30 Best Hotels in The Loire Valley, France

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We've compiled the best of the best in The Loire Valley - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Auberge du Bon Laboureur

$ | 6 rue du Dr-Bretonneau, Chenonceaux, 37150, France Fodor's Choice

In 1882 this ivy-covered inn won Henry James's praise, and, thanks to four generations of the Jeudi family, the author might be even more impressed today—this remains one of the Loire's most wonderful auberges, with guest rooms enchantingly accented in toile de Jouy fabrics and Redouté pink-and-blue pastels. Rooms in the main house are comfortably sized; those in the former stables are larger (some overlook a spacious kitchen garden) and more recently renovated, but the best rooms are the quaint quarters in the separate patio cottage near the terrace. Guests are encouraged to relax among the roses in several charming garden areas or lounge around the outdoor heated pool. After an apéro on the garden terrace, settle in at a table in the "old" dining room for one of the best gastronomic meals around, where the wood-beam ceiling, glazed terra-cotta walls, and Louis XVI chairs are almost as elegant as chef Antoine Jeudi's entrées. 

Pros

  • Charming decor
  • Outstanding food
  • Historic atmosphere

Cons

  • Small bathrooms
  • Some rooms overlook busy road
  • Service can be indifferent
6 rue du Dr-Bretonneau, Chenonceaux, 37150, France
02–47–23–90–02
hotel Details
27 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed 1st wk of Jan.–mid-Feb., Free Breakfast

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Best Western Hôtel d'Anjou

$$ | 1 bd. du Maréchal-Foch, Angers, 49100, France

In business since 1846, the Anjou has vintage stained-glass windows in the Art Deco lobby and spacious guest rooms featuring high ceilings, double doors, and modern bathrooms. Reasonably priced prix-fixe menus are served in its fine Renaissance-style restaurant, La Salamandre, named for the symbol of the great Loire Valley king François I.

Pros

  • Central location
  • Stylish public areas
  • Free Wi-Fi

Cons

  • Sardine-size elevator
  • Busy street outside
  • Some rooms rather basic
1 bd. du Maréchal-Foch, Angers, 49100, France
02–41–21–12–11
hotel Details
53 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

Best Western Hôtel de France

$ | 47 pl. du Général-de-Gaulle, Chinon, 37500, France

Right on Chinon's most charming square—a picture postcard come to life with a splashing fountain and a bevy of cafés—stands this agreeable inn, which has been housing guests since 1577. Many regional notables lodged here before the Revolution, when it became the Hôtel Lion d'Or, the first hostelry in the region. The wood-beam rooms are comfortable and cozy; some overlook two tiny, flowerpot-bedecked courtyards, while others take in views that include Chinon's fortress. The restaurant, Au Chapeau Rouge (closed Monday; no dinner Sunday or lunch Tuesday), serves regional cuisine, and there's also a brasserie for lighter, less expensive fare.

Pros

  • Good-value restaurants
  • Free parking at night
  • Set in the heart of Chinon

Cons

  • Small guest rooms and bathrooms
  • No elevator
  • Contemporary decor lacks character
47 pl. du Général-de-Gaulle, Chinon, 37500, France
02–47–93–33–91
hotel Details
30 rooms

Quick Facts

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Château de Colliers

$ | D951, Muides-sur-Loire, 41500, France Fodor's Choice

Small enough to feel like a home, stuffed with lovely 18th-century decor, and replete with a beautiful river terrace, this overlooked treasure provides an unforgettable experience in the Loire. Other château-hotels may have pomp, but this has something more precious: authenticité. Once the property of the Marquis de Vaudreuil, first French governor of Louisiana, it was purchased by the current owner’s family in 1779. At the end of a long allée, this "pavillon Mansart" embraces you in a semicircular layout (the collier, or necklace). Ten family descendants study you from gilded Charles-Dix frames in the comely main salon, a confectionery of white rococo moldings, glittering chandeliers, and furniture that Madame Bovary would have loved. The breakfast room is covered with quaint 16th-century Italian frescoes, and each guest room is a bouquet of antiques and comfy furniture.

