Live Like a Local

This was my second experience with Sue and Martin’s “All inclusive Slow France” experience - I never got over how wonderful our week was last year, and I may just book this on repeat! They are wonderful hosts that can really connect you to what makes the Loire Valley special - the food, the wine, castles, scenery, history, the pace of life, and then back to the food and wine! Martin’s wine tours are wonderful, relaxing, but also educational. We met with winemakers who are delighted to share their approach to how they turn their grapes into magic! Sue keeps an amazing garden and turns out fresh delicious meals - paired perfectly with local wine, of course. There are so many castles and villages to visit, and they help you find what your “ideal” castles offer - history, scenery, gardens, freedom to explore - we saw some great ones. We dined in some exceptional restaurants, and some hidden gems. The manor house is splendid, the gites are clean, private and comfortable, the pool is refreshing, they offer bikes so you can see the local scenery yourself. They have the right balance of showing you so much of the Loire Valley yet you still have plenty of private relaxation. Highly recommend a week here.

Exceptional experience in the Loire Valley
Our week at Bumblebee Manor with Sue and Martin was one of the best holidays of our lives. The property itself, including the Manor House, gits, and gardens, is quite fabulous. Our Lavender git was spacious, comfortably appointed, and utterly relaxing. But the real stars of this holiday were our hosts, Sue and Martin. Both are fascinating and incredibly talented people, who have lived all over the world and have a rich set of experiences and perspectives from which to draw. They are also the most hospitable people we have ever met. We took advantage of their all inclusive package, which gave us the opportunity to enjoy Sue’s exceptional cooking and baking, Martin’s great knowledge of local wine, and both of their expert insights on tours of famous Loire chateaux and local points of interest. I have a number of serious food allergies and Sue made it her mission to ensure that I could enjoy adapted versions of French classics and enjoy several high quality restaurants safely. They were both amazing tour guides, helpful to us but also to other visitors. Martin, for instance, helped us enjoy the local Bioparc but also ensured that all the children we met experienced the exhibit to the fullest. We learned so much about French history, culture, wine, architecture, art, and rural life from them. We would highly recommend a visit to Bumblebee Manor and taking advantage of their comprehensive all-inclusive package.

2 months later I am still coming down from my French experience with Sue and Martin at Bumblebee Manor. I have already booked for this year to do it again with my mom!

Taking time off work is always important - even more so when you’re in start-up mode and burning both ends. This past week provided unforgettable memories and experiences in the Loire Valley in France. I highly recommend this experience and chance to recharge your batteries and enjoy a refreshed rhythm of life.

I can't gush enough about how amazing our experience was with Sue and Martin. From their genuine hospitality at their awesome Bumblebee Manor to the fresh picked raspberries from their garden on our breakfast, the trip was amazing. From making reservations at a local restaurant for us (delicious) to providing suggestions for day trips, they stay was great and we left feeling refreshed and appreciative of the great time we had. Do take Martin up on his wine tasting trip because he provides you with an authentic Loire experience (he chooses wineries who appreciate your business and are welcoming to customers to show them a great time) and you get to eat at a local restaurant that you would never find on your own and you will be blown away. Additionally, ride with Sue into town on bicycles to purchase espresso and pastries/baguettes from the local shops. Thanks again, Sue and Martin!