6 Best Hotels in The Loire Valley, France

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.