Les Moulins des Vontes

The enchanting Moulins des Vontes with its storybook setting is a gem and is convenient for visiting the châteaux of the Loire. The magic begins as the automatic green, iron gates open and you catch your first glimpse of an adorable, ivy-laced, stone mill with white shutters snuggled on a tiny island in the middle of the River Indre. Closer inspection shows that this isn’t just one mill, but three, on a necklace of little islands that span the river, connected by picturesque medieval stone bridges. The largest mill is the home of your charming hosts, Odile and “J.J.” Degail, who lived for eight years in the United States; the second mill is a small museum showing how mills operate; and the third one is your home. Above the waterwheel are three individually decorated bedrooms with large tiled bathrooms. Each is exceptionally spacious and takes up an entire floor. My favorite, the Oriental, has its theme set by a splendid antique Chinese painting. All the rooms have windows on three sides overlooking the romantic river and at night you are lulled to sleep by the gurgle of the stream flowing below your window. Little rowboats offer the opportunity to explore the river and if you are into fishing, rods are available for your pleasure.