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France’s Loire valley, which stretches from central France to Nantes near the Atlantic coast, conjures up images of magnificent chateaux, rolling vineyards, verdant countryside and the wide River Loire itself. All of which have earned the valley a UNESCO listing as a World Heritage site. One of France’s most diverse wine regions, it’s home to the dry white Muscadet (perfect with shellfish), the rose d’Anjou, crisp Sancerre and fine Touraine reds while Saumur and Vouvray both produce sparkling wines to rival Champagne. One of the easiest ways to experience the region is to stay in one of the best wine hotels in the Loire Valley – chateaux and manor houses – many with their own vineyards. We've also rooted out some fabulous foodie destination properties and charming B&Bs and guesthouses. It’s not all about wine, however; attractive historic cities in the region include Angers, Saumur and Tours, all straddling or overlooking the Loire River.
For a vineyard setting
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- In a secluded setting in the heart of Anjou, amidst its own vineyards and with just nine rooms spread between two buildings, the Domaine de la Soucherie is a great-value guest house. Rooms have a stylish French-country feel mixing pale colours and vintage furnishings. There’s a pool, terrace and evening meals (on request).
For a riverside setting
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- The riverside La Penesais, not far from Chinon, is a buttery-grey stone mansion set amidst beautiful gardens. Interiors mix pale-washed beams, stripped-wood floors and exposed-stone walls with bold colours and rustic-chic furniture. Hearty home-made meals are also available on request.
- Chateau de Beaulieu is a small chateau – just five rooms – which overlooks the Loire at Saumur. Rooms are light and traditionally furnished, with chandeliers and four-poster beds in some. A lovely relaxed atmosphere, friendly hosts plus outdoor heated pool.
For foodies
- Château de Beaulieu, near Tours, has elegant, country-house style rooms that overlook beautiful gardens. The well-regarded dining-room gives options for dining on the terrace, plus there’s a small spa.
- Perched on a cliff overlooking the Loire, Les Hautes Roches has stunning views. Rooms – some carved out of the rock – are boldly decorated with contemporary furnishings and bright colours. The Michelin starred restaurant enjoys gorgeous river views while there’s also a pretty terrace for al fresco meals, and a pool.
- The delightful Chateau de Noizay has very pretty, country-house style bedrooms with beautiful patterned fabrics and wallpapers, and some have private patios. Public rooms are rich with exposed-stone walls, polished-wood floors and chandeliers while the delightful gardens include a pool. The restaurant serves fabulous gastronomic cuisine from Chef Frederic Collin.
- Foodies will enjoy a stay at Chateau de Marcay, a luxurious hotel with gourmet restaurant, set in acres of parkland and surrounded by vineyards. Bedrooms are vast with an attractive traditional style, and there’s a glorious pool with far-reaching views over the countryside.
For the Sancerre region
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- Another charming and peaceful chateau – this time in the Sancerre region – is Chateau de Beaujeu. With its splendid turrets and sweeping parkland, it looks very much the part. Rooms, with polished-wood floors, pale-panelled walls and bright wallpapers, are elegant and spacious. Evening meals are by arrangement.
- Boutique B&B, Le Prieure de St Agnan, is in Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire which, as the name indicates, is on the banks of the Loire. The charming house has plenty of original features – shutters, marble fireplaces – while the five rooms are boldly decorated in rich colours and with hardwood floors and polished antiques.
For a luxury chateau stay
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- The grand-looking Chateau de Beauvois, sitting in sprawling parkland, does not disappoint. Interiors are lavish with gilded furniture, bold colours, marble floors and chandeliers, while bedrooms have rich wallpapers and fabrics. There are several terraces plus a large outdoor pool.
- Equally grand is Chateau de Rochecotte with marble floors, panelled walls and gilded mirrors. There are vast salons and terraces for relaxing, plus outdoor pool, while bedrooms are lavish with antiques, silk and satin fabrics, and soft pale colours.
- Also overlooking the Loire, Le Choiseul, near Amboise, is a romantic château with richly wallpapered bedrooms filled with antiques and fresh flowers. The pretty gardens have a small pool while there’s a superb wine cellar to support the smart dining-room.
- Also with a pool - accessed by an underground passage - Chateau de Perreux offers understatedly elegant and contemporary rooms, some with balconies. Set in manicured grounds, with a large terrace, ensures there’s plenty of space for relaxing.
For a B&B
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- The 16th-century Chateau de Nazelles also has a separate ‘Pavilion’ for self-catering. Together with the other B&B rooms, the style is cool and simple with tiled or wood floors, exposed-brick walls, pale colours and modern bathrooms. One room even has a real fire while there’s a pool in the six-hectare garden.
- For a luxury B&B stay, take a look at Domaine des Bidaudieres, a grand mansion on a country estate near Tours. Rooms are French rustic-chic, plus there are two cottages ideal for families or groups of friends. Terraces, gardens and pool should keep everyone happy.
Still not sure which to book?