Pros

  • Authentic antique furnishings
  • Unique riverside setting
  • Hospitable hosts

Cons

  • Grounds and exterior a bit worse for wear
  • Surrounding area fairly dull
  • Must have a car to access
D951, Muides-sur-Loire, 41500, France
02–54–87–50–75
hotel Details
5 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed mid-Nov.–Mar., Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Château de la Bourdaisière

$ | 25 rue de la Bourdaisière, Montlouis-sur-Loire, 37270, France Fodor's Choice

A 15th-century jewel of a castle, once the favored retreat of kings François I and Henri IV, is today the luxurious country setting for the Prince de Broglie's hotel—a magnificent place that magically distills all the grace, warmth, and élan of la vie de châteaux as no other. Prince Louis-Albert is the scion of one of France's top families (two prime ministers and one Nobel Prize winner, at last count) and one of Paris's most famed biodiversity preservationists, who here cultivates 650 types of tomatoes in the château's potager (vegetable garden). It's not surprising, then, to find the three main public salons suavely done up in shades of tomato red, sumptuously offsetting such accents as an immense marble fireplace, majestic taxidermied animals (De Broglie own's Deyrolle, Paris's famed taxidermist), and curio cabinet objects collected by the prince. Inside the neo-Renaissance castle, guest rooms range from the grand—François-Premier is a timber-roof cottage blown up to ballroom dimensions—to more standard-issue, yet always stylish, salons. Cheaper rooms are found in the adjoining 17th-century "stables," fitted out with a gardening shop and a tiny eatery. And don't overlook the enormous secluded pool—a gift from above during hot summer days.

Pros

  • Exquisite setting
  • Secluded pool
  • Beautiful extensive vegetable gardens

Cons

  • Rooms lack air-conditioning
  • Town is a bore
  • Low beams in some stable rooms
25 rue de la Bourdaisière, Montlouis-sur-Loire, 37270, France
02–47–45–16–31
hotel Details
29 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed mid-Nov.–Mar., No Meals

Quick Facts

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Château de Noizay

$$ | Promenade de Waulsort, Noizay, 37210, France

Filled with the mystery of the past—this was once the fabled redoubt of the Protestant plotters in the 1559 Amboise Conspiracy—Château de Noizay is fitted out with Renaissance chimneys and salons, a parterre garden, and guest rooms so regal that you may feel like bowing or curtsying to the staff. The adjacent 19th-century "Clock House" is a gracious pastel-hue haven. Noizay itself is a tiny, off-the-beaten-path treasure—don't miss the idyllic countryside hike down Rue François-Poulenc, past the famous composer's pretty 18th-century house, a troglodyte hamlet, and endless poppy fields right out of a Monet painting.

Pros

  • Historic ambience
  • Excellent restaurant
  • Very romantic

Cons

  • Some rooms have faded decor
  • High rates for the countryside
  • No elevator to second-floor rooms
Promenade de Waulsort, Noizay, 37210, France
02–47–52–11–01
hotel Details
14 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed mid-Jan.–mid-Mar., No Meals

Quick Facts

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Château de Pray

$$ | Rue du Cèdre, Chargé, 37530, France Fodor's Choice

Like a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, this hotel keeps purring along, decade after decade, offering many delights: a romantic twin-tower château, a Loire River vista, tranquil guest rooms (four of the less expensive are in a charming "Pavillon Renaissance"), and an excellent restaurant. Fifty years ago Loire Valley guidebooks praised this domain, and things have only gotten better. Chef Arnaud Philippon's Michelin-starred restaurant is set in two salons, one in brilliant golds, the other lighted with chandeliers and stained-glass windows, lined with tapestries, and spectacularly centered on a neo-Gothic, sculpted-wood fireplace. Be sure to reserve in advance.

Pros

  • Marvelous setting
  • Superlative restaurant
  • Beautiful views

Cons

  • Service can be haughty
  • No bar
  • Decor dated
Rue du Cèdre, Chargé, 37530, France
02–47–57–23–67
hotel Details
19 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals, Closed Jan. and 2 wks in Nov.

Quick Facts

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Château du Rivau

$$ | 9 rue du Château, Chinon, 37120, France Fodor's Choice

Its long and storied history is only part of the magic of this picturesque family-owned château that seems right out of a storybook. Renowned in the 1420s for the quality of its warhorses (Joan of Arc visited to refresh her troops), its generations of owners read like a French who's who. Today, the chateau's acres of glorious gardens are a delight to explore and even furnish the organic vegetables and truffles for the onsite gastronomic restaurant and café. The chateau is also known for its themed world-class art exhibitions, bringing together dozens of works by international contemporary artists. The accompanying hotel, housed in a 17th-century stone grange with beamed ceilings, flagstone floors, and antiques, offers all the charm of a medieval castle with 21st-century amenities. Perfect for a day or weekend, the hotel offers a range of activities, from walks and tastings of its estate wines to family events held in the garden.

