Katie and I had a terrific holiday - a massive thank you to each and everyone including all the wonderful horses. Everything surrounding our holiday was above expectation, the accommodation, the exquisite food, and our very relaxing rides out. Katie was very nervous getting back in the saddle and Tanya matched her up with a perfect confidence giving horse, Katie came away inspired to continue riding (thankfully!)

We shared our experience with two other guests staying at the Château, Pam and Jim, they were terrific so a big thank you to them also, we very much hope to keep in touch…..

Château de Laumière is definitely somewhere we would both love to return to and I very much hope that we can, a truly enjoyable holiday, thank you!! xxx

Thankyou Tanya, Lynda, Chris and especially our 4 legged friends for taking such good care of us over the past week.

It has been delightful to explore the beautiful countryside on horseback & to come 'home' to wopnderful food, lovely surroundings & great company.  The experience was all the more enjoyable for seeing such happy and well cared for horses.  We would thoroughly recommend Château Laumière as a very relaxing, safe & memorable riding holiday experience.

Regards  Lynn & Tricia

                      York

Hi Lynda,  

I hope all is well and you're not run off your feet with too many guests with special food requirements like me. I know vegetarians with an aversion to mushrooms can be a challenge but you dealt with it amazingly! I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you, Chris, and Tanya (and Kitty!) for making my holiday so fantastic. And a special thank you to Seamus who was the most elegant, responsive and sensible horse I have ever had the pleasure to ride.

I am so glad that I chose Château de Laumière as the place for me to unwind. It was everything your lovely website promised. As a "lone guest" I was immediately welcomed, made to feel at home and enjoyed being part of what became a close group of guests - so much so that the 8 of us chose to have dinner out together on our free night! The hospitality, accommodation, food (delicious veggie inventions for me), wine (and more wine), company, surroundings, pool, hosts, countryside, extra tuition and the HORSES (wow!) were all just spot on. You will definitely be seeing me again!
Thank you,
Ali

Dear Lynda, Tanya and Chris,

Thank you for an excellent week at Château de Laumière. We had a terrific time, and would like to take this opportunity to add some comments to your already thriving guestbook. From the moment we arrived, we fell in love with the Château, and were extremely sorry to be leaving a week later. Most of what we wanted to say is already on your page in some form or other, so we’ll keep it short and sweet.

The good bits: the horses – beautiful, and extremely well schooled; the hacking – beautiful countryside, interesting rides; the lessons – excellent; the food – super; the hosts – delightful; the Château itself – lovely; the location – marvellous.

The bad bits: none.

We had a delightful, fun and relaxing holiday, and do hope to return at some point.

With best wishes, Catherine and Richard Dampney

Dear Lynda, Chris and Tania,
Our thanks to you all for a really wonderful holiday last week at Château Laumière. Not only were we accomodated so well, your welcome was warm and hospitality generous. As John cooks so well, it is always a little difficult to find somewhere that isn't at best a little disappointing, but Lynda's cooking was superb, and we really enjoyed the restaurant meal too.
We both loved the riding and exploring around the Château. The horses were splendid, and exceeded expectations. We stand in awe of Tania's skills with horses and people, and it was also fun!!
It was lovely to meet you all, you clearly enjoy your life and the work you do at the Château, and this must be one of the ingredients that has given us a truely unforgettable holiday.
Once again, our thanks to you all.
Kind regards Vicky and John Hayes

Dear Tanya Lynda and chris

What can I say other than wow !!! We loved every single thing about our holiday with you, Paul who is very difficult when it comes to holidays has declared to everyone that it's his best holiday ever and can't wait to come back !!! Being a total novice who had visions beyond his abilities Tanya was very patient with him Thankyou for that
For me the riding was on a horse that I could only dream of in past years when I had my own and wished that he was as well schooled as boysie
Your hospitality was truly amazing the food mouth watering
Waking up in the morning to watch the horses walking up from the fields passed our door just brilliant
We need to check out diaries but hope to book for next year if you will have us
Our very kind regards
Mindy and Paul Randell

Chris, Lynda and Tanya,

Just a note to thank you all very much for our lovely holiday with you. Where do we start?! We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, the mix of riding and relaxation was just what we were looking for. Your well schooled horses were a pleasure to ride and we loved exploring the beautiful countryside with you, we also learned a great deal from you Tanya which has given us plenty to work on now that we are back home. The relaxed, family atmosphere, lovely meals and little touches like the aperitif and chat before dinner and cool drink after our rides made it so easy to relax.

We hope it won't be too long before we can visit again.
 
Best Wishes
Jill & Neil

 
We have enjoyed our holiday so much with you and your guests! It has definitely been a great holiday to remember... The horses are amazing, so well looked after and ready to go, the gite was a lovely little place; we both enjoyed our peaceful time resting by the 'shady tree', the garden is beautiful and we found the pool a great place to be!
Thank-you so much for a fantastic time, we will definitely look forward to see you next year,
Liz & CJ x

Dear Lynda, Chris and Tanya,

It is difficult to find anything to say that hasn’t already been said by your guests.  I think that to sum it up for us - firstly it is the only holiday that we have ever been on where absolutely nothing could have been improved upon and secondly for me personally, I arrived stressed, tired and tense and returned completely relaxed and with the world back in perspective.  The calm, peace, beauty and tranquillity of the Château and the area, the fabulous massage, the riding and the joy of such beautiful, well cared for horses, the pleasure of the company of both yourselves, our fellow guests and riders and the fact that for my son (tell Tanya)! – it was very definitely a “result”, made it a holiday to remember.  We are so looking forward to returning in August.

Thank you for everything.

Caroline and George

Dear Lynda Chris and Tanya,  

This was our second visit to Château Laumière last year we came for a 'recce'  in a very small car with no space for riding kit, however this year we came in a larger vehicle to ride.... We were not disappointed in the lovely horses who took such care of us, Boysie and Nao, although Boysie much much larger than my usual Highland neds I felt so safe on him and the fantastic location with those enviable, seemingly endless tracks to ride on with Tanya's descriptions of the local historical features and also her riding tips. The rides timed to enable us to get back for a cold/hot drink before a delicious 3 course lunch and the afternoons free to laze by the pool, sampling the ample supplies of drinks in the cold room above the pool, or to explore the local countryside, tasting/buying the wine aided by Chris's instructions then off for an aperitif and canapes to be followed by an excellent  3 course dinner professionally prepared with regional dishes of local produce and even some home grown vegetables we ate royally thanks mainly to Lynda's expertise. All accompanied with local wines delicious! We truly felt like honoured guests welcomed into their home and very much appreciated all the hard work that went on behind the scenes.   We had the pleasure of Marilyn and David's company during our stay which contributed greatly to our enjoyment. We shall not forget our trip and hope to return soon. Very many thanks to you all for our wonderful visit.  

With very best wishes Heather and Bill

Dear Lynda, Chris and Tanya   

Just got back from the motoring holiday that we built around a 4 day stay at your Château. It was the high point in a memorably good fortnight.   Thank you all for making us feel like honoured guests. Wonderful old house and gardens with super horses and unique countryside to ride them in. But above all it was your hospitality, whether it was Tanya's relaxed considered leadership on the rides, Chris's knowledge of the area and its customs or, and not least, Lynda's wonderful food. Marilyn is reliving every meal by consulting the copious notes she took.   We hope very much to come and do it all again.   Regards Marilyn and David

Dear Lynda, Chris and Tanya,  

Thankyou so much for a fantastic holiday that will be remembered for a very long time!   We were not really sure what to expect but could not have been happier with our stay.  Everything was exceptional from the horses (who were just fab) to the food, the accommodation and the company.  We were made to feel very welcome and would love to return in the not too distant future.    We had a brilliant ride every morning and were looked after by your lovely horses Boysie, Ayva, Rocco, (and Jojo).  The rides were great and the views were beautiful.  After a great mornings ride we would come back to the delicious food cooked by Lynda, then enjoy an afternoon lazing by the pool before aperitifs and canapés followed by another lovely meal in the evening.  We all felt totally relaxed and it is definitely a week worth recommending to anyone who is thinking about a riding holiday.   Once again thank you for everything.   Love from Tracy, Harriet and Sarah xx

Once again absolutely marvelous, thankyou all for another lovely week, see you again soon .

