We visited the chateau for a week in July and had a really relaxing time – it's a great location to get away from the hectic UK city life. The pool is great, just like the photos, and was a favourite with the kids. Enjoyed lots of walking and made good use of the cycles provided. The accommodation is generous and lots of varied rooms for every taste. The children are already asking to go back next year!. Recommended for large groups or families

My husband and I spent 10 days as part of a large group and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. In spite of mixed weather there were plenty of things to do as the large playroom and gym were well equipped, or one could relax in the salon/drawing room or socialise in the big kitchen.

I particularly enjoyed going daily to the local village to collect the bread and patisserie order. I also liked shopping in the local supermarkets and the high spot of the week was going to the enormous market in Clisson, a very attractive town with at least 2 good restaurants and numerous other eating places. (Suggest either or both of the restaurants on either side of the old bridge in the historic centre).

We also found time to go to Nantes to Machines d'Iles. This was fascinating and worth the trip but would suggest that anyone else going first books rides on the enormous mechanical elephant from the Galerie des Machines to the Carousel. The two are easily within walking distance, but the ride looked such fun! Children enjoyed the Carousel more as they were able to pull levers etc to make their marine animals move. Also, if you have time try the Parc Oriental in Maulevrier - the largest Japanaese garden in Europe with a teahouse at the end of the walk.

There are lots of other sites to see, so hope to return and visit some chateaux etc if we can get the younger generation out of the pool; or we may go on our own.

We stayed in the first week of the summer holidays and were blessed with beautiful weather enabling us and the kids to dine alfresco most days. The pool was warm and inviting with lots of inflatables and all the children loved the games room too!
The grandeur of the building takes your breath away as you roll down the private drive through the woodland to the Castle. staying as three families really worked as the children entertained each other whilst the adults managed some relaxation time and the odd drink of course!
The local supermarket in Villedeau has the best selection of meats for barbecuing on the amazing wood fired grill in the pool area, and a reasonable selection of wines at French prices. Local boulangeries provided pain au chocolat and croissants every morning, just a short drive away.
With 20 of us there it never once felt overcrowded as the plethora of spacious rooms allowed different groups to tuck themselves away from it all and enjoy private time. Equally the large kitchen was the main meeting place for food and a chat.
The owners have an array of literature recommending various trips and places to visit, but to be honest the kids enjoyed roaming around the large gardens and woods so much they did not want to leave!
I would definitely recommend Château de Bois Giraud to anyone with a large family or for friends wanting to experience the garden of France in style together.