Pros

  • Fascinating history dating back to the 15th century
  • Superb breakfast included in room price
  • Lots of activities on-site, including art exhibits and wine-tastings

Cons

  • Restaurants closed on Monday
  • Bike rentals cost extra
  • Guided visits of the chateau are pricey
9 rue du Château, Chinon, 37120, France
02–47–95–77–47
hotel Details
12 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed Jan.–Apr., Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Clarion Hotel Château Belmont

$$ | 57 rue Groison, Monts, 37100, France

A pleasant mix of the antique and the modern, this attractive lodging offers all the pleasures of a four-star hotel with the modern conveniences of a high-end chain. Many of the rooms overlook the wooded 6-acre park (a former vineyard), and the larger suites in the historic section all have park-view terraces. Rooms in the modern section have less character but are clean, functional, and comfortable. The restaurant provides quality dining and a delightful patio in warm weather; the glassed-in lounge is a good spot for a drink. The fully equipped spa and pool are a big plus, as are the wine tastings offered every third Friday of the month for a small additional fee.

Pros

  • Free parking
  • Walking distance to Tours
  • Nice spa with pool and sauna

Cons

  • Tiny fitness room
  • Not an actual château
  • Restaurant not always on point
57 rue Groison, Monts, 37100, France
02–47–46–65–00
hotel Details
65 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

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Domaine de la Tortinière

$ | 10 rte. de Ballan-Miré, Veigné, 37250, France

This was reportedly one of Audrey Hepburn's favorites, and you can immediately see why: the neo-Gothic château, sitting atop a vast, sloping lawn, features a pair of fairy-tale towers, Louis Seize public salons, and soigné guest rooms—some in the turrets, others in the smartly converted stables and servants' quarters. Most beds are so comfy that it would be hard to rise in the morning if it weren't for the beckoning vistas, which include a lovely pool tucked onto a grassy terrace. The stylish rotunda restaurant looks out over the lawn and showcases Damien Piochon's cuisine, including medallions of line-caught sea bass with leeks in aspic and gribiche sauce.

Pros

  • Gourmet restaurant
  • Romantic setting
  • Very clean rooms

Cons

  • Some rooms on the small side
  • A bit off the beaten track
  • Decor slightly outdated
10 rte. de Ballan-Miré, Veigné, 37250, France
02–47–34–35–00
hotel Details
32 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed mid-Dec.–Feb., No Meals

Quick Facts

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Fontevraud L'Hôtel

$ | 38 rue St-Jean de l'Habit, Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, 49590, France

Set within the medieval splendor of Fontevraud, this series of outbuildings was once the abbey's lepers' hospice, but you'd never know it—a gorgeous, understated redesign has made it one of the more unusual hotels in the Loire Valley. In a muscular Romanesque side wing, the erstwhile monks' and nuns' cells have been transformed into small but alluring guest rooms, where minimalist chic rules the day and soft grays and whites complement the fine wood accents (the linens and mattresses are even custom-made). The more expensive rooms have baths rather than showers, and some have breathtaking vaulted ceilings. The entrance opens into the vast salle capitulaire (conference room), and the cloisters now house a gastronomic restaurant (reservations essential), where Bocuse d'Or winner and Michelin-starred chef Thibaut Ruggeri prepares such delicacies as venison dressed with root vegetables and turbot glazed with abbey-made honey. Staying here lets you explore the abbey grounds when its gates are closed to the public, which is itself an exceptional experience.

Pros

  • Serene historic setting
  • Superb restaurant
  • Dedicated to reducing environmental impact

Cons

  • Rooms can be small
  • No minibar and minimal toiletries
  • Don't expect charming period atmosphere
38 rue St-Jean de l'Habit, Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, 49590, France
02–46–46–10–10
hotel Details
54 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

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Hôtel d'Orléans

$ | 6 rue Adolphe Crespin, Orléans, 45000, France
An excellent base for visiting Orléans, this small boutique hotel is set on a quiet street just minutes from the cathedral and plenty of cafés and restaurants. Rooms vary in size, but all are clean, quiet, pleasantly decorated, and come with modern baths; the more expensive rooms come with rain showers or whirlpool baths.