Dear Tanya, Lynda and Chris,  

Just about settling back into real life after a great week’s holiday at your lovely Château.  The horses, well schooled and forward going, were just what I was looking for when I booked the holiday.  The area is beautiful and feels like a piece of countryside that time forgot.  The food is exceptional and the welcome extremely warm.  I look forward to seeing you all again.  

Love   Philippa

Hi Tanya, Lynda and Chris

Just a quick note to thank-you all for making our holiday so relaxing and special.

It was a fantastic week, just what we needed; Beautiful horses, very wise riding advice, great food and lots of care and attention to everything to make our week perfect.

We hope all of you and the horses have a great end of season and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Love Bev and Pam

Dear Lynda, Chris and Tanya,

I have just finished a hectic week back at work and have spent most of that
week telling people what a great time I had on my holiday.

My mental image of the whole experience is so shiny and bright , I find it
quite difficult  to explain to people just how good it was/is to stay at
your lovely home.

Lynda , People ask what was the food like.excellent. but that does not
reflect the variety, quality and balance that you achieve with your menus.

Tanya,  People ask about the horses...brilliant.. but that doesn't tell how
well you catered to each person's needs and skill and that the horses were
respected, extremely well balanced and lively.

Chris, The Château was fabulous but that didn't tell how welcome we all felt
and the joy I experienced sitting on your swing seat for an hour reading
before aperitifs' at 8pm  prompted me to buy one the Sunday after I arrived
home!

In a nut shell, my holiday surpassed my expectations which were already sky
high.

Staying in a Château already lends a frisson of excitement, which was
counterbalanced by  my trepidation as I was driving myself from Toulouse. I
had nothing to worry about, driving in France really is a lot easier than
our traffic choked routes, and  arriving at Château De Laumière I grinned
with excitement and continued to grin for the next 5 days.

Jo Jo my  mighty steed  was/ is lovely and riding into the French
countryside was a joy. As a single traveller I was blessed to meet some
fabulous people and enjoyed their company whilst riding, dining, swimming
and chilling.

I was trying not to look forward to my holiday too much in case it didn't
happen, but deep down it was a pivotal experience that truly excelled.

Thank you again

or should that be

Merci beaucoup Encore.

Sue

Ps my cunning plan worked, I left my night shirt behind so now I must
return to retrieve it.

   

Hi Tanya, Lynda and last but no means least Chris!

After bumping back down at Stansted and crashing back down to earth and normality, we wanted to mail & thank you for being such gracious hosts during our superb honeymoon stay at your pad. Being a novice rider coerced into a love of horses by my good wife, I somehow found myself on a plane after our wedding heading to the South Of France with my French phrase book and barely used riding hat in my hand luggage!

We were transported into an idyllic mix of superb hacks, fantastic cuisine, amusing company in our new found fellow guests and just the right mix of hospitality and freedom from yourselves. As you know, we opted for a week part board. This was so we could get lost on our own and see a bit more of France. Thank you so much for the tips on what to see. Saint-Cirq Lapopie was like stepping into a different century!

The meals you provided were top notch - we were very surprised and touched with the extra effort you put in for our last night and the champagne was a lovely touch. Trouble is I can't get used to not having two hour 3 course lunches now!

We enjoyed meeting the horses and were so glad they were not just plodders, each having a vitality and character that you'd not expect in such an environment with different people turning up all the time. They were all so happy, safe and well schooled which is a great credit to you all. Tanya - what can I say. In Mac (and we're still waiting to see the big fella on the gallery), you entrusted me with a horse that certainly took me to a new level.

Having been used to a mid 14h, the big fella at 16.2h was a joy to ride. Despite my little aches and pains being new to it all, that was a small price to pay for the 3 hour rides through villages lost in time and tracks that really helped you forget the normal rigours of life and soak up the beautiful country that is now your home.

Our ride by the lake was a Kodak moment and as for the gallop, well that did it for me. I'm truly grateful for the faith you showed in me - 60 odd miles in the saddle has certainly boosted my skills and riding bum! We both had such a memorable time exploring the timeless wonders of the area and felt so comfortable in the Château.

Caroline thoroughly enjoyed the charismatic Touman citing him as the highlight of the honeymoon which says alot about me!

We cannot praise you all enough for joy you gave us during our stay. We hope to visit again on an anniversary with some friends some time in the future.

Kind Regards to you all.

malc & caroline

Good evening Lynda, Chris and Tanya,

I have arrived home to a lovely 'Indian Summers' day here in England and am sadly straight in to work. My brain however is still in your beautiful area of France with your wonderful horses, hospitality and food.

When this trip was planned by my friend Lyn way back nine months ago, I thought I had forever to prepare myself, lose weight and get riding fit. Sadly, due to the pressures of modern life, I failed in my preparation for your horses. Thankfully, YOU did not fail to prepare your horses and I was looked after by your lovely mare Ayva for a morning of memorable riding through some of the most beautiful riding country possible. I would recommend to anyone visiting Laumière to take heed of this cautionary tale. Had I done the foundation work I would have accompanied my friends through villages, trails, woodlands and tracks covering some of the best of the region, led by Tanya the most inspirational horsewoman I have met in many a year. Although the riding is paced and everyone is matched with one of the beautiful Laumière horses, I would recommend anyone thinking of riding out from the château to put the work in first to make the most of the horse riding and enjoy the experience without muscle pain or discomfort. Tales of scrumped figs and fabulous canters regaled over long lunches of fresh local produce under an arbour of vines was an idyllic break before a hard afternoon lounging by the pool!

Thanks to Chris and Tanya aperitifs and  canapé in the lovely sitting room added a touch of classic French sophistication before the wonders of Lyndas cuisine downstairs in the vaulted dining room. A truly sumptuous few days in great company surrounded by luxury and horses, what more could one wish for!  Many thanks to you all for your kind hospitality and all your hard work behind the scenes which make this break so fantastic!

Kind regards and an extra pat for Ayva, Patsy x

Dear Tanya, Linda and Chris 
 
Have caught up on yard and house cleaning duties and wanted to thank you for the wonderful time I spent with you all last week.
 
I have always wondered if all congratulations on the first class treatment people received were for real,  but let me confirm the horses are fantastic (especially Boysie!) The rides the very best way to spend time in this area and Tanya the perfect mix of horse expert and people expert with a sense of humour (thank goodness!).
 
Chris and Linda offer the very best as host and hostess, the food was amazing, the feeling of visiting friends and being part of Château life was truly relaxing and chilling.
 
It  was wonderful to meet the other guests, to spend the time with such special people, making the holiday completely perfect.
 
I had such a great time which I really valued.  I will definitely be back.
 
Wishing you all the very best for the coming months,
 
Many thanks again,
 
Love, Lyn   

Hi Tanya, Lynda and Chris!

Firstly, a big thank you to you all for a lovely week – riding, food and a beautiful place to relax – just what we both needed!

