“There it is!” I pointed as I leaned across the car, blocking the vision of my husband who was trying to keep his eyes on the highway.  Smiles spread across both of our faces as we saw the magnificent chateau that would be our home for the night.

This was our second attempt at staying at a chateau in France.  The night before being our first attempt, where we were booked into a different chateau in the same area.  It was a chateau, and even though it was very nice, it proved to be disappointing.

Here’s why:

Although the grounds were lovely and the main building of the chateau now a beautiful hotel, it’s not what we had in mind.  The dining room was posh, with everything from an amuse bouche to a bow-tied waiter who would brush off the white linens between courses and cut our cheese for us when we got to the fromage portion of the evening.  Of course this was amazing- there was no arguing that.  What we weren’t expecting was being in a modern, fancy hotel.  Where was the old French chateau rich in history?

Once we left the lobby and dining area and headed to our room, we were no longer even in the castle, but in a block of rooms that were added onto the property.  Now I don’t want to sound spoiled, so I do have to say that the room was very nice, but when you have a preconceived notion that you are going to have a magical castle experience it’s rather deflating to you and your two little princesses to find that you’ve been exiled to the generic hotel out back that was built as an addition not that long before.

Hot Tip:  If you’re looking for a chateau stay, make sure you ask when you’re booking if you are actually going to be staying IN the chateau!

We were disappointed in the fact that our first castle stay was more like a pricey hotel than what we had envisioned; but were willing to give the chateau experience another shot.

On our second attempt, we arrived at Chateau de la Motte a l”Usseau and it was everything you’d expect a castle to be: a grandiose building full of character, with proud towers standing guard, lush gardens and an obviously historic exterior.

Jean-Marie welcomed us in the driveway where we became fast friends, and we could tell how proud he was of their property.

Built in 1409, there was no mistaking that this building was full of history.  Jean-Marie and his wife, Marie-Andree not only own and run the chateau, but they live there themselves, so you truly are their guests when you’re staying with them.

Just by stepping out of the car and looking at the castle from the outside we knew this was the chateau experience we were looking for!  We felt like a royal family for a day, making our way up the spiral stone stairs as we were shown to our room and greeted by the charming furnishings and four poster bed.

Our room had the perfect balance of antique items and newly renovated pieces; like the bathroom.  This kept the old feeling of the castle, while at the same time being able to enjoy modern amenities like his and her sinks and a waterfall shower.

If you travel with kids, you know the challenge of all being crammed into one tiny hotel room, suitcases, strollers, and all.  In our family, our youngest traveler falls asleep a bit earlier than the rest of us, so having a separate bedroom, or a suite with separate living space is always a welcome feature.  This room had plenty of space, plus a separate kid’s bedroom with two single beds.  We couldn’t ask for more!

From everything I read in online reviews a meal cooked by Marie-Andree was not to be missed, but unfortunately for us, we arrived late on a Sunday, and without notice of wanting dinner, so it wasn’t in the cards for us this time.  We did however enjoy an apéritif in the main salon with some other guests, and the owners even brought out a toy castle to keep our daughters amused.

The grounds were lovely, and the experience was that of truly staying in a castle that is full of history.

If you find yourself in Loire Valley, or any area with the opportunity to stay overnight in a castle, I highly recommend it.  Keep in mind a few things when you’re booking.

*Ask a few questions before you get there.  One of our chateaux experiences was quite formal and had a restaurant that was open regular hours without regardless of how many people were staying in the hotel each night.  The other was casual, but reservations needed to be made in advance because of the small number of guests staying.  These are good things to know before you arrive so you can plan your day accordingly.

*As previously mentioned, make sure you book a room in the chateau and not in an addition.  We’ve stayed in both and trust me, you want to be in the main building.

*Ask for a tour of the grounds and find out a bit of the history of the building.  It makes the visit that much more special knowing what happened within those walls before you arrived.

*It’s always nice if you can stay during the summer months because the grounds are so beautiful, but if that’s not possible, pack a sweater; large, old buildings don’t always hold heat well.

*Book as far in advance as you can to avoid disappointment.

I’m hoping we stumble across this area of France again, because I have to say; I was pretty comfortable in my surroundings.  It was an experience fit for a Queen!