Le Prieure Hotel, a charming manor house dating from the 12th and 16th centuries, looks out over the River Loire and its islands. In the distance is King Rene's 15th century fairy tale castle dominating this pastoral scene and the medieval town of Saumur. Gleaming white, Le Prieure has a stately presence with its vast chimneys and imposing towers as it stands proudly within its 62-acre wooded park that extends down to the river. The interiors have a spacious grandeur with a wonderful spiral staircase, great carved fireplaces, canopied beds and antique furniture. The area is famous for its mushrooms that come from the nearby Tufa caves; salmon, perch and eel from the river; and excellent local wines: Saumur, Anjou, Layon and Champigny, a delightful methode champenoise. This is the place to stay for anyone on a gastronomic Tour de France.