All the very best

Jen & David

PS Tanya – I rode the lovely Ferrari again on the Saturday morning ride yesterday and, mid-canter, she did a massive leap sideways at an imaginary something in the trees – needless to say, after your balance tuition, I stuck like a limpet! Great fun! Thanks again for the tips!

Hi everybody

Just a line to say how much I enjoyed my recent break with you and I can't wait to join you again. The accommodation and hospitalities are second to none and I was very impressed with the stable block and especially the horses. My horse Ayva was wonderful an absolute pleasure to ride but all of the horses on my rides were impeccable so THANKYOU very much.

Look forward to riding with you in the future

     Jackie

Dear Lynda, Chris, and Tanya,

We're sitting at Rodez airport waiting for our flight home. As we prepare for re-entry into the 'real world', we wanted to say how wonderful our week at Château de Laumière has been. 
It's always a risk booking a holiday, especially (as in our case) on the recommendation of someone who hasn't yet been to the place they're recommending! But our expectations from visiting your website have been not just met, but surpassed. 
Your Château is beautiful and peaceful, our room was luxurious, the food outstanding, the stables spotless, the horses lively but kind, and the swimming pool heavenly. But most memorable was the way you made us feel so welcome by your generous but unobtrusive hospitality. We felt relaxed from the moment we stepped from the transfer car which you'd arranged, and from then on nothing seemed too much trouble for you. We so appreciated the little touches - drinks after a ride, picking up our favoured aperitif from the supermarket for us, L'Eau de Vie at the end of the day (!) - as well as the bigger favours of helping us enjoy a full week when we could only arrive a day late, accommodating our different riding abilities, and including us in the visit to 'Festi'lac'.
We're leaving France feeling refreshed and spoilt, and encouraged that, in addition to everything else, you've helped to give us both more confidence and (hopefully) competence in our horseriding.
So, thank you for welcoming us into your beautiful home, and giving us a thorougly enjoyable week.
With our very best wishes,
Donald and Lizzie McFadyen

Dear Tanya, Lynda and Chris,  

Thank you once again for a lovely week.  Despite the weather!  The horses were fantastic and the food was so good that I put on half a stone this time.  Oops!  I just love being able to go out for a fun, but safe hack every morning in such lovely, peaceful countryside.  And lounging round the pool afterwards is perfect. Oh, not forgetting the oh so comfortable bed.    If I could fit in a return trip this autumn I would, but I hope to see you again next year.  

All the best,   Julia  

Dear Tanya and family,

Sorry it has taken a week to say thank you for a lovely few days. I so loved the riding and  your horses are beautiful,  i do miss them especially Ayva . Tanya you are brilliant, just wish I lived closer to you. When I get younger I want to be just like you!

Take care , will keep in touch.
Fiona  

Dear Tanya

Just a brief note to thank you very much for a fabulous riding holiday. Both Felicity and Emily are still completely enamoured by your ponies and horses and can discuss little else. Wishing you a successful summer.

Kind Regards   Gaynor Kenny

Hi Tanya, Lynda and Chris

Our holiday was a total blast from beginning to end - wonderful horses (especially Ayva and Jo Jo), fantastic food, great company, and a magical setting. Huge thanks Tanya, Lynda and Chris! We hope to see you again soon.

Kerry and Pamela 

Tanya, Linda and Chris

I'm waiting for my flight back to the U.S. and thinking of the great time I had at the Château. I already miss seeing Nao and Rocco every morning, and miss all the great rides we had.  The food was amazing, the company of the other guests was very pleasant, and the Château and it's surroundings were tres magnifique!  I was very happy with the horses I rode and the type of hacks we went on.  Thank you for a great experience.

Nancy

Hi there

It seems a long time since all I had to do was ride! Return to work has been busy but I am enjoying it!

Wanted to say I had a wonderful time with you. Loved the riding and Boysie and would love to return! The Château was lovely and my accommodation superb down to last detail.

Food was the highest standard I’d had anywhere on holiday. Thank you all!  

Blessings

Fiona

Dear Lynda, Chris and Tanya

We would just like to say many thanks for the fantastic riding and hospitality experience Lynda and I received whilst staying at the Château this May.  The welcome was so warm and the horses were so well behaved and schooled.  The food and wine was especially delicious thanks Lynda and the evening chats with Chris were most entertaining.  Also thanks to Tanya for providing us with amazing ride outs through such beautiful country side in rural France.   We are already day dreaming about coming back next year!

Thanks and Kind Regards Kirstie and Lynda from Cardiff

Dear Tanya, Linda, Chris and all you lovely Horses,
 
Once again for the third year all eight of us have had the most amaizing time, you make us feel so welcome, The horses again so well behaved so a big thank you to Tanya, the food well what can i say just truly delicious so Thank you to Linda and Chris its just lovely to have you around to tell us all the local history, and about the stunning  Château and serve that lovely wine.
 
You are lovely people and we hope to come back again next year.
 
Give Molly and Uplah a great big hug from me. Sandra. xxxxxx (Linda, Sheila, Lindy, Sue, Rachel, Carol and Jane.)
=

Many many thanks to Tanya , Lynda & Chris for another lovely holiday.  I came last year and enjoyed the horses, the food and the comfy bed so much that I came again this year, and I might just come again next year. It’s amazing how much you can unwind and de-stress in just 1 week at Château Laumière. Yes, it really is that good . A big thanks also to Sari, Tina & Corinna for their excellent company and to Boysie for taking me around all week . For those of you reading this who might have more than 22kg of riding gear , taking the car is very easy and the Château easy to find.

Thanks again everyone,

Richard

Dear Tanya, Lynda and Chris,

Thank You for everything! We had such a great time with you! We´ve never felt ourselves as welcome and well looked after anywhere as we did with you. You took us very personally; we didn`t really feel us being tourists having booked a trip somewhere but more like house guests visiting your home for a coulple of days. The horses were beautifull and well schooled, the riding environment breathtaking, all the dinners in the Château very delicious, the pool great fun, lot`s of interesting places to see near by... What more could one ask for?! We spent a perfect and totally relaxed holiday with you. So Thank You! Once we have finished our world tour, we`ll certainly come back to the Château de Laumière :)

Take care & best wiches,
Sari Lehtinen & Tina Forsman; Finland
 

Hi Tanya, Lynda and Chris,

Elizabeth and I had a great holiday in France and the riding sojourn was wonderful.  Looking at your website tonight brings back so many wonderful memories and engenders those relaxing experiences we had enjoyed. 

Thank you Lynda for your carefully prepared meals and  generous Menus with many surprises.  Chris I enjoyed your tales and the wine you provided for us.  Tanya the horses you have are very well trained, educated mounts and it is really a great place to ride.. ... you are very lucky indeed.

Kind Regards

Wayne

Victoria, Australia

Dear Lynda and Tanya,

An enormous thank you for an excellent break away from the rat race.  It was perfect just to be looked after so well, with good food and comfortable surroundings in great style, and to know that each day we could look forward to discovering more of the country around us in the best way one can, riding good horses.  I can see why you have regular clients who return again and again, booking their favourite times of the year.  The October weather was fine for riding for us, perhaps next time it will be warm enough to sit outside in the afternoon.  It is always a risk at that time of year, and that is fine.  You have worked very hard to make everything very homely and welcoming within the ever present reminder of the Château’s thick stone walls and sense of history.  As you say on the website there is a mixture of English and French coming down the Centuries, and I loved reading the tongue in cheek book: “ 1000 years of annoying the French” by Stephen Clarke ‘on location’, so to speak.  On returning to England I discovered that our French neighbours already have a copy!  Shame, I was going to give it to him for Christmas!  Tanya has turned the yard into quite a business and I admire her determination and acumen to establish such a variety of work and yet produce good horses for riding for the holiday guests.  One is always concerned that it might be case of ‘nose-to-tail’ pony trekking but that is certainly not the case with well behaved and well schooled mounts.  All in all, it was just what we needed and we really appreciated your hospitality.  Thank you very much.

