"Do you know this region with a Brittany heart, less than an hour from Nantes, Rennes, Angers and the Atlantic coast?

Just for the day, or a week-end, or even more, the Land of Blue Stone is waiting for you to discover it. Enjoy your visit Welcome to the Chateaubriant District,"

(Chateaubriant Tourist Office)

Set in the beautiful Western Loire only 6Km from the walled historic town of Chateaubriant, Hirondelle Farm nestles in the hamlet of Le Perray surrounded by peaceful fields of corn-on-the-cob and sunflowers. Hirondelle Farm is owned by Dave and Doreen Joyner, formerly of Bournemouth, UK. Dave now runs "Splinters" a complete renovation company. Whilst, Doreen, being an expert on holiday homes and all things French, is a regular guest on Jeremy Vine's Radio 2 programme on the BBC.

The village of Saint Aubin des Chateaux, with its picturesque riverside picnic area, is less than a kilometre from the farm. The market town of Chateaubriant is a scenic bicycle ride of about 6 kilometres. The ferry port of Saint Malo is less than a two hour drive through some of the most beautiful parts of Brittany en route to the Western Loire.

The lovely towns of Rennes, Angers, Laval, Nantes and St Nazaire are within an hour's drive from the Farm. As are the beaches at La Baule and St Brevin.

The FarmHouse has been tastefully renovated and offers very comfortable accommodation. It has retained all the original French character with exposed beams and wood-burning stoves. Private garden, including patio and BBQ, and parking facilities and an integrated above ground pool surrounded by timber decking, a children's play area with two swings and a see-saw. We also offer free bicycle loan to our self catering holiday guests. We are delighted to welcome families with children but regret we cannot accept animals.

Living on site, we will welcome you when you arrive and can always be on hand to recommend a restaurant, or the best shopping centres, but we will respect your privacy at all times.

We supply a welcome pack to all our guests of tea, coffee, sugar, milk, and a bottle of local French wine just in case you arrive late in the day It offers a lounge and dining area, kitchen, 3 bedrooms (carpeted) and two bathrooms. It has a large, private garden, a 5.5 metre integrated above ground pool surrounded by timber decking, a childrens' play area, patio, BBQ and parking.

All ceilings in the FarmHouse downstairs are original French oak, upstairs there are vaulted ceilings with exposed French oak beams.

Large lounge, 6 metres by 6 metres with comfy sofas. A wood burner in the original French fireplace. Good sized family dining area with a French farmhouse table and chairs.

Beautiful fully fitted, custom built, family kitchen with breakfast bar, gas hob, electric oven, fridge, freezer, dish washer, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, all cutlery, crockery and kitchen utensils.

A downstairs twin bedroom, bedside cabinet, dressing table and wardrobe.

Two good sized bedrooms, one en suite. Plus the main bathroom with toilet, fitted vanity unit and shower.

The triple room, one double bed and one single bed, is a good sized family room. Bedside cabinets, dressing tables and built in wardrobe.

The double room, bedside cabinets, a dressing table and built in wardrobe. An en suite bathroom with toilet, fitted vanity unit and shower.

A cot, high chair, buggy and changing mat are available for the FarmHouse.

A large private, enclosed garden, with patio, garden furniture and a French BBQ. An above ground 5.5 metre pool, surrounded by timber decking, for the sole use of guests in the FarmHouse. Two swings for the children, plus free bicycle loan - no need to rent - if you are feeling energetic!

The accommodation is excellent and we have tried to think of everything you may need during your holiday.

Rental rates are per week Sunday to Sunday and include all linen (English pillows are provided), crisp cotton sheets, fluffy hand and bath towels, gas for cooking, and water for basic domestic use. Electricity will be charged at the rate of 20 cents per unit, in our experience the average cost of electricity in France is about 18 €uros (£12) per week in the summer. Some electrical points are UK, no need to bring an adaptor!

A 25% non-returnable deposit is required at the time of booking, the remainder to be paid 6 weeks prior to arrival. A 200 € Euro or £150 cash deposit is payable on arrival to cover any damage. This will be returned on departure minus any necessary deductions. Guests are asked to arrive no earlier than 1.00pm and to leave by 10.00 am on departure day, although sometimes arrangements can be made for an earlier arrival. Please note the rental rates quoted are for the holiday home, NOT per person.

