In the Upper Loire is a wine region which deserves to be better known – Cote-Roannaise AC. And it is here that an English winemaker (Simon Hawkins) and his French wife have converted a house on the Domaine du Fontenay into B&B (Chambres d’Hôte) accommodation near Villemontais (42 Loire, Rhône-Alpes).
Situated just 12km from the town of Roanne (42 Loire, ARA)- original home of the Maison Troisgros Restaurant – the B&B Domaine du Fontenay is a self-contained house offering 4 elegant en-suite bedrooms and a terrace overlooking the vines which is ideal for breakfast or early evening drinks – up to 11 people (single occupancy possible) at very reasonable room rates – quiet and peaceful and in the heart of the vines.
All the rooms are spacious and bright. They all have private bathrooms (with large showers) and separate toilets – all beds are equipped with soft and warm duvets.
A secured and free WIFI access is available everywhere within the House.
The B&B Domaine du Fontenay offers rooms decorated in a traditional style with views of the vineyards – free wine tasting sessions, and vineyard tours if you reserve in advance.
Côte-Roannaise AC is a young appellation which mainly produces red wines made from the Gamay grape. Although similar to Beaujolais in the grapes used , these wines tend to be more serious and deeper in flavour. As the vines age so does the richness and complexity of the wines. White and Rosé wines are also produced as Vins de Pays with Chardonnay and Viognier grapes!
The wines at Domaine du Fontenay are produced with a completely hands-off approach to wine making. And no added sugar (chaptalisation)!
An ideal region to explore or as a stopover on the way south – not far from the A89 autoroute from Clermont Ferrand to Lyon (known as La Transeuropéenne ).
for more info and to check availability at this Cote Roannaise B&B see Domaine du Fontenay
nearby alternative accommodation near Roanne
airport: Lyon Saint Exupery LYS 58 miles/ 90 km