Andrew and Jessica Gossage

Hi Lynda, Chris, and Tanya,    

I have never been on a trip where every experience exceeded my expectations. The Château and grounds are breath taking. Pictures simply can not capture the beauty of this place. You will be transported in time to another world that is beautiful and mystical. Have you been to a place that has wild orchids growing like wildflowers? Have you spent a morning on horseback where you do not see a single car or person and just hear the wind through the fields? Have you had a chef that cooks such amazing diverse foods, that you can barely wait till the next meal? Have you met up with such interesting fellow travelers and laughed into the wee hours over dinner? Have you visited someplace where you could stay forever? This is one of the best vacations I have ever taken!  I miss Lynda, Tanya, Chris, Boysie my fabulous horse, the other 4 guest we adventures with, and the friendly little barn cat! I can not wait to go back!

Michel -  Charleston,South Carolina, USA

My experience at Château de Laumière lived up to all my expectations of horseback riding in Gothic, romantic, rural, southern France (thank you Tanya and Seamus) except one - the food, generous and delightful, well exceeded my hopes. Thank you chef and host Lynda for providing delicious 'almost vegetarian' meals! This was a rare treat for me since my usual 'vegetarian' dining experience out and at home lack luster.  

Yvonne Michel from Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Dear Tanya, Lynda and Chris

Very belated thanks for a really enjoyable holiday with you all in
September.   We relaxed from the moment we arrived.   No traffic, no
planes - just complete peace - blissful.   Then combine this with splendid
food and wine, unique and comfortable accomodation and of course such
excellent horses who gave us safe and enjoyable rides through the lovely Lot
countryside.   What more could one ask for.   I also so much enjoyed
attempting to  achieve the Monty Roberts join up.

Thank you again for such a memorable week and for all your hard work and
attention to detail - you deserve to succeed.

With our best wishes      Bob and Deidre Davis

Just to say thank you for such a great holiday.  You were all so welcoming and made sure everyone had a great time.  The morning rides with Tanya were just wonderful - beautiful horses, gorgeous scenery and fascinating glimpses into history.  Then there was Lynda's cooking to look forward to - absolutely delicious and authentic regional treats.  The afternoon trips out were sorted by Chris' helpful suggestions of interesting places to visit and top tips of when to go where.  You were always interested to hear how we enjoyed our time away from the Château.  Not forgetting the two Charlotte's, who I reckon scooped the best summer job ever!  Thanks again to you all.

  Best wishes,

  Vivienne     

Hello to all

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for a terrific break at the Château de Laumière. Staying in the Château was so special with my four poster and views of the foals to entertain! Thank you to Linda for accommodating my food 'issues', she really does spoil you with her excellent cooking and both her and Chris are superb hosts; friendly and very welcoming. The area is beautiful with lots of sightseeing opportunities and the Château, its grounds and facilities make it easy to relax and forget about the time.
Tanya is a star and makes riding out so enjoyable, her knowledge and experience fascinating - and of course the riding was the best part! The horses are so obviously loved and beautifully schooled and Boysey really took care of me. The Merens horses are nothing short of stunning.
It was truly a fabulous experience and I will be giving serious thought to returning next year - maybe for a full week!

I'm already recommending Château de Laumière to friends
Best Wishes to you all
Joanne Park

Dear Chris, Lynda and Tanya,
We all had such a fabulous time - the Château is beautiful, the countryside stunning, and the riding was great. Tanya is the most fantastic teacher and her horses are beautifully schooled and looked after. The food was lovely , and we all three felt so relaxed, riding in the morning, lazing by the pool in the afternoon, and eating and drinking our way through the evening! Thanks so much for a fantastic stay .

Claudia, Anna and Courtney xx

Dear Tanya, Lynda and Chris

I’m writing to thank you for your fabulous hospitality at your beautiful home. It really is a Château!

As non-riders, Graham and I weren’t quite sure what to expect but were blown away by the amazing surroundings and the whole tranquility of the area. Lynda’s cooking was terrific so much so that even although we had booked for the partial dine out arrangement, we opted to eat in the Château for 2 extra nights.

Kirsty loved the riding and fell in love with her horse- one way or another, she wants to come back next year. We all do!

Thank you also to the other guests whose company was great- I will get some photographs emailed to you.

Thank you again.

Carole, Graham and Kirsty 

Dear Tanya

Very many thanks for a great time at Château de Laumière.  We hugely enjoyed it.  May I say a special thank you to you for your company and your support and advice and encouragement on the rides, which were really super, like stepping back in time.  And Ayva was a sweetie - not least in putting up with me so patiently!  If I were a horse, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else, or be looked after by anyone else!   Everything was great - the food was brilliant, and Christopher and Lynda were marvellous hosts.  And the other guests were good fun.   I am now delicately encouraging Philippa that it would be an excellent idea to come back next year -- I'm working on it!     All the very best.   Stephen

Dear Tanya, Lynda, Chris 
We would like to thank you again for the lovely week we spent at the beautiful Château de Laumière.  You made us feel very welcome and the food was exceptional. We loved the hacks and Ayva and Neao were brilliant. It really was one of the best holidays we have had. Ness has been telling everyone how pretty merens horses are! I hope we will be able to visit you again in the future, you have a wonderful place in a beautiful part of France. Thanks again,
Sebastian and Vanessa Prior=

Dear Lynda, Chris, and Tanya,

I just wanted to thank you all for such a lovely few days.  Your home
is absolutely lovely.  The vacation was one of the most relaxing ones
I have taken in some time.  The rides were splendid with a great
balance of sites and paces, the food was spectacular, and the ambiance
of your beautiful Château very relaxing.  I hope to return at some
point.

Thanks again for your generous hospitality.

All the best,

Tiffany Clay - San Fransisco

Hi guys, wanted to say a big thank-you for the remarkable holiday we had earlier in June. All our party thoroughly enjoyed it and even I (yes me) started to understand why Jen goes out every Thursday evening to horse ride throughout the year (although I think I may be above her standard now, but don't tell her). It was a much needed break and as soon as we arrived we immediately relaxed, to the point where Tony even had a number of lie ins, unheard of for a man who has the attention span of a goldfish and is normally up at 5am each day. I think what made it a unique experience was the fact that you could bond with the horses in an environment that was friendly, professional and good fun. Liz still wants to replace Tony with Mac, but that was to always be expected.

Highlights for the week: -

• Jen not being able to take the smile off her face all week
• Liz having to brush down Boysey after he rolled in the field (after I told him to), I found it humorous anyway. After all, she did nothing having "beautiful" Mac earlier in the week.
• Tony smiling when he got "best groomed horse award" and was asked if he wanted to be a stable boy.

my holiday may 2010

hello all ,

  thank you all for a wonderful time , absolutely marvellous, please can you pencil me in for the same week next year...of course,, if you will have me back ,,,,,,,,,,   I have stopped having in school lessons and I am now going on a ride out in the countryside with a fun bunch of ladies so that I can get used to riding out down the little lanes,,   it is only for an hour on a Wednesday ,,, and the poor horses are not as good as yours,,but i'm practicing hard , and any advice you can give me ready for next year will a help...   thanks very ,very much   ( lynda's creeme brulee is to die for ),,,,,,,  please le me come again

  bye for now   richard

Hello Lynda, Chris and  Tanya 

  I'd like to thank all you for the holiday that we had recently in your home. The Château is amazing, a beautiful building in a lovely peaceful setting, and was a great balance of riding and relaxing by the pool. The area is beautiful to ride through, pretty villages and tree-shaded lanes. Your horses are amazing, all well cared for, obviously happy and very well schooled and a delight to ride. It was great to ride through such beautiful countryside on a horse that wasn't a push-button plod but was safe and very well behaved. Then after that a delicious lunch with a nice cold glass of wine shaded by the pergola, life doesn't get any better than that.   Lynda's cooking is amazing, restaurant quality food and the wine flows, so you will definately come back several pounds heavier (as I unfortunately did). Chris is a great host, entertaining and full of local knowledge.

