Dreamy Château Hotels in the Loire Valley, France
One of the most intriguing regions in central France, the Loire Valley attracts outdoor adventurers and hopeless romantics with its meandering rivers, fairytale châteaux and sculpted gardens.
An area once frequented by French royalty, the Loire Valley is strewn with elegant, curated landscapes which inspired Voltaire, Mozart and the artist JMW Turner. Historically rich towns and cities with half-timber houses and majestic hillside châteaux flank the riverside, as woodland walks and cycle paths wind their way inland through vineyards.
The Loire Valley is traditionally a place for food and wine connoisseurs. On a journey, there are opportunities to sample some of France’s finest vintage wines, while procuring artisan produce from the same gourmet markets as renowned chefs, who visit to source the freshest ingredients.
When choosing where to stay in Loire Valley, why not stay like royalty in one of the area’s dreamy châteaux? These alluring Disneyesque structures allow one to embrace their inner nobility – residing in chandelier-studded homes with vast libraries, private chapels and fine dining restaurants – even if just for a short while.
The choice of accommodations in this locale can be overwhelming, so here are a few of our favourite dreamy Loire Valley château hotels to inspire your next stay.
Château du Grand-Lucé
Château du Grand-Lucé has a storied history. It played host to King Louis XV, Voltaire, Rousseau and Mozart and during the Second World War, the owners hid priceless Louvre paintings beneath its stables!
At first glance, the castle hotel is impressive. A host of interconnected rooms pay homage to the Age of Enlightenment, decorated in chinoiserie fabrics with gilded signature pieces and modern furnishings from Lacroix and Jean-Paul Gaultier.
Acres of gardens and woodlands are ripe for exploration. Whether you choose to explore on a bike or on foot, take a gourmet picnic to enjoy in nature. If travelling with children, why not play a game of petanque or croquet, or take a dip in the pool before heading back indoors for a relaxing massage.
Dining at Château du Grand-Lucé is also a treat. Chefs serve a carefully curated farm-to-table menu using seasonal produce freshly picked from the castle’s potager gardens. Afterwards, sample wines and cocktails in Jack Pines bar, the characterful, velvet-clad former chapel of Baron de Luce.
Château Vary
The beautifully restored Château Vary is a top choice for families and couples. The castle hotel sits less than 30 minutes from Angers and the pretty riverside village of Saumur, home to a medieval castle, museums and the National Riding School.
Guest rooms are newly refurbished with crisp linens, patterned rugs and luxe textiles, in keeping with the style and elegance of the château. If travelling with kids or as a group, you may take advantage of the three cosy cottages opposite the hotel.
Upon awakening, indulge in a pre-breakfast stroll or refreshing swim before returning to delicious platters of seeded bread, charcuterie and cheeses.
Explore the local area then retreat to the well-stocked bar for an aperitif, before indulging in dinner – lovingly prepared to showcase the region’s bounty, with wines to match.
Later in the evening, challenge a friend or family member to a game of petanque, or simply sink into the hot tub with a glass of champagne to enjoy the Loire Valley sunset.
Château de Maubreuil
Located at the gateway to the city of Nantes, the 5-star Château de Maubreuil thrills visitors with its unique art collections and exotic, travel-inspired décor.
Guest rooms are all adventure-themed, with a ‘Venetian’ room, bedecked in hand-painted masks and plush velvet textiles, and an ‘Inspiration’ room, akin to a luxurious Mongolian yurt.
If arriving at the château for a special occasion, book the ‘Privilege’ suite – an ode to ancient Mesopotamia. With golden palms and boldly patterned wallpaper, it conjures up dreams of the mythical Gardens of Babylon.
There are many attractions to explore a short distance from the chateau. Head for Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne, a 13th-century moated castle in Nantes; the city’s beautiful botanical gardens, half-timbered houses and restaurants of Place du Bouffay.
On your return, indulge in a sensorial spa experience in a stone cavern with pools and wooden statues, before embarking on a culinary journey in the Michelin quality restaurant.
La Borde en Sologne Château & Spa
A short drive from Blois, Chambord and Cheverny in the tranquil village of Vernou-en-Sologne, the 17th century La Borde en Sologne Château & Spa is a wonderful base from which to explore the Loire Valley.
The sprawling 35-room castle is surrounded by nature. Luxurious suites are adorned with frescoes, sculpted walls and warming fireplaces, offering views over the landscaped park and waters, where guests can fish or enjoy an enchanting boat ride.
Laid-back days can be spent sampling cheese and honey at local farms, enjoying natural plant-infused spa treatments at L’Orangerie deep in the forest, swimming in the pool or cycling to Chateau de Chambord, one of the world’s most significant and intriguing châteaux.
Dining options focus on seasonal produce and secret age-old recipes, with ingredients sourced from local suppliers and the castle’s onsite garden which grows over 50 varieties of fruit, vegetables and herbs.
Château de Noizay
This is undoubtedly one of the most alluring chateau hotels in the Loire Valley. Chateau de Noizay inspired the paintings of JMW Turner and was once the headquarters of the Amboise Conspirators as they plotted to kidnap King Francis II!
The château is distinctly medieval in parts, albeit coupled with contemporary elegance. Old wooden staircases are furnished with suits of armour, hand-woven tapestries and dazzling chandeliers, and guest rooms are bewitching, adorned with 16th-century pieces and romantic four-poster beds.
