The quality and quantity of luxury accommodation has exploded, but there are still bargains to be found…
SANCERRE
Les Hauts de Sancerre
A recent restoration transformed this château into one of the Loire’s most beautiful hotels. Eight guest rooms offer serenity and transcendent views over the village and vineyards. At night, the airy breakfast room becomes an elegant gastronomic restaurant.
Folklore
This welcoming townhouse hotel two steps from Sancerre’s main square offers four stylish guest rooms equipped with every comfort needed for a delightful stay. A pretty outdoor terrace and gourmet café are a bonus.
BLOIS, CHEVERNY, CHAMBORD
La Borde en Sologne
The hotel’s elegant guest rooms, spa, gastronomic restaurant, two pools, tennis courts, vegetable gardens that furnish the gourmet restaurant and miles of wooded walking paths add up to a refreshing country getaway.
Les Sources de Cheverny
Le Favori
At this country spa hotel guests can stay in the château or a contemporary cabin by a pond. The Michelin-star Le Favori and L’Auberge bistro spotlight local, sustainable dishes. Walk in the woods or grab a bike and pedal to nearby Cheverny, Chambord, or Chenonceau.
www.sources-hotels. com/valdeloire/en
Les Hauts de Loire
This former hunting lodge on a 200-acre estate features antiques, a full-service Clarins spa, a pool, lovely woodland walks, and spacious, relaxing guest rooms in the manor or adjacent coach house. The stellar restaurant is renowned for its style and service.
AMBOISE, CHENONCEAUX, LOCHES
Fleur de Loire, Restaurant Christophe Hay
Romantic views of the River Loire and the Château de Blois are your constant companions at this beautiful hotel, where the star of the show is two-star chef Christophe Hay’s exceptional restaurant, serving the bounty of the Loire.
Château Louise de La Vallière
Live like a royal among extravagant interiors and sumptuous rooms filled with precious antiques, tapestries and every imaginable comfort. A gastronomic restaurant, spa, pool, e-bikes and gourmet picnic baskets for romantic escapades complete your royal visit.
VOUVRAY, TOURS, SAUMUR
Les Hautes Roches
Part manor, part cave, this luxe lodging exudes a quiet luxury amidst the soothing elements of stone and water. The acclaimed restaurant has an enchanting terrace overlooking the Loire.
Hôtel Fleure de Loire_CAVIAR ©FleurdeLoire
Loire Valley Lodges, Ardent
Perched cabins among towering trees in the heart of a 750-acre forest have terraces with hot tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows to immerse you in nature. Ardent gourmet restaurant serves seasonal dishes in a restored farmhouse.
Château du Rivau, Jardin Secret
This storybook château is famous for its contemporary art collection and award-winning gardens that supply the gastronomic restaurant. Guest rooms offer all the charm of a medieval castle with 21st-century amenties.
Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, L’Ermitage
This hotel’s luxe minimalist chic would please the medieval monks who once lived here. Michelin-starred chef Thibaut Ruggeri prepares local gourmet dishes sourced from the kitchen garden. Guests can explore the abbey grounds in private at night.
ANGERS, ANJOU
Château de Noirieux
This romantic château, with a lovely park, pool and spa, encompasses historic buildings dating back to the 15th century, de luxe rooms and one of the best restaurants around.
Domaine de la Soucherie
This wine estate outside Angers is ideal for a delightful stay in four beautiful guest rooms (or a charming cottage). Tastings of the estate’s Anjou, Savennières and Côtes du Layon wines complete the experience.
LOIRE VALLEY ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE
BY PLANE
Depending on your city or country of origin, you can reach the Loire region via Tours, Nantes or Paris airports.
BY TRAIN
TGV and local trains from Paris go direct to Orléans, Tours, Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, Amboise, Blois, Angers and Sancerre, and between cities.
BY CAR
You can rent a car most easily in Tours, Saint-Pierre-des-Corps and the larger cities. To drive from Paris follow the A10 to Orléans or Blois and follow the D951 and D952 for points alongside the River Loire.
TOURIST OFFICES
From France Today Magazine
Lead photo credit : Louise de la ValliereRestaurant
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