Les Hauts de Loire

Le nostre recensioni

Les Hauts de Loire has been one of the best hotels in the Loire Valley for many years now and it is not hard to see why it still tops many travellers' lists. Built in the 19^th century as a hunting lodge, it is set in 70 hectares of woodland, where you’ll find paths for walking and cycling (there are lots of bikes to borrow for exploring), ponds and a lovely lawn surrounding the main building with its own little pond with small jet d’eau and resident swans. The feel is of an elegant country estate, with plenty of outdoor furniture seeming randomly placed so that you can enjoy the gardens from whichever perspective you choose.

On entering the main building, you’ll instantly get a sense of what to expect throughout the rest of the property: stunning traditional interiors that ooze class and sophistication. The floors are gorgeous wood, littered with Persian rugs; there is lots of warm wood panelling and plenty of works of art on the walls. It’s like you’ve entered a fabulous country home with its original antiques and meticulously maintained period features.

The rooms and suites follow a similar vein, whether you choose to stay in the chateau itself or in the nearby Demeure or Pavilion. All are individually designed, but many feature lovely Toile de Jouy wallpaper and fabrics, original beams, antique-style furnishings and spoiling bathrooms with both walk-in showers and baths. The best come with a private terrace for enjoying the stunning parkland views.

But for many who visit Les Hauts de Loire, it’s all about the food! They have both a restaurant Gastronomique and a bistro, but to really experience the place properly, you’d be mad not to book a table at the fine dining restaurant. The setting is the beautiful dining room in the main chateau with large French windows out to the terrace and gardens. It is opulent and beautifully designed in a refined and elegant fashion that you only really find in old-school style venues. The front-of-house staff are everything you’d expect from a restaurant of this calibre, and the food does not disappoint. Course after course of exciting and innovative gourmet dishes will be delivered to your table, from a celebration of the carrot to local pigeon and a delicious chocolate dessert designed to look like vacherin cheese! In a word, unmissable!

For those who like their five-star hotel experience to come with spoiling spas and activities on tap, Les Hauts de Loire delivers too. There’s a Clarins Spa with sauna and steam room (you’ll need to book), a large heated outdoor pool (cleverly set away from the main building, so as not to disturb the serenity), a tennis court and a superb kids club (open during peak season) that’s guaranteed to keep the little ones occupied while you get to relax and really enjoy the place. If you’re travelling en famille, dogs are welcome too.

Les Hauts de Loire is one of those rare hotels that has been at the top of its game for many years, and yet it keeps up the same standards. It may not have the modern style of many of today’s hotels, but its tradition and atmosphere are what it’s all about: it’s timeless and supremely classy, a winning combo that's not worth messing with.

Sarah Empson