Pros

  • Excellent location
  • Good value
  • Fun bar and lounge area

Cons

  • No free parking
  • Some rooms have handheld showers
  • Breakfast not included in price
6 rue Adolphe Crespin, Orléans, 45000, France
02–38–53–35–34
hotel Details
19 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

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Hôtel de Biencourt

$ | 7 rue Balzac, Azay-le-Rideau, 37190, France

Charmingly set on the pedestrian street that leads to Azay's château gates, this shuttered town house has a delightful courtyard-garden that hides an authentic 19th-century schoolhouse, now converted into lodgings cozily furnished in traditional country style (complete with the stray blackboard and school desk). Guest rooms in the main house have a contemporary decor, punctuated with the occasional 19th-century neoclassic "Directoire" touch. The village has quite a few restaurants—if you don't want to stroll around and pick, ask the friendly owner Bruno Stachetti about the best.

Pros

  • Families welcome
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Organic breakfast

Cons

  • No private parking
  • Thin walls
  • No on-site restaurant
7 rue Balzac, Azay-le-Rideau, 37190, France
02–47–45–20–75
hotel Details
17 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed mid-Nov.–Mar., No Meals

Quick Facts

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Hôtel Diderot

$ | 4 rue de Buffon, Chinon, 37500, France Fodor's Choice

With its ivy-covered stone, white shutters, mansard roof, dormer windows, and rococo spiral staircase, this hotel looks like an 18th-century François Boucher painting. Inside, the guest rooms (some with original architectural features) are spacious, and, while hardly modern, come with cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of closet space. A lovely breakfast laden with local products is served in the beamed dining room by a roaring fireplace in winter or on the garden terrace in summer. All in all, this is an excellent value for the money.

Pros

  • Parking in the courtyard or in a free lot nearby
  • Cozy bar and breakfast room
  • Accessible ground-floor rooms

Cons

  • Somewhat worn decor
  • Outdated bathrooms
  • Bar closes at 8:30
4 rue de Buffon, Chinon, 37500, France
02–47–93–18–87
hotel Details
27 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

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Hôtel du Mail

$ | 8 rue des Ursules, Angers, 49100, France

A stately lime tree stands sentinel behind wrought-iron, wisteria-framed gates outside this 17th-century mansion with a surprisingly modern interior on a calm street between the Hôtel de Ville and the river. An extreme makeover has given these interiors a spiffy, contemporary air. The blazing red reception area, smartly adorned with modern seating, segues to the upstairs guest rooms, which are rather petit; most guest rooms are decorated in sunny yellow or pastel tones.

Pros

  • Quiet location
  • Good value
  • Parking available

Cons

  • Small rooms
  • No restaurant or bar
  • No elevator
8 rue des Ursules, Angers, 49100, France
02–41–25–05–25
hotel Details
25 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

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Hôtel Escale Oceania Orleans

$ | 16 quai St-Laurent, Orléans, 45000, France
If you're looking for basic comfort and good value, this hotel set in a handsome stone building opposite the Loire River is your best bet. Rooms are modern, spotlessly clean, and functional, with walk-in showers and the necessary amenities. A pleasant breakfast room provides a very good continental breakfast every morning, and late-night snacks are available at the in-hotel bar. It's setting along the river is a plus, too.

Pros

  • Helpful staff
  • Free parking
  • Pretty walk along the river into town

Cons

  • 15-minute walk from city center
  • No refrigerator in rooms
  • Offers convenience, not luxury
16 quai St-Laurent, Orléans, 45000, France
02–38–54–47–65
hotel Details
58 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

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Hôtel Restaurant Famille Bourgeois

$ | Pl. de l'Orme, Loches, 18300, France

It may not be high luxury, but this welcoming family hotel set in a small village among rolling vineyards about 3 km (2 miles) from Sancerre pretty much checks every other box you can think of for a charming stay. Owned by a ten-generation winemaking family, the attention shown to everything from the impeccably clean and spacious rooms to the top-notch dining in both the bistro and gastronomic restaurant (where you can sample the family wines) demonstrates a deep and abiding connection with the heart and soul of Sancerre. The hotel also offers wine tastings and tours of the family vineyard and picnics.

