Valentine's Day is almost here, a day that each year puts fear into the hearts of men. Every year, you commit to yourself that next St Valentine's Day; you are going to do something inspired. 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.

On a romance scale you probably can't do any better than a fairytale weekend at a French Castle

This one will require a little preparation and a bit of cash but most likely no where near as much as you think it might and, but is sure to be great fun for both of you. Plan a secret weekend vacation. If you have children, organise for sitters without letting your love know about it. Book the plane tickets, make the hotel reservations and when the weekend rolls around, surprise her by having her bags packed, ready to go.

The highest concentration of chateau in France are found in the Loire Valley just two hours from Paris. It is said that "The Loire is a Queen and Kings have loved her".

Another lure of the Loire Valley is that you can pursue fine cuisine and history 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 wish to leave your hotel room.

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

Some of these one-time mansions of kings and queens are converted to lodging in various forms from huge castle hotel chains, to small chambre d'hote bed and breakfast chateaux with less than 6 rooms available to be rented. Many are these castle to rent are also near grand historic chateaux open for vistors to tours.

Be sure to check how many rooms are available in the castle that you are considering booking because it is not too romantic sharing your Valentine's Day getaway with 30 other couples. There are many smaller delightful chateau open for guests, so you have a greater choice than the large castle chain hotels. Ask exactly where your room is situated. 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 coachhouse 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.

Be sure to check the castle'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 infants. A handful of chateaux have no TVs or have medieval-era technology. Others have all the latest technology with conference facilities and wi-fi access and children welcome with DVDs and playstations and games available to hire. What a smaller castlemay lack in chain-hotel amenities, it can more than make up for in sheer ambience.

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 castle than one with over 60 chambres.

If you want to experience more than just the castle 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 at what time of year and where you go.