The Best 20 Luxury Hotels in the Loire Valley

There are few destinations more steeped in luxury than the Loire Valley. This beautiful region, with its gracefully curling rivers, verdant vineyards, lively cities, and lush green fields and forests, has long been a playground for the luxury lovers of the French court. Here, between northern and southern France, not too far from Paris, kings and nobles built their pleasure palaces and show-off estates, where they could eat and drink exceedingly well and enjoy the exquisite landscape their châteaux and manors had augmented. And today some of those châteaux and manors have been repurposed into wonderfully opulent luxury hotels. These hotels number amongst France’s most magnificent, but it’s not all gilt and velvet in the Loire, and if your idea of luxury is more about being pampered, or eating meals fit for the Sun King, then we have some wonderful recommendations for you too. And a selection of luxurious city break hotels in and around the Loire’s major centres, Orleans, Tours and Saumur.

For a luxury château

• If you’re one of the people who read the introduction and thought, “Yes, I want what the Sun King wanted!”, then the Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé is the one for you. Built by a confidant of King Louis XV, this château has recently been opulently restored to its 18th century grandeur. The approach, with its box and topiaries ,mimics Versailles, but inside, in amongst the antiques and original parquet in the 17 bedrooms, you can see the influences of modern French luxury-lovers like Christian Lacroix and Jean-Paul Gaultier in some of the fabrics. Old luxuries like the ballroom and gardens meet new luxuries like a spa and pool.

For a rural escape

• Set on 25 hectares, the Château de L'Epinay is a small — for a château, because it has just five bedrooms — romantic escape. The exterior offers the sort of grandeur that promises pampering; there’s an elegant pool, and inside there’s a sauna, spa and hot tub, and a charming dining room with a very French menu. The decor isn’t too fancy, but it’s certainly fitting for an old château, and the atmosphere is romantic.
• The Château de Rochecotte is a wonderful, white, mansion-style château, set in 20 hectares of beautiful grounds, including elegant gardens and a wonderful bougainvillea-covered sun terrace overlooking the park and vineyards beyond. There are 37 rooms and suites, decorated with antiques, floral patterns, gilded mirrors and a traditional, un-fussy feel. There’s a pool, solarium, an excellent local menu, and the feel of a romantic escape.

For a Special Occasion

Guy de Vanssay

• The Château de la Barre has been in the same family for the last 610 years, and when you see the wonderful array of antiques that have been collected and lavished on this relatively modest château you can see how much it’s been loved. Twice a week guests today are invited to attend a Grand Siecle dinner by the Comte and Comtesse, who play host in their 17th century dining room, serving food on fine porcelain and drinking from antique crystal. This is your opportunity to experience French history and luxury. There are just three suites and two bedrooms, and you’re surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens.

For Luxury-Loving Foodies

• The Fontevraud L'Hotel is part of the Fontevraud Royal Abbey estate, converted from a lesser estate villa, which is still elegant by today’s standards. The conversion has really modernised the building, glassing in some of the beautiful courtyard for the restaurant, and stripping back some of the garnishes so the bare elegance of the architecture is on show — think domed ceilings. Food is a big part of the experience here, they’ve won a number of awards, their bar has too.
• The Domaine des Hauts de Loire isn’t as glamorous looking as some of our recommendations, but seen on its own merits it’s certainly impressive. A former hunting lodge, this spacious, low-rise hotel now has two Michelin stars awarded to its restaurant, and a chef who turns food into something sublime. There’s a cooking school too. The 31 rooms and suites are arranged within the main house and the carriage house, and the decor is traditional but unfussy, with the sort of luxury one actually appreciates. Outside there are gardens, a pool and tennis courts, and space to play pétanque.
• The Grand Hotel du Lion d'Or is a purpose-built hotel, which opened in 1774. There’s plenty of charm to the building itself, with its wrought iron, exposed stone walls and wood panelling, but the main event here is really the food: this hotel is known for its authentic, and artistic, local delicacies. There are 16 rooms and suites, in a range of styles, and the location is great for exploring the Loire.

