Saint-Pierre

Saint-Pierre Review

At the very epicenter of historic Saumur, this gorgeous little jewel is hidden beneath the medieval walls of the church of Saint-Pierre—look for the hotel's storybook entrance on one of the pedestrian passages that circle the vast nave—and has some of the suavest hotel rooms in the city. Once inside the 15th- to 17th-century house, you can find a sweet reception area and gracious staff to welcome you. Up the Renaissance corkscrew staircase (or modern mini-elevator) you can find the astonishingly refined guest rooms. 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 smaller rooms face the church, but they also are quieter than those overlooking the road leading up to the castle. There's no restaurant, but steps away is lovely Place St-Pierre, lined with outdoor cafés.