Where to Stay, Eat and Drink in the Loire Valley
A selection of quality hotels, restaurants and wine tours across the region
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HOTELS
Le Clos d’Amboise
In the heart of the Royal City of Amboise, near the pedestrianised shopping streets, this 17th-century house was converted into a charming hotel in 2003 and upgraded to luxury status in 2011. www.leclosdamboise.com
Best Western Grand Monarque, Chartres
This gem offers elegant décor and Regency style just a short walk from the old town. Spa facilities for wellbeing and beauty treatments, a restaurant, brasserie and deli, not to mention cooking classes, it has it all. www.bw-grand-monarque.com
Le Relais de Chambord, Chambord
Snug on the Chambord estate, overlooking the castle, it has all the charms of a grand country house combined with the comforts of a contemporary hotel. www.relaisdechambord.com
Hôtel Mercure, Blois
Situated on the river bank with rooms built around a large central atrium,
it features a pool, hammam, fitness centre and private parking. Pay a visit to the Why Not bar and the all-new Quai restaurant. www.accorhotels.com
Hotel Mercure Blois. Photo: Gillian Thornton
Hôtel Le Grand Monarque, Azay-le-Rideau
A short walk from the château, this 18th-century coaching inn of white tuffeau with shady courtyard was named after Louis XIV. www.legrandmonarque.com
Château de La Bourdaisière, Montlouis-sur-Loire
With an extensive wooded park, orchard, dahlia garden, microfarm, National Tomato Conservatory and 29 rooms, it is packed with period charm and corners to explore. www.labourdaisiere.com
Le Grand Hôtel, Tours
Recently renovated with contemporary Art Deco inspiration, this 1920s hotel stands at right angles to the main railway station. Breakfast only, but there are several restaurants to choose from close by. www.legrandhoteltours.com
Step back in time when you dine at L’Auberge du Prieuré. Photo: Gillian Thornton
RESTAURANTS
Au Manoir d’Anet, Anet
This charming restaurant is located directly opposite the château and next to the new visitor centre. Elegant dishes prepared by chef Wilfrid Beaugeard. www.lemanoirdanet.com
Les Feuillantines, Chartres
Dine on a simple menu of fresh, local produce in a city centre location close to the cathedral. restaurantlesfeuillantines.eatbu.com
L’Auberge du Prieuré, Clos Lucé
The serving staff dress in period costume in this half-timbered, turreted building in the park of Leonardo da Vinci’s former home. www.vinci-closluce.com
VinoLoire
L’Orangerie, Château de Chenonceau
You can’t beat its stunning floral centrepieces and views of the château from the terrace. www.chenonceau.com
Le Comptoir Méditerranéen, Chaumont-sur-Loire
Just one of several eating options in the Domaine, it’s a relaxed, family-friendly café with terrace. www.domaine-chaumont.fr
WINE TOURS
VinoLoire
Vincent Delaby worked for over a decade in vineyards across the AOC de Touraine region and now shares his passion and knowledge with small groups on fun and educational tours. [email protected]; www.vinoloire.fr
From France Today magazine
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