For Family-Friendly Luxury

• For a château the whole family will feel welcomed and pampered in consider the Château de Noizay, a stately, four-star mansion in the heart of the Loire, converted into a beautiful, but comfortable, 19 room hotel. There are some excellent room configurations for families, and lots of space surrounding it. And a pool. And you’ll all feel pampered by the Renaissance style decor and exceptional, but still friendly, restaurant, You know it’s luxurious because it has its own helipad.
• The Château de Beauvois is a grand affair, surrounded by rolling gardens, some of them manicured and some more playful. There are 35 rooms and suites, and a whole collection of drinking and dining rooms, including several ‘wine caves’ and bars, so there’s plenty of places to feel tucked out of the way. The decor is lavish in a classical style that suits the château, with gilt frames, wood panels, chandeliers, and sumptuous patterns and fabrics. There’s an outdoor pool too.
• The 18th century château Le Choiseuil is warm and welcoming, while still dripping with gorgeous Toile de Jouy decorations — these are the sort of rooms where the curtains, wallpaper and linens all feature the same patterns in the same colour way. The rooms and suites occupy five different buildings, so there are some less pattern-y options if that’s not so much your style, and a range rooms and suite sizes for families. There’s also tennis courts. And plenty of opportunities to walk and wine taste.

For a Spa Hotel Experience

• The Château de Maubreuil is an excellent choice if you appreciate mod. cons. like a spa, and an award-winning restaurant. From the outside it looks every bit the ideal château, elegant and white, set in orderly, symmetrical gardens and mature parkland, but the details are chic and contemporary, from the contemporary sculptures outside to the deep bathtubs in fancy bathrooms inside. There are just 14 bedrooms.
• Les Sources de Cheverny is another beautiful converted château offering all the charm of this region’s heritage with all the mod. cons. of a contemporary spa hotel. Just outside Blois, Les Sources offers 49 rooms and suites, located in the original château building and in the grounds. There’s a choice of interior styles, with chic, contemporary decor outside of the château, and a choice of restaurants too.

Luxurious City Breaks in the Loire Valley

• In Tours proper, the Hotel Oceania is elegant, luxurious and relatively affordable. It’s large, with 91 rooms and suites, and that’s part of the appeal, because the public spaces have a grandeur that the rooms themselves don’t. The other advantage of a larger hotel is always the facilities, which, in this case, include a modern spa and a gourmet restaurant.

For Great Value

• The Relais de Chambord has an enviable view of the UNESCO Heritage Listed Château de Chambord, just through the gates. It is located within the château grounds, and is an elegant contemporary hotel, not competing on glamour with its neighbour, but certainly luxurious in its own right. Its decor is chic and designer, the art is modern and the facilities for the 55 rooms and suites are excellent, including a games room, sauna, bike hire and a choice of places to eat and drink.
• La Folie St Julien is a very elegant B&B, converted from a very elegant Loire château-style villa. Expect a mini-château, with lovely gardens and an indoor pool in what may have been a barn. There are just five rooms and suites, decorated with a personal feeling combination of antiques and contemporary design. And, while there’s no restaurant, they do offer an excellent daily breakfast and the option of a home-cooked meal.

• The Château des Grotteaux is another exceptionally luxurious B&B, converted from a small, but very elegant, château. This is certainly the sort of place you can play Lord and Lady of the Manor, with beautiful antiques and heirlooms — including family portraits — in the public spaces and classically tasteful furnishings and details in the five bedrooms. There’s a pool and pool house, tennis courts, and beautiful grounds.

Still not sure which to book?

