The Best Hotels in the Loire Valley

Nestled in 170 acres (70ha) of land, and not far from the scenic Château de Chaumont, this elegant hotel is housed in an ivy-adorned, 19th-century hunting lodge. Rooms are decorated subtly in keeping with its history, with tasteful florals and exposed beams. Choose between suites in the Castle or Carriage House, the latter with a more rustic feel. The hotel also has a fine-dining restaurant, a pool and deck, tennis courts, and pétanque courts.

This 18th-century former manor is situated on limestone cliffs beside the Loire river, just outside the city of Tours. Book a room in the main manor house, or in one of the cliffside’s many converted caves, which are outfitted with living areas and fireplaces. Take a dip in the outdoor pool on the riverside, before dining at the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, focused on fresh seafood.

Mere minutes from the Loire river, this breathtaking château hotel dates back to the 13th century. Each room has sophisticated antique furnishings and marble bathrooms, and some have four-poster beds. Rent a bike from the hotel and explore the beautiful grounds, or venture further afield to Amboise, which is just 3km away. Yet another Michelin-starred restaurant can be found here, with ingredients taken from the hotel’s own vegetable garden.

With a quintessential French châteaux appearance, this turreted, white castle is one of the most beautiful hotels in the region. Just south of Tours, you are truly in the heart of the French countryside here. Rooms are individually designed with colourful, modern fabrics. On a sunny day, make use of the hotel’s rowboats or stroll the adjacent wooded park. Dinner is served in the glass-enclosed dining room with stunning views of the valley, where you can try local Touraine specialities, such as the Marigny Marmande truffle, Racan pigeon and Rivarennes poire tapée (dried pear).

This delightful, upscale country inn is just a short walk away from the famous Château de Chenonceau on the Cher river. The inn was originally a post relay house, built in 1786, and retains its original, antique charm. It certainly feels more intimate than the larger hotels on this list. Enjoy laps of the heated outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by a leafy garden, which also provides vegetables used in the on-site restaurant’s cooking.

This grand manor-turned-hotel is just a stone’s throw from the Loire river. From its perfectly-manicured gardens and refined yet cosy rooms (featuring exposed beams, fireplaces, and views of the nearby Château Royal d’Amboise) to the French country-style restaurant, this hotel is a study in understated elegance. The breakfast here is a real treat, with freshly baked pastries and baguettes delivered each morning, along with eggs, cheese, apple compote, cake and more.

If you’ve ever wondered what you would get if you took an opulent 19th-century castle and turned it into a luxury hotel, then here is your answer. More than 60 acres (25ha) of lawns, rooms, suites and two-floor flats with French-country decorations, a restaurant with 18th-century woodworking and gilded mouldings, and spa with a Turkish bath and fitness centre. Within walking distance of the town of Montbazon, and a short drive from Tours, this hotel makes for the perfect getaway.

Straight out of a fairy tale, this 10th-century château offers panoramic views over the Loire river below. Originally founded by Benedictine monks, today it is a four-star hotel, focused on giving guests a true taste of castle life. The 21 rooms are all elegantly decorated, some with beamed ceilings, open fireplaces or a four-poster bed, and the gastronomic restaurant offers fine French cuisine. It all unfolds in a woodland park of some 60 acres (25ha).

If sleeping under the stars sounds like your idea of fun, this unusual accommodation could be just the ticket. Offering bubble-shaped transparent domes in a lovely natural setting, here it’s all about disconnecting from the stress of modern life. Head out for a walk in the surrounding area before tucking into one of the pre-made food baskets, filled with local treats. Complete the day with a relaxing blast in the outdoor hot tub beneath strings of coloured lights.

Found in the heart of Nantes, this four-star hotel is just a stone’s throw from a château that belonged to the Dukes of Brittany. The vibe here is resolutely modern with smart urban design throughout. Rooms include a Nespresso machine, Nuxe products and some have a view over the city rooftops or the cathedral. Unwind in the fitness suite and sauna, or ask about the local jogging route, and enjoy a complimentary snack, drink or newspaper in the Club.

Channelling the charm of the Orient in a residential area of central Tours, this unusual hotel features traditional Eastern architecture and design. The suites are suitably exotic, drawing inspiration from folk tales such as those in The Arabian Nights, while the restaurant continues the theme with cuisine including tagines, couscous and fresh mint tea. The spa area includes a hot tub and a hammam, plus offers a range of traditional Eastern treatments.

At this 19th-century mansion in the centre of Tours, the owners have created a charming guest house, combining the elegance of its heritage with contemporary comfort. The five bedrooms each pay homage to a local hero, such as writer Honoré de Balzac, and have their own individual character. You can also relax in the genteel living room, read a book in the small library lounge or enjoy the tree-lined courtyard garden. The breakfast features local products from the Halles de Tours.