L'Abeille

$ | 64 rue Alsace-Lorraine, Orléans, 45000, France Fodor's Choice

Conveniently located on the main shopping street in Orléans, this charming family-run hotel a block from the train/tram station welcomes guests in rooms with fresh floral wall coverings, parquet flooring, and immaculate tiled bathrooms (many as large as the rooms). A rooftop garden terrace offers sweeping views of the city in warmer months, while the lounge is a comfy place for a coffee while perusing L'Abeille's collection of historic books and Joan of Arc memorabilia. The artworks in the rooms comes from the owner's father's family collection, a nice touch in a hotel full of soul.

Pros

  • Easily accessible by train
  • Spacious rooms
  • Green philosophy

Cons

  • Rooms facing street can be noisy
  • Pricey city parking
  • Breakfast not included in price
64 rue Alsace-Lorraine, Orléans, 45000, France
02–38–53–54–87
hotel Details
25 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

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L'Adresse

$ | 12 rue de la Rôtisserie, Tours, 37000, France

These functional guest rooms in the heart of Tours's Old Town, a block from half-timbered Place Plumereau and the open-air market, have a fresh look and a pleasant neutral palette; some have whitewashed wood-beam ceilings, while others have Juliet balconies. Bathrooms are contemporary, and breakfast is served in the rooms or in the bright dining room overlooking the pedestrian street.

Pros

  • Central location in Vieux Tours
  • Flat-screen TVs
  • Air-conditioning

Cons

  • Student district can be very noisy at night
  • No parking
  • Average breakfast
12 rue de la Rôtisserie, Tours, 37000, France
02–47–20–85–76
hotel Details
18 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

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La Borde en Sologne

$$ | Château de Laborde, Cheverny, 41230, France Fodor's Choice

This grand 17th-century castle—a listed historic monument—is now one of the Loire's standout lodgings, where all the pomp and elegance have been lovingly preserved and tastefully enhanced with contemporary designer furnishings, lighting, and state-of-the-art amenities. At the hotel's gastronomic restaurant Mémoire, you'll dine in splendor in the château's gilded and frescoed salons on dishes that feature ingredients from the domain’s own kitchen gardens and orchards. The Tata Harper spa, set in the former greenhouses, offers relaxing views of the gardens, plus a sauna, hammam, and a full list of luxury treatments perfect after a day of swimming in the two pools, playing tennis, or biking or walking on the many wooded and garden paths.

Pros

  • Beautiful views from all rooms over extraordinary grounds
  • Conveniently located between Blois, Chambord, and Cheverny
  • Great restaurant and spa

Cons

  • Some rooms slightly sterile
  • Breakfast not included
  • No nightlife
Château de Laborde, Cheverny, 41230, France
02–34–52–34–72
hotel Details
35 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

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La Roseraie

$ | 7 rue du Dr-Bretonneau, Chenonceaux, 37150, France

Set around a vast pool terrace and within walking distance of the château, these delightful guest rooms designed with florals, checks, and lace are overseen by charming (and English-speaking) hosts Sabine Müller and Thierry Bellanger. Copious gourmet meals served in the wood-beam dining room (no dinner Monday) often include homemade foie gras, duck with fruit and honey, and apple tart. Try to get a garden-side room, and, if car traffic bothers you, be sure to avoid the rooms overlooking the main street.

Pros

  • Wonderful welcome
  • Heated pool
  • Verdant setting

Cons

  • Some rooms in separate block
  • Street noise in some rooms
  • Decor not to all tastes
7 rue du Dr-Bretonneau, Chenonceaux, 37150, France
02–47–23–90–09
hotel Details
23 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed mid-Nov.–mid-Mar., No Meals

Quick Facts

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Le Clos Pasquier

$ | 10–12 impasse de l'Orée du Bois, Blois, 41000, France

Time seems to have stood still at Claire and Laurent's snug 16th-century countryside manor set on the edge of the forest—an inviting place featuring heavy wooden beams, well-worn terra-cotta floor tiles, and welcoming stone fireplaces. Guest rooms are simple but comfy and have gleaming renovated bathrooms; suites have their own entrances and one opens onto a private garden.