• You could browse though our list of all the best places to stay in the Loire Valley?
• or refine your search to just our Guru’s recommendations for 5 of the Best Five-Star Hotels in the Loire Valley?
• or the 20 Best Wine Hotels in the Loire Valley?
• You might want to consider our list of 20 of the best Loire Valley Château hotels?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

  • Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé Le Grand-Lucé, Loire Valley 17 rooms from AU$1060

    
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    Romantic Break  -  With elegant, 18th-century style interiors, a spa and romantic orangerie, choose this hotel for your next couples' getaway

    Country Escape  -  Located in the picturesque landscape of the Loire Valley, book this hotel for a luxury escape to the country

    Weddings  -  With beautiful grounds and a ballroom, this hotel is ideal for a picture-perfect Loire Valley wedding

    Sights nearby  -  Take a day trip to the surrounding châteaux, accompanied by a picnic basket provided by the hotel

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    This luxury hotel is situated in an exclusive private estate in the verdant Loir Valley. The neoclassical property has been carefully restored, with opulent suites that pay homage to the extravagance of King Louis XV. With an Orangerie, spa, ballroom and gardens, this château is ideal for weddings. See More

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  • Relais de Chambord Chambord, Loire Valley 55 rooms from AU$269

    
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    Country Escape  -  Set in the grounds of Château de Chambord, this is a regal country escape.

    Sights nearby  -  The Château de Chambord itself is a must see.

    Views  -  Great views from hotel

    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.

    

    Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels

    A luxurious hotel boasting an enviable location in the grounds of the Unesco-listed Château de Chambord. The traditional (and grand) exterior opens onto a distinctly modern interior with designer furniture, luxurious bathrooms and modern art found in the spacious rooms. A glamorous rural escape. See More

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  • Chateau de L'Epinay Angers (Saint Georges sur Loire) 23 rooms from AU$408

    
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    Romantic Break  -  Steepled rooms with four poster beds, elegant dining room of gourmet French cuisine, and wine tasting tours available

    Families  -  Outdoor pool and children's playground, with spa and sauna for adults. Plenty of family friendly sights close by

    Restaurant  -  Breakfast available; dinner on request

    Sights nearby  -  Serrant Castle, Chateau d'Angers

    

    Splendid historic chateau. Romantic suites have parquet floors and opulent fabrics; large bathrooms. Outdoor pool, sauna, hot tub and spa. 25 hectares of grounds to explore. Super French cuisine in charming dining room. See More

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  • Chateau de la Barre Conflans sur Anille, Loire Valley 5 rooms from AU$481

    
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    Groups

    Weddings

    Restrictions on children  -  Over 12s only.

    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.

    

    Recommended by  -  I Escape, Sawdays, Michelin Travel

    A stunning chateau with regal interiors in the Loire. Opulent bedrooms and two self-catering apartments, beautiful grounds, and fantastic sights to explore. A very special chateau. Ideal for groups, weddings and romantics. See More

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  • Domaine des Hauts de Loire Onzain, Loire Valley 31 rooms from AU$391

    
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    Families  -  Not only are there activities galore here, but during school holidays they also run a kids club

    Foodies  -  The restaurant has two Michelin stars

    Restaurant  -  Run by well-known French chef Remy Giraud

    Great walks  -  3 walking trails on the estate

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet, Relais & Chateaux, Fodors

    Classic luxury in a 19th century former hunting lodge and a two Michelin starred chef, plus happy and charming staff! Rooms and suites are traditionally dressed and luxuriously appointed with beautiful linen and Clarins smellies. Plus there's a pool, tennis & petanque. Simply wonderful! See More

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  • Chateau de Rochecotte Tours, Loire Valley 37 rooms from AU$499

    
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    Romantic Break  -  Cream and gold themed rooms, stunning garden terrace, wine tasting on the doorstep and gourmet dining

    Sights nearby  -  House of Devinière Rabelais and Balzac's house at Sache

    Kayaking  -  Canoeing at Chinon on the Loire

    Romantic  -  Good for couples.