You were all so welcoming, this was one of the best holidays I have ever had.   I cannot recommend a holiday with you enough, it definately surpassed expectations so we will be back next year!   Regards, Corina.

Dear Chris, Lynda andTanya

Just wanted to thank you so much once again for having our group to stay again at your wonderful, amazing home for the second year running. As you were well aware we had an amazing time and we cannot state enough to other people that your holiday offerings are one in a million and should not be overlooked when choosing a riding holiday.
Your hospitality is 10star (if it goes that far) the riding is superb, horses are everything one wants their own horse to be (this is due to Tanya's amazing knowledge of horsemanship and care of her beloved horses). Lynda, your food was out of this world yet again and continues to give Gordon Ramsey a run for his money any day! Thank you to Chris for "putting up with all us women at one time" and for making us feel so welcome. Thank you to Rachael for joining us on a ride and your company. Lastly, a big huge thank you to Tanya for taking us out on magnificent hacks everyday, providing gorgeous, well mannered horses to ride that were a match made in heaven to each of us. Both Sandra and I enjoyed our private jumping lesson on our last day and we think the horses did too!
We wish you all the best for the rest of the season and we are already planning our stay again next year with you!!
Both Sandra and I were crying as we drove down the drive as we didnt want to go home, so obviously you have provided such a warm and friendly environment that it now makes it very hard for us to leave you all.

Take care and see you all again next year.

With love from

Kate,Sandra,Nancy,Maria,Linda,Helen,Heather and Shelley
from Thornbury, Nr Bristol, UK

Dear Lynda, Chris & Tanya

  This is to thank you again for our excellent stay, you all looked after us so well, we gained pounds in weight - unfortunately- but it was worth it!  The food was really delicious and the ambiance of the Château was so charming - we're vey envious that you all get to enjoy it all of the time.   Special thanks to Tanya for looking after us oldies and keeping us safe on those rides.  Mike really enjoyed his lessons and feels it improved his riding a great deal.  He's moaning about his knee, but I think it could be all of the walking we did!   Hope to return next year with daughter in tow, so will be in touch.  We've gone away again with many pleasant memories of riding in the Lot.  

Kind regards   Mike & Barbara.

Hi Tanya, Lynda and Chris,

I just wanted to write to you quickly to thank you for such a fabulous 
holiday at Château de Laumière. I have been raving about it to all of 
my friends and family since I got back. The location and accommodation 
was 5 star - I'm not sure I've ever been anywhere quite so peaceful 
and so beautiful. And not only was the Château perfect, but the food 
and your hospitality was too (despite the fact that I am a pesky 
vegetarian!).  But the real treat of the holiday was of course, the 
horses and the riding. Tanya's riding and teaching experience meant 
that she picked the perfect horse for everyone in the group and we all 
enjoyed the riding in the stunning scenery to the full. I would 
recommend a stay at Château de Laumière to anyone, whatever their 
riding ability. And if you have a non-riding partner I'm sure it would 
be equally enjoyable - there is enough free time and enough 
interesting places to visit in the region that anyone with an 
appreciation of beautiful landscapes, fine food and French culture 
would definitely have a wonderful time. Thank you again - I may well 
be back next year!

Louise

Tanya,    We're a bit behind after a hectic first week back at work. 
 
We would like to thak you for what was a fantastic experience and holiday. We had a fantastic time:
 
Your horses were a joy to be around and ride so wonderfully schooled individuals, safe and definately not plodders. That takes some doing in the first instance but to maintain with the number of riders you must manage through the summer is incredible.
 
Tuition, I for one should have had more! your management of me, my historic bad habits and Jo, excellent and thank you we will go on from here.
 
Accomodation simply fantastic what a wonderful house, setting evrything about it was great. We were so relaxed when we left you.
 
To the food, Lynda your cuisine was wonderful varied and very tasty. Would have been my downfall if I'd stayed longer I'd have been the jockey putting up overwieght!
 
A fantastic team, you Lynda and Chris your business is a credit to you all as you provide wonderful comfort excelent food and an amazing horse riding experience. Chris you have a job for life maintaining it but what a fun task!

Thank you

Dave & Jo  

Our visit to Château Laumière went beyond our expectations in all respects. The hospitality and friendly welcome we recieved put us at ease immediately. The Château and accommodation were a real bonus with a nice hot power shower in the room or a bracing salt water pool to dive into after a long ride! The actual Château and views from it were wonderful, with horses to be seen from every angle, including foals and shetlands!   The most amazing thing about our stay were of course, the horses, closely followed by the magnificent food! I was surprised that each horse was so individual, full of character and far removed from the half alive horses you often find. The page on the website was spot on about each horse, and I was lucky enough to chose the one I wanted before I even arrived, and promptly fell in love with Trevor! Though I was warned early on that others had lost their hearts to him on many occasions!   Tanya has an excellent way with both the horses and their riders, wether it be a lesson or a hack, she put people at ease where it was needed and allowed those with confidence to feel that they had had a lively ride too! We also got a history tour of the local buildings when we were out!The rides themselves were incredible, the views, the feeling of space, the fact that you hardly ever have to venture on road in a whole 3 hours! Beautiful countryside, seen in a way that can't be bettered!   An aspect not really thought about before the holiday is the other people we would meet whilst there. We were lucky enough to have a fabulous group of people staying and their company was really enjoyed both whilst on horse back or dining our way through the exqusite meals. The whole experience just has to be repeated.... so next year is booked already.... can't recommend it more than that!

  Jane & Jaqui  

Hello to everyone at Laumière. and a big thank you to you all.

So, that was riding at Château de Laumière!

As an appreciation of all your hard work in making holiday special, here’s a flavour of our stay.

While we were not beginners, we were a little concerned about our ability this being our first riding holiday.

We need not have worried, Tanya immediately summed us up and gave us enough of a challenge while fixing us with her eagle eye of safety.

A bit like she does with her horses!

But you get a little more … you get an insight of life from the horses point of view, which can only help with your riding.

Meanwhile, “back at the ranch” Lynda is planning some or other exquisite gastronomy (no I don’t think I exaggerate)

Boy am I a fan! (Ahem and Tracy of course)

This is all underpinned with Chris playing Mein Host.

I will miss our comic interludes Chris, it’s just a shame we are the only ones who will.

Our fellow guests who we now look upon as friends were stimulating and fun.

Riding, eating, wine, where did we get the energy from?

The girls were lucky enough to enjoy an appearance from Laumières answer to Vin Diesil, popular guy the Blacksmith.

While were on the subject, a thank you to the girls in the stables for their patience,

“so this bit goes in their mouth” (excuse the pun!)

We had fun with our minimal French in the locality; you would swear the locals enjoyed it as much as we did.

But ultimately you were drawn back to the peace and tranquility of Laumière.