Pros

  • Spotless rooms
  • Historic building
  • Gourmet breakfast

Cons

  • No restaurant
  • Away from urban amenities
  • Check-in at 5 pm
10–12 impasse de l'Orée du Bois, Blois, 41000, France
02–54–58–84–08
hotel Details
4 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Le Grand Monarque

$ | 1 rue du Château, Azay-le-Rideau, 37190, France

Home to one of France's most beauteous châteaux, Azay should rightly have a hotel that befits the town jewel and this landmark—a three-minute walk from the château gates—nicely fits the bill. Some complain that its fame brings a captive audience, which can result in offhand service. However, guest rooms, which vary in size and style, have character; most are simple, with an antique or two, and many have exposed beams (the largest is called "The Monsoreau"). Public salons are elegant and comfortable, while the restaurant (closed Sunday and Monday from October through April and Sunday from May through September) serves high-style food and boasts one of the region's most extensive wine lists, with more than 700 choices.

Pros

  • Fine restaurant with large wine list
  • Town-center setting
  • Free Wi-Fi

Cons

  • Some rooms need redecorating
  • Rooms lack character
  • Restaurant serves dinner only and closes early (last service 8:30)
1 rue du Château, Azay-le-Rideau, 37190, France
02–47–45–40–08
hotel Details
33 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed late Dec.–mid-Feb., No Meals

Quick Facts

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Le Haut des Lys

$ | Les Barrières Blanches, Villandry, 37510, France

Once a Catholic school, this ivy-clad 19th-century building—a 10-minute walk from the Château de Villandry—is now a charming boutique hotel. All 20 rooms are spacious and modern, with comfortable beds and all the amenities, though rooms in the main building tend to be on the larger side, with views of the park. Set on lovely grounds, there are plenty of scenic nooks for some lovely views of the countryside.

Pros

  • Welcoming owners
  • Pretty grounds
  • Close to château and a quaint village

Cons

  • Not all rooms air-conditioned
  • Some rooms are much brighter than others
  • Breakfast not included in price
Les Barrières Blanches, Villandry, 37510, France
02–47–21–90–90
hotel Details
20 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

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Le Manoir Les Minimes

$$ | 34 quai Charles-Guinot, Amboise, 37400, France Fodor's Choice

Soigné as can be, this stylish 18th-century manoir is lucky enough to preside over a Loire riverbank under the shadow of Amboise's great cliffside château, offering a calm oasis in a busy town center. Set within its own compound, it looks like it's on sabbatical from a Fragonard landscape. Inside, the grand staircase, dining room, and main salon are all a-dazzle in daffodil-yellow silks and gilt-framed mirrors, with ruby accents of Louis Seize sofas and bergères. The "classic," more modern guest rooms in the Pavillon are pleasant enough, but try to spring for the showpieces, such as the Suite Prestige (in a stunning blue toile de Jouy), or one with a view over the Loire River.

Pros

  • Historic style
  • Flawlessly elegant
  • Excellent service

Cons

  • Overpriced breakfast
  • No outside food and drink allowed
  • Some rooms have low beams
34 quai Charles-Guinot, Amboise, 37400, France
02–47–30–40–40
hotel Details
15 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed last wk of Nov.–mid-Dec. and last wk of Jan.–mid-Feb., No Meals

Quick Facts

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Le Pavillon des Lys

$ | 9 rue d'Orange, Amboise, 37400, France

An elegant yet laid-back atmosphere defines this stately 18th-century pavilion in the center of Amboise, where airy guest rooms may be done in classic 1930s or contemporary boutique-hotel style; some retain original architectural accents, like exposed beams or heavy wood moldings, and all have refurbished, retro-looking bathrooms. Breakfast can be taken in the salon or on the lovely terrace.

Pros

  • Château views from the terrace
  • Free parking
  • Spacious rooms and baths

Cons

  • No on-site restaurant or bar
  • Slightly dated decor
  • Some rooms lack shower
9 rue d'Orange, Amboise, 37400, France
02–47–30–01–01
hotel Details
9 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

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Les Hautes Roches

$$ | 86 quai de la Loire, Rochecorbon, 37210, France

Far from their original role as monastic cells and even further from the Flintstone-influenced idea of cave dwellings, these luxe-prehistoric lodgings—with their limestone walls, Louis Treize seating, rich fabrics, carved fireplaces, gas lamps, finished marble steps, and riverside setting—exude a quiet luxury amid the soothing elements of stone and water. The 12 cave rooms benefit from large windows and naturally cool temperatures, even in summer. Some guests prefer the three rooms in the regular house—no cave-dwelling drama, but they're comfortable and air-conditioned. The gastonomic restaurant, with an enchanting terrace, offers elegant fare and overlooks the lovely pool. A favored country residence for rich Parisians, Rochecorbon is a treat (once off the main traffic road), thanks to its pretty town center.

