Hunters Retreat and surrounding areas

Hunters Retreat consists of a small hamlet in the village of St Aubin des Chateaux, some 10 mins drive from Chateaubriant, set in over 17 acres of private grounds consisting of beautiful gardens, and our own private fishing pool.

We have plenty of bicycles for you to use, perhaps cycling down a very quiet road to visit our local creperie which is set at the side of a very large lake, where you could park the bike, walk for an hour or so, and return to the creperie for a wonderful, traditional french crepe!

There is plenty to explore in the historic town of Chateaubriant.  The Chateau was built around the 11th century by Lord Brient and many people settled around the foot of the Chateau and eventually became known as the town of Chateaubriant.  Chateaubriant took an active part in the French Resistance during the last world war, which took its toll on the local people.  Many of the local streets are named after those who were murdered during the occupation.  You can find a monument dedicated to the French Resistance on the outskirts of the town.

Each year at the beginning of September, a 4 day Foire de Bere is held in Chateaubriant, with a live agricultural show, many stands offering wine tastings of regionally produced wines to tempt you to buy some to take back home, plenty of food and drink stands and for those who are not faint hearted; some superb rides at the funfair!  Why not visit the morning street market in Chateaubriant, you can find some wonderful cheeses, or just browse amongst the stalls selling a variety of goods.

At Hunters Retreat you can have both a relaxing holiday, just idle your days away with a gentle swim in the pool (one provided for each gite) or explore locally by bike, or drive into Chateaubriant and explore this historic town.  Discover the refined, French gastronomy in lovely surroundings of the Hostellerie de La Ferriere in Chateaubriant, where the menu starts from 20 euros for a wonderful 3 course meal.  If you are a keen fisherperson, then Mark is more than willing to accompany you for fishing, perhaps you could too could catch carp in the 40 pound region!

St Aubin des Chateaux is ideally situated to explore nearby lakes with man-made beaches, travel to the coast (about an hour's drive) and visit the ancient market towns, and the numerous wine sellers in the Loire, plus many more attractions for you to visit.

For 2009 Mark will have his own private fishing lake consisting of 5 acres situated about 2Kms from Hunters Retreat.  This will be available for rental for the more adventerous carp angler in small groups.  A separate web page (huntersretreat.net) is available with all details.