On the last evening looking out over the captivating scene from the window it dawned on us how much we will miss the place.

But we can always come back!

You guys have a serious work ethic, and professionalism easily overlooked because of your warm friendly nature.

But then it did result in two immediate re bookings for May.

Enjoy girls!

Here’s to memories and a return trip in the future.

David and Tracy

South Wales

Dear All at the Château-de-Laumière,

I just wanted to send you all a quick note to say thanks,as we the George family enjoyed immensely our recent horse riding holiday at the Château.  As we found we where all a little rusty in the saddle but with some one to one tuition from the very experienced teacher Tanya and perfect partnering up of horses we were well on the way of dusting off those horse riding cobwebs.  The hacks were most enjoyable, especially  being taken around some really beautiful and picturesque scenery.  Plus we loved our accommodation, the barn was incredibly spacious and on the evenings we weren't sampling the very tasty local cuisine we lit up the barbie and enjoyed some relaxed al fresco dining.  Over all an absolute success!

We look forward to seeing you next year.

Regards,

The Georges. xx

 

  Hello Lynda, Chris and Tanya 

Thank you for a great holiday at the Château.

Everything was perfect - I cannot think how it could have been bettered.  The lovely setting of the Château, the splendid accommodation, the superb horses, the great company, both fellow guests and hosts, and the delicious food and wine.  Every aspect was thoughtfully and professionally presented, but we felt we were staying with friends.

The riding was excellent along shady bye-ways and through sleepy villages.  Tanya and Kay were charming and knowledgeable guides.

I would love to return and meanwhile will be recommending you to all who will listen.

Kind regards,
Rachael

  Dear Tanya, Lynda & Chris,

Just a quick email to thank you so much for a great time, again, I really enjoy riding out with you.  Hope Elody's pony has shown signs of improvement.  Well back in work again now, I don't know where the time has gone, France already seems ages ago.  Hope you're all enjoying a visitor free time, will definitely be back again to visit, so tell Boysie to expect me some time!

Love Gill & Mike

Dear Tanya, Lynda, Chris,

Thank you for a warm welcome, relaxing environment, lovely food and drink, a fun horse riding experience and the opportunity to meet some really nice people.

Your Château is beautiful and a fantastic location for exploring nearby towns and villages by car, or for a gentle stroll down the country lanes to admire the lovely countryside.

Special thanks to Tanya for her expert tuition and introducing us to a 'special' riding experience (the pond).

Steve & Jane

I wanted to say again what a fantastic time we had staying at the 
Château. Our main reason for spending a long weekend with you was for 
the riding. Although we had high expectations of the quality of the 
yard, these were easily exceeded. The horses are a joy, well schooled 
and still interesting and fun to ride .... all very individual. And 
the yard itself is immaculate, which although not essential for 
visitors, is indicative of the care that goes in to the operation. 
Tanya is an expert, but more importantly cares for each animal as an 
individual, which the visitors benefit from with fun, forward going, 
but reliable horses.

And apart from this, the hospitality shown us at the Château was 
fantastic. A beautiful building in a lovely setting was enhanced by 
the warm welcome provided by Lynda & Chris. And the food ....... 
fresh, local, plentiful, delicious, I could go on!!

Thanks so much for a great little holiday. Will definitely be 
spreading to word around .........

Lisa Sanders (& four de-stressed friends)

Dear Chris, Lynda and Tanya
I feel extremely guilty for not sending this entry earlier but since getting back from our holiday in May (seems like a lifetime ago now) everyday life has taken over!

However as they say better late than never! Just wanted to thank you on behalf of myself and Ben for making our 3 days there a fantastic experience the warm welcome, great food (Lynda), gorgeous location and lovely scenery, and not forgetting the nice drinks provided by Chris and conversation (that’s from Ben)  As for the Horses and riding (Thank you Tanya) I had a great time and since getting back have carried on with my riding lessons every week and am in my first adult Gymkhana tonight!

Thank you again and just so you know I am saving for a return trip next year with Sally all being well!
Kind Regards

Caroline & Ben

Dear Tanya, Lynda, Chris, Boysie, Ayva etc.

  As promised I have attached some pics of Dinner during our stay and a big thanks for a great week.  Darren and I were already missing the horses the day after we landed and went back to the riding school plods.  However, our teacher did comment that my seat had improved!    Missing Boysie, Darren is missing Ayva, missing the saddles, the pool, the food, however, not missing the weight that both of us put on from Lyndas great cooking.  Missing waking up and the view out of the window each morning and looking at the horses down below.   A great place to forget London and work.  Tanya had her work cut out pleasing lots of levels of rider between the 6 folk on our week and did a great job.     Hope you are all well and all the horses are fit.

  Darren and Rachael x 

 

Hi Lynda/Chris/Tanya
 
Just a few words to thank you for the wonderful time we had recently at Château de Laumière.
 
The Barn Gite was excellently appointed and the gardens, along with the views, are superb. There is also so much to do in the locality that we felt spoilt for choice for all the things we enjoy eg lively local markets, excellent local found and wines, beautiful scenery and complete relaxation.
 
Regarding the riding and the tuition we found the horses and the stabling to be of the highest standards which, in turn, provided us with a first class riding experience on forward-going horses in beautiful surroundings.  
 
It's rare these days to find a holiday destination which exceeds expectations but at Château de Laumière we found just that. Feel free to publish these comments on your website along with our email address for anyone who wants more info.
 
Take care and best wishes to you all
 
Tina and Martin

Hi Linda, Chris & Tanya  

Just wanted to say thank you once again for a fantastic week - we both thoroughly enjoyed it and will no doubt be back!   I didn't get a chance to thank the girls, particularly Kay, for their help so would you pass this on to them for me?   Hope the rest of your season goes well and we look forward to seeing you all again one day!   Lisa & Clive

Hi Lynda, Chris & Tanya

  Just a short note to say how much we enjoyed our stay at Château Laumière which certainly exceeded all our expectations.   The riding was the highlight of our holiday it was a pleasure to ride such well schooled and responsive horses in such beautiful countryside.  Tanya in a addition to being a fantastic rider and excellent teacher clearly has a strong affection for all her horses and the horses, stables and tack were all in tip top condition.   The Château is very comfortable and the well kept grounds were great for relaxing after a ride.  The hospitality at the Château was wonderful and Lynda's cooking was the best we experienced during our stay in France.   We would like to say a big thank you to all of you for making our stay so memorable - we would love to visit again and would certainly recommend others to visit.   Best regards  

Andrea  & Mike Hood 

Had a great time at Laumière.  The welcome was warm, the food excellent and the accommodation comfortable.  The horses are fabulous and Tanya was able to cater for our two very different riding abilities.  The rides along French country paths and lanes were stunning, and Tanya went out of her way to create an experience for both of us which enabled you to learn more about the horses and enjoy yourself at the same time.  To be thouroughly recommended

Anne & John

Dear Lynda, Tanya & Chris,

Just a short note to say thank you for our recent stay with you.  We had a lovely time and look forward to booking another stay next year.  We have recommended you to all our horsey friends and hope that you enjoy the summer.

Mark & Bev

Had a wonderful stay at the Château-de-Laumière from the moment we turned into the well-kept drive we knew we had made the right decision.  We were greeted by Chris, Lynda and Tanya, shown to our lovely room and then given a guided tour by Tanya of the available horses.  So many good looking beasts,  it was difficult to choose the mount for the following day.  We mulled that one over whilst having a delicious supper and, of course, a glass of wine and with a few pointers from Tanya I was delighted with Trevor!  That is a horse!