While here, indulge in country walks (pets are permitted in the hotel), or cycle the Loire à Vélo to Amboise, before taking a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool.
The chateau concierge can also arrange special excursions. Guests can soar high into the clouds in a hot air balloon, sample local wines or enjoy a thrilling helicopter flight over the Loire Valley to attain a bird’s eye view of the landscape.
Related Reading: 20 Dreamy Château Hotels in France
Château de Pray
In a prime location on the south bank of the Loire River, Château de Pray is one of the best châteaux to stay in the Loire Valley based on location alone.
Less than three kilometres from the royal city of Amboise and Château du Clos Lucé, the former home of Leonardo da Vinci; this 4-star château hotel has stood proudly in five woodland hectares for centuries, holding secrets of the nobility and witnessing some of the most exciting chapters in French history.
The 19 guest rooms are a haven of peace and tranquillity, combining refined décor with intimacy and authenticity. A range of activities can be enjoyed including swimming, cycling, horseback riding and hot air balloon rides over the famous castles of Chenonceau and Chaumont-sur-Loire.
Dinner is served in L’Orangerie – a part troglodyte room or on the terrace overlooking the Loire. The gourmet Michelin-star restaurant infuses subtle cuisine with flavours and fragrances from around the world, tempting guests with several delicious menu selections.
Château de la Bourdaisière
Located between Tours and Amboise, Château de la Bourdaisière is perfectly placed for exploring the Loire Valley. The castle hotel and its grounds span an impressive 70 hecates, and frequently hosted royalty and dignitaries. Marie Gaudin, the beautiful heiress who lived here, was once the mistress of King Francis I!
Chateau accommodations are decorated with “Braquenie” fabrics and guest rooms are both luxurious and comfortable, named after characters intertwined with local history.
Outside, on the grounds, visit the famous National Tomato Conservatory and Dahliacolor Garden, a contemporary garden featuring over 400 different flower varieties.
Guests can also enjoy swimming, tennis games and woodland walks or learn about permaculture, writing and illustration at one of the annual workshops held at the castle.
Dining in the hotel is a pleasurable experience. The aptly named ‘Tomato Bar’ procures plump and juicy delights from the kitchen garden to create mouthwatering fusion dishes and the chef is also happy to give tips and gardening advice to guests.
Château des Grotteaux
Nestled in Loire’s Valley of the Kings, Chateau des Grotteaux was built by Guillaume Ribier in 1620. Ribier was admired by royalty and approached to work for King Louis III on several occasions. However, the man refused, preferring to live a simple life in the chateau he built, fuelled by a desire to focus on his writing.
The dreamlike guest rooms embody the castle’s rich history, punctuated with personal artefacts, memories and books. The suites are named after visitors of great importance and beautifully crafted with frescoes of Greek Gods on the walls, antique writing desks, signature chairs and patterned scatter cushions.
Precious times can be spent swimming with family, pedalling along cycle paths or enjoying a game of tennis. Alternatively, embark on a leisurely boat tour along the Cosson, drifting towards the iconic Château de Chambord, before disembarking to explore its rich history.
Saint Victor La Grand’ Maison
For travellers seeking a unique and inspirational stay in a château in the Loire Valley, Saint Victor La Grand’ Maison located south of Tours ticks all the boxes.
The ivy-clad façade of the historic hotel makes way for a central turret marking the entrance. Inside the 14th-century castle, regal days of yore appear to spring into life, courtesy of crystal chandeliers, relics and ancestral oil paintings on the walls.
A large library tempts visitors to relax and read, as a grand piano in the corner readies itself for post-dinner, wine-fuelled renditions of “La Marseillaise”.
Guest rooms in the château are a blend of historic and modern, with signature furnishings, wooden floors and perfectly positioned ornaments. Awake in the morning, bathed in bright sunshine and feast on a delicious breakfast on the terrace, making the most of the riverside view.
Enjoy discovering the local area, swimming outdoors, or walking in woodlands photographing the resident deer. Then spend cosy evenings snuggled up with a loved one, a glass of wine in hand while planning the next day’s exciting itinerary.
Château d’Hodebert
Set inside a centuries-old castle, Château d’Hodebert is a grand, yet quirky affair, 30 kilometres northwest of Tours. With traditional French décor, antique flourishes and courtyard views, it’s a spectacular place from which to explore Loire Valley vineyards and gardens.
Guest rooms are light and airy, adorned in Louis XVI furniture and dressed in silken textiles from Tours, plus, there’s a choice of suites or guest houses depending on your needs.
Breakfast is a veritable organic feast of homemade bread with jams curated from orchard fruits, alongside cheese and yoghurt sourced from local dairy farms – all of which are served in the artsy living room.
In nearby villages, flea markets are available to browse, there’s also horse riding, golf, balloon rides and micro flights to enjoy. Also, less than a 10-minute drive from Hodebert, a nearby lake rents paddleboards, canoes and pedalboats with a host of activities to entertain the entire family.
We hope our list of the best places to stay in the Loire Valley has inspired you to discover this delightful region of France.
Castle hotels in the Loire Valley bring medieval history and storytelling to life and unique experiences can be enjoyed by travellers young and old, whether on a solo adventure, romantic trip or family holiday.
