Welcome to A l'Ombre du Chateau (In the Shadow
of the Chateau). In 1992, our family left Texas to
live in the tiny enchanting village of Nans Sous Ste.
Anne. Here we began our adventure with "La
France Profonde" (the true France) in a region little
known to Americans then or now, the
Franche-Comte. The years have passed quickly.
The children have grown up and returned to
America to find their own life paths. We have
chosen to continue our explorations here. We invite
you to enjoy the beauty of Nans Sous Ste. Anne
and the Franche-Comte, which we have come to
love. To pleasure, beauty and the old ways ----we
have been lucky enough to find them all here.
Our house was built in the 18th Century by the chatelain of
neighboring Chateau Mirabeau (16th century). According to the
present owner of the Chateau, our house was built from the
stones of the fortified Chateau Ste. Anne, which once stood on
the cliffs above our village. Full of art and books, the house has
four bedrooms, living room with fireplace, library, TV (satellite)
room, dining room, games room, back garden and front
courtyard all for you to enjoy. We have our own separate
apartment in another part of the house allowing us to be discreetly
nearby if needed.
The Franche-Comte is bordered by Alsace to the North, the
Rhone-Alpes to the South, Burgundy to the West and Switzerland
to the East. It is a region that boasts a rich culture and spectacular
scenery, from rugged mountains to rolling farmland and
vineyards. Our village of Nans Sous Ste. Anne, in the department
of the Doubs, is set in a wooded landscape cut by deep gorges
near a dramatic tributary of the Lison River. As described in
"Village France" by the British Automobile Association, edition
1996, "---its location is unique: surrounded by the sources of five
rivers, running along their valleys, these create a giant star
formation of cliffs with Nans in the middle". In 1899, the Source
of the Lison, one of the great natural sites of the Franche-Comte,
inspired the first legislation adopted by France for the protection
of the environment.
are very popular with spelunkers and geologists. These caves are an entrance into the longest subterranean chamber in Europe,
which is said to go all the way under France to Spain. The village is surrounded by forested hills perfect for walking. In fact, the
landscape lends itself to almost all outdoor pursuits -cycling and mountains biking, rockclimbing, hang-gliding, fishing, hiking,
cross-country skiing in winter or just relaxing and enjoying the rhythms of life not often found in our busy modern world.
(*For original versions of comments translated from French, please
visit the French version of this site)
For four years we have stayed only in Bed and
Breakfasts of Charm for our occasional days off. We
especially appreciate the quality of your appointments,
your constant attention to detail within a calm natural
setting, all cast in a body of light to ravish the senses.
Your values of simplicity and sincerity, so much sought
after, move us to grant you our own“Label of Excellence".
Merci pour ce séjour et à bientôt
--Nicole and Jean-Luc Charron
(Vittel, France)
A dream-stay in this magnificent residence decorated with such
taste! A warm welcome ----everything so put together. In
conclusion: we'll be back!
Meilleures salutations,
--Christine et Yves
What a ravishing environment! Thank you for your imprint on this
lovely part of France, which has made you one of its own in this
magnificent countryside. My brief stay was for me an extended
moment of happiness, which is a memory I will keep at the bottom
of my heart.
--Monette Charron
A master of renovation and a mistress of style have created an
exquisitely beautiful chambres d'Hôte de charme. We loved
Katy's room and enjoyed the lovely breakfast in the courtyard.
--Esther and Jim Heitler
(Ann Arbor, Michigan and Arbois, France)
Your home is calm and peaceful. We needed it, needed to flee the
frenzy of the world. Here, we feel so good! A big thank-you to you
both. We shall return.
--Pauline and Jean Charles
Magnificent setting, charming…enchanted place…Very poetic…We
appreciate your welcome—
Merci,
--A. and P. Bestgen (Namur, Belgium)
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