We stayed at the Manoir du Grand Echeneau because of all the good reviews here, and we were certainly not disappointed. The owners, Didier and Sylvie Baudard de Fontaine, are two of the friendliest and most generous people you will ever meet, and the Manoir itself is stunningly picturesque.

Things we loved:
-The Manoir is beautifully set out with traditional furniture, in both the rooms and the dining/living area, and is decorated perfectly with period paintings (including the ancestors of the current owners), sculptures, ornate lamps etc.
-The history of the place is incredible and the owners are more than happy to tell you about their ancestors and the history of the area. (After one breakfast, for example, Didier walked over and took out a thick book detailing the history of the Baudard family and placing in this context the subjects of the portraits adorning the breakfast room.)
-As well as the standard French fare (fresh breads, croissants, jam/butter, coffee/tea/juice/hot chocolate) the breakfast also included yoghurt, cereal and fresh fruit.
-The rooms we stayed in were traditional, beautiful and clean. Each had its own distinct character and colour scheme. The beds were very very comfortable and the bathroom had all the modern conveniences.
-There was a room filled with pamphlets about the surrounds (as well as a Wii Fit and piano) and the owners had a large Michelin map and several detailed guide books that they willingly lent to us.
-To the sides of the Manoir are beautiful gardens, a magnificent grove lined with trees and flowers, a swimming pool and troglodyte caves (including a bakery and an old chapel). We found this all absolutely fascinating.
- When we arrived, Didier kindly picked us up from the station, dropped our luggage at the Manoir and then later in the afternoon took us back out to hire a car. He even helped us work out how to use the car (which proved to be quite a challenge!) and followed behind us for a little while to make sure we didn't get lost! We were really welcomed as part of the family!!
-The Manoir has complementary WiFi, but even so they welcomed us into their private study to use their own computer. (The lounge room also had a large television, and more importantly, an impressive stereo system playing music ranging from baroque to jazz which created the perfect ambience during breakfast and in the evenings - an example of the Manoir's stunning attention to detail.)
- Part way through our trip, one of the travellers got injured. Sylvie is a nurse and she helped us deal with the injury, get a local doctor, get treated at the local clinic etc. Throughout our troubles, both of the owners were unfailingly and infinitely patient, kind and helpful. We are deeply grateful!!!!

Cautions:
- As would be expected of this sort of accommodation, there were no lifts and plenty of stairs (which in our opinion added to the overall authenticity of the place). Though these are negotiated easily enough with two people per large suitcase, those with lots of luggage may want to request a room on the 1st floor.
-The owners have a perfectly behaved, completely quiet and absolutely adorable pet dog, who generally stayed out of the way. Nonetheless those allergic to dogs should be aware of this.

In conclusion, we recommend the Manoir unreservedly. We LOVED staying there and would definitely do so again.