Domaine de la Soucherie

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

Domaine de la Soucherie

  • 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

La Penesais

  • 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

Le Prieure de Saint Agnan

  • 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

Chateau de Beauvois

  • 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

Domaine des Bidaudieres

  • 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?

The 20 Best Wine Hotels in The Loire Valley

Chateau de Marcay

Chinon

A luxurious chateau set in acres of parklands and vineyards. Huge, stunningly decorated rooms, traditional yet stylish. Fantastic restaurant, swimming pool, and plenty of activities on the estate. A country retreat for foodies and those who want the best of everything.

  • Garden - Set in hectares of parkland and vineyards.
  • Foodies
  • Traditional - All rooms are decorated in "haute epoque" style
  • Kayaking - On the Vienne River
from €195 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Domaine des Bidaudières

Loire Valley

Stunning sand-stone country estate cum luxury B&B with vineyards. Rooms, suites, apartments and two cottages cater to families, groups and weddings. All decorated in elegant style with valley views. Fabulous swimming pool, terraces, and gardens.

  • Families
  • Groups
  • Swimming Pool - Large outdoor pool
  • Local markets
from €135 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Château de Beaulieu, Tours

Tours

Elegant rural château with an excellent spa and gourmet restaurant. Beautiful gardens and terraces and stately salons. A country escape ideal for weddings, foodies, and families.

  • Sights nearby - 10 mins from Tours city centre and easy access to all the Loire chateaux
  • Local markets
  • Tennis
  • Traditional
from €97 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Le Choiseul

Loire Valley

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.

  • 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
from €182 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Château de Beaujeu

Sancerre

Peaceful château B&B. Large unique rooms feature draped curtains, pretty wallpapers and parquet floors. Independent cottage is contemporary in style. Rambling gardens and charming dining room for breakfast. A perfect base for wine tasting, delicious Sancerre and Pouilly-Sur-Loire amongst others.

  • Country Escape - A short drive from Loire River, and surrounded by quiet countryside, enjoy wine tasting and the atmosphere of historic Chateau
  • Restaurant - Breakfast is served and dinner by arrangement
  • Kayaking - On the Loire River
  • Sights nearby - Town of Bourges
from €120 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Château de Beaulieu, Saumur

Saumur (Loire Valley)

Splendid château B&B on banks of the Loire. Unique rooms exude elegance some with four poster beds, antique style furniture, chandeliers and tiled bathrooms. Heated outdoor swimming pool, gardens and vineyard, billiards room and library. Romantic, with friendly owners.

  • Romantic Break - Four poster beds, roaring fireplace, heated outdoor pool and wine tasting just next door all add up to classic French romance.
  • Sights nearby - Château de Saumur (2.5 km) and the famous ‘Cadre Noir’ Riding School
  • Great walks - Through the local vineyards and along the banks of the River Loire
  • Swimming Pool - Heated outdoor swimming pool
from €120 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Chateau de Nazelles

Amboise (Nazelles-Négron)

16th century house surrounded by vineyards. Rustic-chic interiors have exposed brick walls, wooden floors and white furnishings; modern bathrooms. Pavilion has full kitchen and living space. Outdoor pool, 6-hectares of garden. A modern take on the chateau break.

  • Local exploring - Perfectly situated to see the Loire's chateaus, wine caves and boat trips on the river, all with this very chic base
  • Sights nearby - Day trip to nearby Amboise
  • Kayaking - Kayaks rides on the Loire
  • Cooking classes
from €160 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Chateau de Rochecotte

Loire Valley (Saint Patrice )

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.

  • 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
from €306 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Les Hautes Roches

Tours

Perched on a cliff and overlooking the Loire, this hotel is entirely unique. Carved into the rock, bedrooms are exciting and elegantly decorated with complementing fabrics and fittings. There is a fine restaurant with views of the river. Fresh seafood and local produce. A treasure on the Loire.

  • Foodies - The restaurant has a Michelin star and specialises in seafood.
  • Sights nearby - Exlore the many historic chateaux of the Loire
  • Restaurant - Gourmet restaurant specialising in seafood
  • Quirky - Some rooms have been hewn from the caves
from €225 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Chateau de Perreux

Amboise (Loire Valley)

An elegant Chateau dating back to the 1700s offering a quiet escape in peaceful surroundings. Tasteful bedrooms that combine contemporary comfort with the unique Chateau style. The in house chef focuses on locally sourced, seasonal produce. An outdoor pool is reached by a secret underground passage.

  • Local exploring - Situated in Nazelles-Négron, at the heart of the Loire Valley, this is the perfect base for exploring this UNESCO heritage area.
  • Total relaxation - Plush rooms, great pool surrounded by lovely gardens and forests, plus awrd winning cuisine and roaring fires.
  • Kayaking - Grab a kayak and head off to explore the Loire, admire the lovely villages, chateaus and countryside.
  • Great walks - There are lovely walks through the property's manicured gardens and wooded parklands.
from €165 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Le Prieuré Saint-Agnan

Sancerre

A boutique B&B located just steps from the Loire. Charming traditional rooms feature antique furniture, rich hues, dark wooden polished floors and crisp white linen. Boasting a large outdoor pool, cosy lounge and sumptuous breakfasts. A luxury pad from which to explore the region.

  • Local exploring - A charming base ideally located to explore the region.
  • Great walks - Stroll along the Loire, the last wild river in Europe.
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
  • Full of character
from €150 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Domaine de la Soucherie

Loire Valley (La Soucherie )

Split across two charming sites, this rural guesthouse offers modern classic decor in the heart of the Loire valley. The plush rooms offer views of the vineyeard, and there is an airy guest lounge, vaulted wine cellar and inviting pool. Enjoy local wines at the bar; a perfect spot for wine lovers.

  • Back to Nature - In the beautiful surroundings of the Loire Valley, this makes for a fantastic back to nature holiday
  • Romantic Break - Elegant and luxurious rooms, a wine cellar and pool make this the perfect romantic getaway
  • Country Escape - With a secluded setting, you can enjoy a real country escape here in the Layon Valley
  • Foodies - Enjoy a dinner of regional cuisine matched with local wines, a foodie's delight
from €95 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Chateau de Beauvois

Loire Valley (Route de Beauvois )

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!

  • 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
from €200 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
La Penesais

Loire Valley (37420 Beaumont-en-Véron )

Expect a very friendly welcome and hearty home-made meals at this charming limestone chateau with pretty gardens. Interiors are elegant yet homely, fusing classic and modern styles with tasteful furniture and decor. Unfussy rooms feature pretty fabrics and fine wood furniture. A rural delight.

  • Hideaway - This gorgeous, friendly chateau with charming gardens is ideal for a cosy retreat
  • Sights nearby - Close to great sights such as Chateau de Villandry, Candes Saint Martin abbey and Fontevraud Abbey
  • Back to Nature
  • Secluded setting
from €105 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Château de Noizay

Loire Valley (Loire Valley )

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.

  • 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
from €211 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Written by Helen Pickles

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