definitely be recommending 'Les Balcons' to our friends in Ireland
Martin, Norma, Adam & Laura Manley,Ireland
06/08/2011
'Les Balcons' became as a second home to us. We had everything we needed - and more! The balcony 'sold' the place to us and we were not disappointed. We loved spending evenings up there. Jim & Pauline, you are to be congratulated for making such a lovely home - such an eye for detail, which we appreciated.
Thank you Jim & Pauline- we hope to be back next year.
Andrew and Nickie Cheetham, Church Crookham, UK
26/07/2011
'Les Balcons' was home to us because of your great care and attention to detail. The village was welcoming and relaxing - great food at 'Grand Ma's' and 'La Promenade'. We wont forget the nights on the balcony!
Thank you so much.
Chris and Lisa Fulton, CA, USA
17/07/2011
Thank you so much for a wonderful week in the country. The house was perfect and Le Grand Pressigny is the loveliest town. The drawer of brochures lead us to some of the most beautiful villages we have ever seen. Thank you Jim & Pauline
Rachel, Eric, Kari, Bret, Austin & Joe Texas, USA
08/07/2011
We have had a fabulous time - thanks Jim & Pauline for providing such a wonderful 'home' with all the extra help plus so many places to sit, eat and drink!! We have dined fabulously at 'Grand Ma's' (snails!) and at 'La Promenade' where we had an exquisite birthday meal. We have BBQ'd and eaten in style, we have enjoyed 200k of bike riding all the little towns and villages with acres of farmland and sunflowers. An absolutely wonderful holiday in stunning area - unforgettable !!! Many happy memories.
Catherine & Paul Bevilaqua, Geraldine & Marcus Elgin, Melbourne, Australia
25/06/2011
Great house - everything we needed and more! Le Grand Pressigny very good -visit the museum! Did bus to Tours, relaxing and comfortable - arrived just in time for lunch. We loved Loches - chateau and dungeon great value at 7.00 euro. Visited chateau at Oiron - very different, full of quirky modern exhibits- great. Thanks Jim & Pauline for all your support.
The Machonnachies, Edinburgh, Scotland
18/06/2011
We have enjoyed being able to entertain our French friends in this 'home from home' it has all been very relaxing. We enjoyed a lovley sunny afternoon at the lesser known chateau of Azay le Ferron. We have visited Chinon and Loches before but on this second outing found them better than we recall!
Simon & Angela Garner, Norfolk, England
11/06/2011 We have enjoyed our week in your lovely home. Walking, more walking, bussing, driving and cycling the area -- lovely! Eaten too much bread & cheese but we were on holiday! Thank you Jim & Pauline for our lovely holiday. Tess & Tony Parkinson, Judy & Dave Carter, UK
04/06/2011 Thanks to Jim & Pauline. The house is beautiful and has wonderful facilities - it has been a 'home from home'. Quiet and peaceful village and everyone so friendly. Go to Tours, great choice of shops and restaurants. Must see Chenonceau and Azay Le Rideau. Would recommend for a peaceful, typically French, family holiday. Paul & Lisa Stockman, Ralph & Jill Robins, UK
28/05/2011 During our two weeks we saw everything ( well almost ) in a car made easily rentable by Jim & Pauline, chateaux, abbeys and the city of Tours ( easily, inexpensively and comfortably reached by local bus - 1.70 euro each way! ) Do visit 'Grand Ma's', the patisserie and the 'Prehisto' cafe in the village. We would then return to 'Les Balcons' its comfort convenience and charm - merci beaucoup Jim & Pauline Jean Thomson, Joan Hamlin & Margaret Prugovecki, Toronto, Canada Via email: We have arrived safely in Toronto after a lovely day in Paris cramming as much as possible into our short stay there. But the highlight of the trip was our wonderful stay at "Les Balcons". I thank you both for making our visit with you so comfortable and enjoyable. You are superb hosts.I wish you all the best; you deserve it!
Thanks you again.
Margaret
14/05/2011 Just brilliant! Great house and location. Owners were a great help and top people..............it was wonderful. The Spaldings, Smiths & Rowdens, Perth, Australia Via email:Back at work yesterday after a wonderful holiday. The travel went well after leaving your lovely home and, as much as we enjoyed Italy, Sue and I def prefer France.
Many thanks for the use of your house in LGP. It was our highlight and your assistance, hospitality and warmness really made our stay. You have done wonderful jobs on both your premises and look forward to seeing progress on the Barou property with regards to the deck, barn etc.
Geoff & Sue Spalding
29/09/2010 Jim & Pauline have done a fantastic job of renovating the house - good taste and attention to detail shows through! We appreciated the home cooked meal and personal touch and effort on our first night. Good luck & best wishes. David and Di Hughes, Brisbane, Australia
22/09/2010 Thanks Jim & Pauline for being so helpful and friendly. Great house and lots to do in the area. We will have many fond memories. Ian, Margie & family, Melbourne, Australia
17/09/2010 "Great family gathering" thanks to Jim & Pauline for making it so easy - and the recommendations were just tops - will spread the word internationally . "So much space we had to search for each other" (Pat) Merrick & Pat, South Africa,- Mart & Denis , Netherlands - Tiny & Leslie UK
02/09/2010 You have a lovely house, very comfortable and are very generous hosts. Location is ideal for local shops and outings. We have stayed in many places in France but we found that we were very cosy and had everything we needed here. Many thanks Jim & Pauline - we would recommend your place to anyone! Joyce, Martin & Amanda, Stratford on Avon, U.K.
21/08/2010 A big thanks to Pauline and Jim who have made our stay in France a wonderful experience. The house is beautiful, the town had everything we needed and the location is spot on for day trips. We recommend the following ; Loches, go on market day and look out for the medieval day in August - fab!. Lesigny, great for local days swimming in the river and sunbathing. Descartes kayaking - a 3 hour trip is plenty, avoid the two-man kayak if not experienced - two-man canoe is so much easier !!. Le Guerche - inexpensive chateau with guided tour. Would recommend a stay at 'Les Balcons' to anyone. * Paul, Natasha, Conner & Sinead, Collington Cornwall, UK * Also had a week in 'Le Bourg'
13/08/2010
Thank you so much - we found the house very comfortable and easy to live in, with everything we needed to hand and to a very high standard.
Jim and Pauline made us feel very welcome, with nothing feeling like too much trouble, even to the point of lending Susan a few French novels to read..
We found the village and people very friendly with everything we needed. Thank you both for your advice about the local area.
It was a real joy to stay in your house for a week, we just did not want to leave.
Pat Phil and Susan, UK
06/08/10
Many thanks Jim & Pauline for welcoming us to your beautiful home. We have enjoyed a superb holiday in Touraine Sud - especially our time relaxing on your brilliant balcony looking out over peaceful Le Grand Pressigny. We will take home many memories of cycle rides along traffic free lanes, visits to some great chateaux and a fantastic night of fireworks at Angles sur l'Anglin (thanks for the recommendation). Best of luck with this and your other holiday home.
David, Delia ,Edward & Mathew Cliffe, Leek, Staffs., UK
13/07/10 What a wonderful house,wonderful hosts and wonderful part of the world. We have enjoyed virtually every moment of this beautiful country. Our hosts Jim and Pauline have made our stay one we will never forget. Trevor & Helen Rohrig + Terry & Sandra London, Adelade SA Australia
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