The following three days riding was superb; through extremely rural surroundings we had a fantastic time.  The horses are well schooled, responsive and all individual characters.  The whole set up at the Château is super – the food, the accommodation, the horses, the grounds.  I thoroughly recommend this gorgeous spot and would visit again without hesitation.  The three days was too short!

Kind regards

Elaine Brackley

Dear Lynda, Chris  and Tanya 

Just to say a big thank you for having us to stay at your wonderful Château. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves as you already know and we couldn't have wished for anything more. Your home is superb and so are all the horses and not forgetting yourselves who made us feel very welcome and such lovely food!

We were so sorry to leave you all and I know I can speak for all the others too, I wish I could have stayed longer and am definitely looking forward to coming again next year for my 40th birthday treat!

I will be talking about our holiday to everyone I know and if anyone in my horsey group wants a riding holiday, I will definately be sending them your way.

Best wishes

Kate xx

I wanted to get away for my 40th Birthday to relax. I found Château de Laumière on the internet, it was the horses that drew me to it they looked so well cared for. So seven of us booked up and off we went. When we got to the Château we were made to feel so welcome and at home the food was great, hospitallity was fab and the horses were brilliant, the Château was beautifull, i cant recommend it enough only to say we are all going back next year. Thankyou everybody at Château de Laumière for making my 4oth so special. Sandra from England xxxxx 
 

dear all,just a note to say thankyou for such a wonderful time,you made us all feel so welcome.As you might have guessed it' s raining here,we like to share!couldnt have  let them miss out on all that lovely rain! On a serious note ,we did have a great time and we are looking forward to next year!we will make sure we bring plenty of wet weather gear and a bikini!   Hope you all have a great summer and all the horses and yourselves keep well,look forward to seeing you in the spring! 

ps.i will put Château-de-Laumière in our riding club news letter,with high recommendation.!!                                                 Thankyou once again

                                                                          Nancy.x

"A huge thank you for such a great few days!  We thoroughly enjoyed riding through the beautiful French countryside on the most honest horses we have ever come across - so well behaved, all thanks to Tanya!!  Then to arrive back at the Château to a welcoming cold beer and a sumptuous lunch prepared by Lynda - superb food! I still can't believe how peaceful the place is or how dark it was at night. The only sound I heard was the occasional whinny from one of the babies outside my bedroom window. We did try to steal Scally the dog but we couldn't fit her in our suitcase!! Am already planning another trip next year and probably every year thereafter!  Thanks again for your wonderful hospitality!"

Love Sally and Jackie.

PS...

Tanya,

Just thought I would let you know that I passed my riding test with the cavalry this morning.  It was hard work in the school but the circle work and no stirrups lesson with you really helped, so thank you.   At the end of the test the instructor took us for a canter, I got off to a great start with a big Buck!!  But I had no problems staying on this time.

Hope you are well, I do have some lovely photo’s of the foals, I will send them on soon.

Really enjoyed our stay with you, hope to visit again next year.

Jackie

I can not recommend a riding holiday at Château de Laumière highly enough. Every aspect of the holiday experience was fantastic. Flights are very reasonable, and with only an hour and a half on the plane, you arrive in no time at all. The Château is spectacular, and is even grander than it appears in the photos on the website. All the rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated, with lots of character and interesting history.

From the moment I arrived, I felt instantly at home, and was made to feel very welcome by every member of the family. Lynda, Tanya and Chris are happy to share with you all their fascinating local knowledge, so you really get a feel for the culture, and the differences between the English and French way of life.

The Château is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The scenery whilst hacking was amazing. You ride for hours and barely see a car, or any people, but maybe a few cows along the way. You can ride along peacefully in your own little world, and let all your worries drift away, it is incredibly relaxing.

Tanya is a very knowledgeable and experienced horse women, with a team of very happy and well cared for horses and ponies. All of the horses enjoy hacking out, and are very well schooled, so they really look after you- without being lazy plods! Tanya is really good at assessing your individual riding ability, ad will ensure that you are matched up with the perfect horse for you.

After an enjoyable morning in the saddle you will return home to some of Lynda’s fantastic cooking. Lynda is far too modest about her cooking abilities, but I felt as though I was dining at a 5 star restaurant every day. Every course was delicious and well presented, and I enjoyed tasting some of the local food and wine. Despite my being vegetarian, Lynda cooked up amazing and creative dishes for me to try.

There is plenty to do in the afternoon, the swimming pool and decking area, provide a great opportunity to soak up some sun, or you can go on some lovely countryside walks. I would recommend taking a drive to one of the colourful  local markets- have a drink and watch the world go by- it is a great way of immersing yourself in the culture, and the easy laid back French way of life.

After only a few days, I left feeling incredibly relaxed and revitalized. I went home with some unforgettable memories, having fulfilled a lifetime’s ambition to go on a riding holiday. My stay exceeded all my expectations, and I am now back in England looking ahead to when I may be able to pay Lynda and family another visit!

  Hi

Just like to send a special thanks to you all for making our holiday so enjoyable. We really had a fabulous time. You have a wonderfull selection of very well behaved horses. The accommodation is second to none and the food absolutely superb!!   Hope to see you again next year.   Many thanks   Bev & Molly xxx

Dear Lynda, Chris, Tanya and Elodie

Sorry for the delay in thanking you all for a Great Holiday, There was so much more to do in the area than we expected and Sophie still hasn’t stopped telling everyone what a fantastic time she had riding with you. We were so pleased that Sophie really enjoyed herself, as there are not many places that a 15yr old can go on holiday with Mum and Dad and have so much fun.

Hope the rest of the season went well for you.

Best wishes

Peter,Jackie and Sophie 

Hi Lynda, Chris and Tanya
 
We have been trying to write a review of the holiday but it all seems to have been mentioned in previous reviews! 
 
The holiday lived up to our expectations and more.  Accommodation was first class as were the meals and supply of drinks.  Happy horses and excellent horse management.  The week was a perfect balance of riding, relaxing and a little sightseeing at our own pace.  It was pitched just right.  We felt very welcome and appreciated the personal touches.  Thank you.
 
PS I miss Trevor a lot and have put him on my desktop so I can look at him every day! 

Dear Lynda, Chris, Tanya and Elodie,

  We really enjoyed our fabulous time with you all and the horses this year - hopefully we will be able to visit you again sometime.

Dear Lynda

Thank you very much and please pass my thanks to Tanya and Chris, for working so hard to make our holiday so enjoyable.

I hope your hay making is progressing, take care all of you and thanks again.

Dear Tanya, Lynda and Chris

Home is a bit flat in comparison to France although good to see my horse and dogs.  Weather here is nothing like there, it did try yesterday but has to rain this afternoon.  I had a lovely holiday, something I would do again, you all work very hard for our benefit so thankyou and take care.

Dear Tanya,Lynda and Chris,

 Wow ! what a holiday still talking about it.This was the perfect balance of work and play, riding in the morning and reclining in loungers in the afternoon.  Watching you all working so hard, made us feel quite guilty!

There was the real "something different" about this holiday ,We were made so welcome,With the feeling of our home is your home,The wonderful "family" lunches eaten in the shade of the pergola will stay in our memories for a very long time

The standard of horse management was excellent and Tanya has a way with horses which is a pleasure to watch.

I cannot pick out the best bits as there are too many, But here are a few ,The wonderful feast at the countess' Château,The beautiful riding on such lovely horses,

Wonderful food,Plenty of liquid refreshment! The lovely hospitality before dinner in the library,The four-Poster bed! Two flights of stairs after the first day of riding!?

Chris and his homemade drain clea-- I mean wild plum liqueur.Although Kevin & Adrian seemed to be able to consume it in large quantities.

