Some time ago I wrote two important articles about the Loire Valley. The first is about Hotels in Loire Valley And the second is about Castles and hiking trails In the same place. Quite a few people really liked these articles and asked me if I happened to know of any castles in the Loire Valley that are available to live in.
And really, why not combine the two and live in the heart of beauty and history? I decided to create a follow-up article to the article about hotels in the Loire Valley, in which you can find castles that have been turned into luxurious hotels. Since the Loire Valley is a fairly large geographical area, I decided to divide the article into three parts: East Loire valley, the center and west of the Loire Valley. This way you can find yourself a palace or two where you can stay while visiting the Loire Valley castles of your choice.
So get your tuxedos, ball gowns, and carriage ready, we're off!
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Hotels in the eastern part of the Loire Valley
Chateau du Guérinet D'Orchaise
A charming boutique hotel set in a 17th century castle run by a very friendly couple, Alain and Sylvie. All rooms are tastefully decorated with antique furniture and the breakfast is simply excellent. The hotel is about 15 km from Blois, making it a great base for stargazing in the eastern and central Loire Valley.
Château Mont Suzey
A 19th-century mansion located about 30 km from Orléans and 35 km from Blois. The place is highly recommended for those interested in cycling in the area as it provides free bicycles.
Loire flower
A luxurious 5-star hotel located in Blois. The place offers spectacular views of the Loire River, a pampering spa and exceptional design, along with a two-Michelin-starred chef's restaurant for an unforgettable culinary experience.
The Sources of Cheverny
A wonderful boutique hotel located in the heart of the vineyards of Chevreney. Perfect for wine and nature lovers, it offers a rustic-elegant hospitality experience and includes a spa based on wine treatments and natural cosmetics.
Relais des Trois Châteaux
A charming hotel ideally located right next to the famous Cheverny Castle. The hotel offers spacious rooms with a classic design and an excellent restaurant serving traditional local cuisine.
Auberge des Templiers
A beautiful historic mansion that once served as an inn and has been transformed into a luxury hotel perfect for a peaceful vacation. The place is surrounded by a vast park and features a refreshing outdoor pool in a pastoral atmosphere.
Château de Chissay
An authentic Renaissance castle near Chenonceau. Provides a unique historical experience with rooms decorated with antique furniture, an enchanting inner courtyard and a beautiful outdoor pool in the heart of the forest.
Central Loire Valley – Castles that have become hotels
The Manor of Maucartier
Limor Shukron's recommendation:
I wanted to share if we're talking about places to stay in the Loire, there's a stunning place I've been to called Manoir de Maucartier. The owner of the place is charming, he studied patisserie and a stunning breakfast is included in the price and can also prepare dinner upon request. Less than half an hour from Amboise, a place that feels like a combination of the 18th century and a modern touch to me :)
Chateau De La Bourdaisiere
A three-star hotel located in a 15th-century castle, about 20 minutes’ drive from the city of Tours. This castle has a huge garden and even a swimming pool that is open in the summer months. In short, a wonderful place if you want to combine a relaxing holiday with “castle hunting” in the Loire Valley.
Château de Perreux
A very nice hotel located in a palace that began construction in the 18th century and is located not far from the castle. Amboise and Leonardo da Vinci's house in Calo Lusa. Here you can enjoy a good breakfast that includes local jams and free parking (a must for car owners who want to take advantage of the castle's excellent location for stargazing).
The Minimes Manor
A 4-star hotel set in a 19th-century mansion, less than a kilometre from the Château de Amboise. The rooms have all the luxuries you would expect from a hotel of this calibre with the added bonus of a view of the Château de Amboise (at least in some rooms). The location is simply ideal for visiting some of the most famous châteaux in the Loire Valley (What was tried? is 17 km away, Blois 35 km, etc.).
Chateau de Pray
A 13th-century castle located near the town of Amboise. Guests can enjoy a vast green park, a refreshing swimming pool in the summer, and a quality restaurant decorated with a Michelin star.
Chateau des Arpentis
A hotel located in the heart of a pastoral wooded park near Amboise. It offers exceptionally large rooms with an elegant historical feel, stunning views of the gardens and plenty of peace and quiet for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Louise de la Vallière Castle
An exceptionally luxurious 5-star hotel that takes you straight back to the time of King Louis XIV. The hotel excels in meticulous and rich design, exceptional service, and a spa that offers relaxing treatments for body and mind.
Château D'artigny
A magnificent palace in the Montbazon region that will make you feel like a true nobleman. Includes a spa with a wealth of facilities, a spectacular panoramic view of the Indre River Valley and a meticulous gourmet restaurant.
Domaine de la Tortiniere
A boutique hotel with a family atmosphere, housed in an elegant 19th-century castle. The castle is surrounded by a spacious park with ancient trees and serves fine bistro cuisine based on local produce.
Castle hotels inWest Loire Valley
Château de Brissac
Brissac Castle is one of my favorite castles in the Loire Valley and you can read about its history in the article Château de Brissac – When you meet the Duke walking in the palace gardenHow happy I was when I heard that the owners of the castle were offering a series of rooms furnished with period furniture to those interested in living in the castle for a few days.
So beyond the beautiful suites, you'll get free admission to the site and there's even a chance you'll get to meet the Duke while strolling through the garden. Worth it, right?
Epinay Castle
A 15th-century castle located in Saint-Georges-sur-Loire. The hotel offers a rare combination of an ecological experience with luxury, including a natural swimming pool, a pampering spa, and a variety of outdoor sports activities.
Chateau De Rochecotte
An impressive hotel in Saint-Patrice surrounded by vineyards and unique hanging gardens. The hotel's rooms are bright and furnished in a delicate classical style, and guests enjoy a heated pool and excellent romantic meals.
Hotel du Château du Rivau
A rare opportunity to stay in the heart of Ribeauvillé Castle, famous for its fairytale gardens. The stay combines contemporary art design with historic architecture for an experience like no other.
Chateau de Ternay
An intimate and exceptional lodging experience in a castle lovingly managed by its original owners. The hotel offers authentic rooms and warm, personal hospitality that will make you feel immediately part of the family.
Château des Forges par Slow Village
An impressive bourgeois mansion located near Angers. The design successfully combines modern touches with historic charm of yesteryear, and there is a heated outdoor pool overlooking the green park.
As usual, an appetizer, especially during a time when I can't plan trips. In general, I know most of the areas of the Loire Valley. Staying in castles or manors was a part of the 70s/80s, when most were still gites or chambres de haute.
In general, I would recommend staying in two areas from the review above: the Amboise area and the Nantes area, which allows you to plan both trips for great visits and proximity to these beautiful country towns. In Amboise, there is an annual themed gardening competition. I experienced it 3 times. It's worth it.