Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, a day that each year puts fear into the hearts of men. Every year, you promise yourself that next year; you are going to do something different. If you still do not have any creative ideas for a special surprise, do not panic, but you had better start giving it some serious thought. Here is a Valentine's Day gift idea that is sure to please your love on that special day.

This one will require some money but probably no where near as much as you think it might and a little preparation, but is sure to be great fun for both of you. Plan a secret weekend vacation. If you have kids, arrange for babysitters without letting your love know about it. Book the airline tickets, make the hotel reservations and when Friday rolls around, surprise her by having her bags packed, ready to go.

On a romance scale you probably can not do better than a fairytale weekend at a French Chateau. The highest concentration of chateau in France are found in the Loire Valley 2 hours from Paris.

It is said that "The Loire is a Queen and Kings have loved her". The Loire has been the home of Kings since the 10th century. From the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, the Kings and Queens of the Loire Valley championed intellectual and artistic creation. The result is an endowment of accomplishments for all time in the arts and literature, as well as extraordinary examples of magnificent architecture and landscaping.

Some of these one-time mansions of kings are converted to lodging in various forms from huge chateau hotel chains, to small chambre d'hote bed and breakfast chateaux with less than six rooms available to be hired. Many are these chateau to rent are also near grand historic chateaux open for tours.

The further lure of the Loire is that you can pursue history and fine cuisine in equal portions, along with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc. The local fruits and vegetables, fish from the river, goat cheeses... all go well with the local wines.

The Loire river valley - the valley of Kings - was for centuries the highway of French history. Today it's a trail on which to chase royal ghosts in riverside chateaux or seek noble vintages on the Route des Vins. Or ideally to do both if time permits and provided you want to leave your hotel room.

Be sure to check how many rooms are available in the chateau that you are considering booking because it is not too romantic sharing your Valentine's Day getaway with thirty other couples. There are many smaller delightful chateau open for guests, so you have a greater choice than the big chateau chain hotels. Ask exactly where your room is located. Many chateaux have rooms available for rent or hire, but if you have not done your homework properly you can be handed the keys to a little room in the coach house above the stables. Some of the bigger chateaux have converted every little square inch of space into hotel rooms where you can brain yourself if you stand up too quickly in the hallway on the top floor.

Do not discount the smaller chateaux. It is more likely you and your partner will feel like a medieval lord or lady, king or queen in a smaller chateau than one with over 60 chambres.

Be sure to check the chateau's rules before booking, however. Many of the chateaux require reservations well in advance that includes a deposit, and some do not accept credit cards or young children. A handful of chateaux have no TVs or have medieval-era technology. But do not be put off because what they lack in chain-hotel amenities, they more than make up for in sheer ambience.

If you want to experience more than just the chateau that you are staying in, be careful not to chateau yourself silly. Two chateaux, possible three at the most if you're an energetic person, is the recommended daily dosage. Chateau Chenonceau is considered by many to be the most romantic of the Loire Valley chateau.

A getaway involving just the two of you will be fun no matter where you go.

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