This holiday was my 50" Birthday present and so it had to be special and it was. Many thanks to you all ,Hope to visit you again,

We are hoping Charlotte our daughter will come and help Tanya get the horses fit next year if you'll have her.

Ps The photos of the lovely ride by the lake are lost at the lab so we are in the middle of trying to recover them.

Bye for now Kevin & Maureen xxxxxxx

Dear Chris, Lynda, Tanya, Elodie, horses and dogs,

Thank you for a fantastic holiday which far exceeded our expectations. We were made to feel very welcome; the food and wine, accommodation and of course the happy, well cared for horses(and tack)together with your good company and that of Kevin and Maureen made our holiday thoroughly enjoyable. We appreciate all the thought and hard work that goes into creating such a special holiday experience, thank you.

We look forward to reading about the youngsters’ progress on your excellent website.

Best wishes to you all and we hope to return.

Many thanks to you all for a fantastic week.  The combination of the horses,cuisine and general ambiance made a holiday that is full of happy memories.  We are looking forward to another visit to the place where time stands still.

We came over from New Zealand for the rugby in Paris and my part of the trip was a holiday with you.  Thank you all once again for our great stay.  We both enjoyed it and it definitely was my highlight so hope to return someday.  Your web site is excellent.  I think the detail is important as your holidays are offering so much more than just accommodation so all the horse info, equine qualifications and local sightseeing extras give people confidence in what they can expect.  Do keep in touch!

Thank you so much for a wonderful week, so glad I made the trip.  Until the next time my very best wishes to you all.  (xxx for Ayva.)

Coming home after my third visit I feel like part of the family now.  Bel Or understands my needs and has looked after me sufficiently so that this time I felt confident enough to ride Ayva as well.  See you all next April.

Just to say that we all had a wonderful stay at Laumière.  We were made to feel so welcome and the house and food were well above our expectations.  Although Dai doesn't ride he found there was so much to do when we were out he couldn't fit in all he planed to see.  Iain and I had a wonderful time riding with Tanya and I am quite nervous but Nao looked after me.  Outside of riding Iain really enjoyed the time he spent helping Rachel and Izzy with the horses.  Thank you all.

Having travelled far and wide it was really nice as two riders with very little experience to find such kind horses that let you enjoy the beautiful countryside.  Together with the super accommodation and fantastic food it made a truly memorable holiday.

" A truly wonderful and relaxing break - with lovely riding on happy, well-schooled horses - thoroughly recommended!"
"I visited Château de Laumière in June 2007 and found it to be everything it promised, and more! The first bonus is that flights to Toulouse are incredibly cheap and quick - just an hour and a half. It's easy and cheap to hire a car - and there is so much to explore in this beautiful area that a hire car is an absolute must, for your own enjoyment. It also makes it easy to get to the many delightful nearby restaurants and bistros, and the drive from the airport is straightforward. There is masses to do for non-horsey partners and friends, and just about every outdoor activity you can imagine.

The Château itself is gorgeous, peacefully situated and surrounded by its own land and wonderful outriding. The rooms are lovely and you're able to relax immediately - there is a beautiful salon for guests to enjoy and plenty of books and magazines to read. Chris and Lynda's hospitality is outstanding, whether it's breakfast, appero, lunch or dinner - and the wine flows! If you're tempted in between, there is a well stocked fridge with unlimited refreshments, including more wine! You can dress up if you want to, or lounge about in Joules and jeans. The atmosphere is friendly, informal and relaxing and stress and tiredness just disappear - it's that kind of place.

Anyone who loves horses can breathe a sigh of relief immediately. Lynda's daughter, Tania, is an accomplished and enlightened horsewoman, combining a reassuring mixture of polished traditional skills with natural horsemanship training and 'good stockmanship' to produce a string of happy, relaxed and well mannered horses - from anglo arabs and selle francais to thoroughbreds and my favourites, the native Merens. Happily, none of them are 'shut down plods' and they are delightful to ride. I enjoyed short and long hacks out in the beautiful countryside, with some lovely canters and relaxing meandering walks. Hoping to work on my jumping technique, I had a lesson with Tania, who identified immediately how I could improve and showed herself to be a first rate, positive instructor.

The horses are turned out a great deal and brought in during the day if it's very hot - it's good to see them encouraged to be 'horses' and they respond by giving you a great ride. They're pleasantly forward going and light on the mouth - and all have their own personally-fitted saddles and are in snaffle bits. These are riding horses you really don't have to worry about - they're living the life of Riley!

I arrived at Château de Laumière tired stressed and in need of a few days off - albeit not from horses! I left refreshed, exhilarated, relaxed and re-energised and will definitely be making a return visit. This is one place where it really does do what it says on the tin and Equinetourism.co.uk thoroughly enjoyed the break here."

Thanks for a wonderful holiday.  I have never met a Merens before but riding Nao was great.  I felt really safe and at home on her.  Look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Thanks once again for a great time. Can't believe how much Rob loved it too. Hopefully see you later in the year.

We are just getting back into the daily routine after our wonderful holiday with you. We use the internet quite a lot to buy such things as rail and air tickets but this was the first time we had used it to buy a holiday, so we were not entirely at ease when we set out for Stanstead airport on 7th October! However, we shouldn't have worried as your website described perfectly what we should expect and the holiday exceeded our expectations. Lovely accommodation, excellent food, super riding and horses, a fascinating part of France to explore, plus a warm welcome and good company - you have organised it all! I am not a great one for holidays and was persuaded to this one as a special birthday treat, so you may not see us again for a while - but not because we didn't enjoy ourselves. I will keep in touch with your website. With best wishes for your continued success.

Just a quick note of thanks to you all for making my stay with you so much fun. I may be back here in 75 deg. sunshine but I'm missing you all already. Having spoken to Rob it looks like we will both be coming next year and frankly I can't wait. I loved your place, the area, horses and all the people I met. Many thanks for a great time.

Thank you for a wonderful holiday. Everything about your Château is superb. The building is magnificent and obviously loved and cared for. The grounds have small areas of tranquility which were welcomed for a lazy afternoon after the morning rides. I cannot praise Tanya too highly for her understanding of our needs, her careful attention to detail, her knowledge of horses and horsemanship. A bit of praise, too, for the horses which were so well matched to our skills and a pleasure to ride at whatever pace we asked of them. Your hospitality was really special from the first moments of arrival to our departure. We loved every minute of the time we spent with you. Thank you so much.

Many thanks for a superb holiday at Laumière. Everything was most enjoyable and relaxing especially Lynda's excellent cooking and Chris' very fine wines. Just what I needed and better than I expected. Your stock of horses is really excellent and all your facilities for riding including the tack are first class. A credit to Tanya. I really appreciated the seemingly effortless way in which I was made to feel very much at home and well comfortable.

I would just like to thank all at Château de Laumière for making my stay really memorable. Lynda's lunches and dinners were superb as was the accommodation. Being a novice rider, I was extremely grateful to Tanya's expert knowledge and patience. Many thanks I will definitely be back!

As far as memories are concerned we had a brilliant time and thought you went out of your way to make us feel welcome in your beautiful home. The peace and tranquility of the area is something we will not forget and we just loved those lunches when we came back from a hot ride and could sit under that lovely tree relaxing and being made to feel part of the family. The food was wonderful.

We're not often inspired to write letters of appreciation, unless they are justly deserved and in this case you have excelled yourselves. Theresa and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, for what can only be described as a truly wonderful holiday. In our experience, it is not often that the advertising literature so accurately describes what is being offered to their clients. Yours is the exception and completely true.