Pros

  • Unique setting
  • River views
  • Fabulous gourmet restaurant with terrace

Cons

  • Apprentice-style service
  • Busy road (hidden by shrubs) in front of hotel
  • Steep outdoor stairs to access some rooms
86 quai de la Loire, Rochecorbon, 37210, France
02–47–52–88–88
hotel Details
14 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed mid-Feb.–Mar., No Meals

Quick Facts

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Les Hauts-de-Loire

$$ | 79 rue Gilbert Navard, Onzain, 41150, France

Turreted and vine covered, this 18th-century hunting lodge on a 200-acre property features an antiques-filled grand salon, a lovely pool, an adorable swan lake, and guest rooms that more often than not are simply beige and elegantly suave; those in the adjacent coach house can be considerably more spectacular—the best have exposed-brick walls and timbered cathedral ceilings. Other amenities include a spa, a helipad, the most blissful air-conditioning in all Touraine, and a restaurant with a Michelin star that is famous for its style and quality—an evening here glows with sumptuous white bouquets, jeweled guests, and dazzling dishes like goose Rossini with mushroom risotto.

Pros

  • Kingly service
  • Luxurious style
  • Superb dining

Cons

  • No château architecture
  • Very pricey restaurant
  • Rooms expensive
79 rue Gilbert Navard, Onzain, 41150, France
02–54–20–72–57
hotel Details
31 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Les Sources de Cheverny

$$ | 23 Rte de Fougères, Cheverny, 41700, France Fodor's Choice

It's a winning formula: find a stately manor on a wooded estate in the middle of wine country, add a luxe restaurant and spa, and focus on sustainability and wellness, and this spot has nailed it. Les Sources is the third and most complete of Alice and Jérôme Tourbier's wildly successful hotel brand, where "emotional luxury"—i.e., caring for body and soul—is the mantra. Here, guests can relish the chateau's romantic mix of antique and modern design or opt for one of the ultra-contemporary wood-clad suites clustered around a pond, where wildflowers and tall grasses obscure your private outdoor terrace from view. Gourmet menus at the chic gastronomic restaurant or bistro and bar (or out on the spacious terrace) spotlight local, sustainable, and healthy dishes. Though surprisingly compact, the spa by Caudalie, one of France's top natural beauty brands—based on the restorative, anti-aging properties of grape seed—offers every opportunity for pampering, with both indoor and outdoor pools. There are also yoga, fitness, detox programs, bikes, and hiking boots at your disposal for those who take the credo seriously. Grab a bicycle (electric if you prefer) and peddle to Cheverny, Chambord, or Chenonceau châteaux, all within an hour-and-45-minute ride.

Pros

  • Lovely quiet setting
  • Privacy when you want it, conviviality when you don't
  • Sustainability is taken as seriously as luxury

Cons

  • The newer buildings are strangely charmless
  • Only one unisex steam room and no sauna in the spa
  • Must have a car to get there
23 Rte de Fougères, Cheverny, 41700, France
02–54–44–20–20
hotel Details
49 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

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Saint-Pierre

$ | Rue Haute-St-Pierre, Saumur, 49400, France Fodor's Choice

At the very epicenter of historic Saumur, this little 15th- to 17th-century house is hidden beneath the medieval walls of the church of St-Pierre—look for its entrance on one of the pedestrian passages that circle the nave. After being graciously greeted in the sweet reception area, you’ll be ushered up the Renaissance corkscrew staircase (or modern mini-elevator) to a refined guest room. Designer fabrics, antique pont cabinets (forming a "bridge" over bed headboards), elegant wainscoting, Persian rugs, tuffeau fireplaces, and bathrooms replete with Paloma Picasso designs make this a favored home-away-from-home for Saumur's most savvy visitors. The rooms facing the church, although smaller, are quieter than those overlooking the road leading up to the castle.

Pros

  • Central location
  • Sophisticated decor
  • Lovely courtyard and bar

Cons

  • No restaurant
  • Some rooms face busy road
  • Some rooms on the small side
Rue Haute-St-Pierre, Saumur, 49400, France
02–41–50–33–00
hotel Details
15 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

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