    

    Stunning chateau surrounded by vineyards. Opulent rooms have antique furniture, floral furnishings and gilded mirrors. Outdoor pool, solarium, 20-hectares of garden and Bougainvillea covered terrace. Superb local menu. Sublime French romance. See More

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  • Les Sources de Cheverny Cheverny, Loire Valley 49 rooms from AU$359

    
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    Country Escape  -  Tucked away on its own private estate with a restaurant and spa onsite - this is a perfect rural hideaway

    Foodies  -  Beautifully crafted dishes of the region paired with local wines

    Sights nearby  -  Head into Blois and enjoy the historic architecture and wander the cobbled streets

    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor pool

    

    An elegant chateau set in acres of secluded parkland outside of Blois. Interiors have been beautifully renovated so that the building's original features remain but the feel is fresh and contemporary. Offering a choice of two excellent restaurants and a spa - there's hardly a need to leave! See More

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  • Grand Hotel du Lion d'Or Romorantin, Loire Valley 16 rooms from AU$261

    
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    Great walks  -  Walk the scenic Sologne region

    Sights nearby  -  Loire Valley Castles

    Full of character

    Opulent

    

    Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux

    A hotel since 1774, the rooms have a contemporary feel but with integrated authentic features including wood panelling, exposed stone walls, stone floors and wrought iron balconies. The gourmet restaurant offers artistic, authentic dishes. A great spot for exploring the Loire region. See More

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  • Fontevraud L'Hotel Fontevraud L'Abbaye (33 Rue Saint-Jean de l'Habit) 54 rooms from AU$253

    
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    Families  -  The Duplex Rooms can sleep upto four persons and are ideal for families, plus the restaurant runs a special menus for kids.

    Foodies  -  An award winning young chef Thibault Ruggeri runs the in-house restaurant serving incredible regional cuisine.

    Value chic  -  It is remarkably good value cosnidering the magnificent settling, Loire Valley location and elegant rooms.

    Eco break  -  This eco-friendly hotel uses all natural materials in rooms like solid oak and steel.

    

    Soak up a thousand year old heritage, at this unique hotel set within Fontevraud Royal Abbey. Sleek and stylish rooms embrace modern and contemporary design. Award winning gourmet food and a cool interactive bar bring this already remarkable and majestic setting to life. In a world of its own! See More

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  • Maisons du Monde Hotel & Suites Nantes 47 rooms from AU$155

    
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    Local exploring  -  Well located in the heart of the city with many of the major attractions within walking distance

    Great walks  -  Take a stroll through the picturesque Jardin Japonais de l'Ile de Versailles

    Sights nearby  -  Visit the striking Château des ducs de Bretagne

    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.

    

    A chic hotel offering a perfectly central location in historic Nantes. Sleek rooms feature parquet flooring, contemporary fittings and espresso machines. Indulgent breakfasts are served in the atmospheric lounge. A smart city base. See More

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  • Le Choiseul Amboise, Loire Valley 32 rooms from AU$284

    
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    Country House  -  The chateau accommodation is spread across 5 houses

    Architectural  -  A beautiful 18th century building.

    Wine tasting  -  Loire valley vinyards in vicinity

    Riverside  -  Loire riverside

    

    Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels

    A stunning chateau in the Loire valley. Rooms are light and traditionally styled with toile de jouy wallpaper. Restaurant dining room overlooking the River Loire. Wine tasting, ballooning and chateaux on the doorstep. A romantic and relaxed choice for couples or families. See More

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  • Chateau de Beauvois 37230 Saint-Etienne-de-Chigny-Touraine, Loire Valley 35 rooms from AU$326

    
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    Romantic Break  -  This opulent chateau surrounded by romantic gardens and forest walks is ideal for a couple's retreat

    Great walks  -  Discover the gorgeous forest trails and spot some wildlife

    Swimming Pool  -  Seasonal outdoor pool

    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.