Places to go - The History of the Western Loire France La Vieille Ville - the heart of the old city spreads out at the foot of the Brient fortress . Beautiful medieval buildings are a witness of the rich past of this walled city.

Le Chateau - the strength of a medieval fortress and the charm of the Renaissance is combined.

Le Manoir de la Petite Haie - Built in 15th and 16th centuries in blue schist, it represents perfectly the stately architecture of the District of Chateaubriant.

La Tour Saint Clair - A unique castle keep, English stronghold during the Hundred Years' War, repeatedly attacked by Bertrand Duguesclin.

Le Chateau de la Motte-Glain - Rebuilt in the 15th century by Pierre de Rohan. Decorated in sculpted tufa stone.

Abbey Notre Dame de Melleray - open to visitors since 1142.

La Carriere des Fusilles - This area of France was very active in the Resistance and the Liberation of France during World War Two. This is commemorated in the statue dedicated to 27 local hostages who were murdered in a quarry by Nazis on 22nd October 1941.

Le Musee de la Resistance - Permanent exhibition dedicated to the memory of the Chateaubriant hostages.

Places to go - The Scenery of the Western Loire, France

"Breaking through morning mist, in a light without parallel, Chateaubriant and its District offers to the visitors panoramas of lakes and forests.

Blessed with the largest heathland in Loire-Atlantique, the Land of Blue Stone leads you through its valleys along pleasant rambling paths"

(Chateaubriant Tourist Office)

The Chere Valley

Leaving Soudan, the Chere hugs Chateaubriant castle ramparts, bathes the bottom of the Tertre below the charming town of St Aubin des Chateaux, rests in the Hunaudiere Lake, site of the old forges, livens up the Pont mill, still working, crosses the town of Mouais, the smallest commune in Loire-Atlantique, and continues on to Grand-Fougeray.

The Don Valley

From St Julien de Vouvantes to Nozay, going through Moisdon and Jans, the Don valley offers rich and varied panoramas and pleasant scenery.

The Semnon Valley

Between Loire-Atlantique and Ille-et-Vilaine, the Semnon meanders freely from Ferce to Soulvache, as far as the superb small bridge at the foot of St Fiace Chapel.

Places to go - The Lakes

Le Lac de Vioreau - The man made beach at the beautiful Lake of Voireau, only 20 minutes drive from the farm.

L'Etang de Clegreuc - This superb lake on the edge of the Gavre forest is a bird sanctuary of exceptional quality.

L Domaine de la Roche - In the hollow of a wooded 22 hectare domaine, an exceptional site.

Things to do around Western Loire, France Mountain biking, swimming, sailing, fishing, walking, para-gliding, karting, wind surfing, bike tours, riding, The local tourist office in Chateaubriant has a brochure "50 ideas for a summer" packed full of info on fetes, markets, sports, music, concerts, arts etc. Activities are numerous and varied: 18 hole swin-golf, croquet, archery, waterskiing, karting, paint-ball, para-gliding, flying etc. The many surrounding lakes are perfect for swimming, sailing, wind-surfing, canoeing and boating.

Ideal places to discover nature, on foot, horseback or bicycle.

41 trails to ramble, to trek or to cycle.

Plenty of opportunities for fishing in the beautiful lakes and rivers.

4 Horse riding centres nearby.

Open air swimming pool at Nozay.

Swin golf at Rouge.

Mini Golf at Chateaubriant.

9 Restaurants in Chateaubriant.

12 more restaurants within a 30 minute drive of town.

Wonderful beaches on the Atlantic coast within an hour's drive.

Places to go - Entertainment

Theatre - The spectacular glass theatre in Chateaubriant Ten Pin Bowling - A new Bowling Alley has just opened next door to Chateaubriant Town Hall. It's only 6 lanes, but you can book in advance. Prices start at 2.50€ an hour. There's also a pool table and the usual bar.

Go Karting - just two minutes from the farm.

Horse Racing - Built in 1980 l’Hippodrome de Chateaubriant is famous for Horse Trotting. Participants come from all across France to enter.

Food - People who enjoy good food must try the Chateaubriant steak and the galettes made with dark flour, and the locally produced cider.

Throughout the year there is varied entertainment, including cultural and sporting events. La Foire de Bere still takes place during September as it has every year since 1050.