    

    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    A hotel in a grand chateau with rolling gardens and a lovely pool. Expect to be wowed by the lavish interiors decorated with gold leaf, ornate paintings and antique furniture, with equally opulent rooms featuring sumptuous fabrics and elegant wallpapers. The delicious French cuisine seals the deal! See More

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  • Hotel Oceania Tours 91 rooms from AU$214

    
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    Total relaxation  -  For a city centre break try out the modern spa boasting a trendy stainless steel pool, Jacuzzi, hammam and fitness room.

    Local exploring  -  Right in the heart of the city, well placed for getting around and conveniently placed near the train station.

    Sights nearby  -  A number of castles in the area that make lovely day trips including the Chateau du Rivau and Chateau de Saumar.

    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor pool.

    

    A luxury hotel with contemporary interiors and a great positioning within Tours. Elegant rooms feature floor to ceiling windows, crisp white linen and contemporary chandeliers. The gourmet restaurant is the perfect spot for romantic evenings, and the modern spa is a complete city haven. See More

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  • Chateau de Maubreuil Carquefou, Loire Valley 14 rooms from AU$408

    
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    Country Escape  -  A beautiful chateau set in picturesque parkland dotted with large works of modern sculpture - a unique rural escape

    Luxury  -  A decadent stay with fine dining, opulent design and excellent service

    Great walks  -  Stroll through the estate and admire the sculptures along the way

    Restaurant  -  Gastronomic French cuisine accompanied by an extensive wine list

    

    A striking white chateau set in mature parkland dotted with contemporary sculptures. Decadent interiors feature rich fabrics, gilded bed heads, and deep bathtubs. An award-winning restaurant serves modern French cuisine. Complete with a spa - this is an indulgent rural escape. See More

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  • Château de Noizay Noizay, Loire Valley 19 rooms from AU$344

    
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    Foodies  -  Foodies will be bowled over by the hotel's gourmet restaurant, serving classic French cuisine with modern touches

    Country Escape  -  Set within a 24 hectare park, this hotel is a serene retreat to the country

    Romantic Break  -  The beautiful gardens and luxurious facilities score highly with couples

    Tennis  -  Keep active on your holiday with a game on the hotel's tennis courts

    

    Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux

    This stately, four-star château is nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley. Rooms are dressed in a Renaissance style, with plush linens and period furniture. Relax by the heated outdoor pool or dine in the restaurant before a helicopter ride from the hotel's own helipad. A luxury country retreat. See More

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  • La Folie St Julien Montrichard (41400 Saint-Julien de Chédon) 5 rooms from AU$236

    
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    Local exploring  -  A great base from which to explore the pretty villages, chateaux and sights of the gorgeous Loire Valley

    Sights nearby  -  Visit the huge variety of medieval villages, chateaux, fortresses and abbeys of the region

    Swimming Pool  -  Seasonal indoor pool

    Romantic  -  Good for couples.

    

    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    Charming B&B in typical Loire Valley buildings with a lovely garden and indoor pool. Stylish yet homely interiors feature antiques, fine furniture and attractive artwork, while tasteful rooms are decorated with framed pictures and pretty furniture. The delicious home-made meals seal the deal! See More

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  • Chateau des Grotteaux Loire Valley 5 rooms from AU$233

    
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    Country Escape  -  An idyllic base from which to enjoy a countryside retreat exploring the forest, river and nearby sights

    Sights nearby  -  Set in the middle of the ‘Golden Triangle’ with the iconic chateaux of Blois, Chambord and Cheverny easily reachable by bicycle

    Fishing  -  Go fishing or for a tranquil boat trip on the river Cosson on the chateau grounds

    Great walks  -  Enjoy a leisurely walk in the surrounding parkland and forest

    

    A sophisticated B&B in a historic chateau with lush parkland and a pool. Grand interiors feature antiques, fine classic furniture and authentic historic portraits while retaining a warm, homely feel. Elegant rooms are comfortable and soft, featuring gorgeous Indian fabrics and Persian rugs. See More

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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Monday, 5th June 2023