Best Places to Stay in the Loire Valley: Top Towns, Cities, Castles and Hotels for Every Traveler

Here’s a breakdown of the best towns and cities to stay in the Loire Valley, including specific recommendations for accommodations in each:

Château Belmont Tours by The Crest Collection

Tours

Overview: Often called the "gateway to the Loire Valley," Tours is a lively university city with a perfect mix of historical charm and modern amenities. It’s centrally located, making it an ideal base for exploring the region’s châteaux, vineyards, and nearby towns.

Where to Stay:

• Hotel Oceania L'Univers: A luxury hotel with a prime location in the city center, known for its historic architecture and elegant interiors.

• Château Belmont Tours by The Crest Collection: Set within a 17th-century château, this upscale hotel offers modern comforts combined with historic charm, including a spa and outdoor pool.

• Hilton Garden Inn Tours Centre: The Hilton Garden Inn Tours Centre offers modern accommodations in a central location, ideal for exploring Tours, with amenities like free Wi-Fi and an on-site restaurant.

Amboise

Overview: Amboise is a charming town situated on the banks of the Loire River, known for its stunning Renaissance château and the Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years. It’s a perfect place to stay for those interested in history and a quieter, picturesque atmosphere.

Where to Stay:

• Le Manoir Les Minimes: A luxurious hotel set in a 17th-century manor house, offering magnificent views of the Château d'Amboise and elegant rooms.

• Château de Noizay: The Château de Noizay is a luxurious 16th-century château hotel located just 10 kilometers from Amboise, offering elegant rooms, beautiful gardens, and a gourmet restaurant, making it a perfect retreat for exploring the Loire Valley.

• Le Clos d'Amboise: Le Clos d'Amboise is a charming 17th-century mansion turned boutique hotel in the heart of Amboise, offering elegant rooms, a beautiful garden, and a peaceful atmosphere just steps away from the Château d'Amboise.

• Château de Pray: Located just outside Amboise, this 13th-century château turned hotel offers a serene countryside experience, complete with a gourmet restaurant and stunning gardens.

Saumur

Overview: Nestled along the Loire River, Saumur is known for its Château de Saumur, as well as its sparkling wines. The town’s historic center, half-timbered houses, and proximity to vineyards make it an attractive base for exploring the region.

Where to Stay:

• Hôtel Saint-Pierre: A charming 4-star hotel in the center of Saumur, just steps from the château and the Loire River. It offers comfortable, elegantly decorated rooms.

• Hôtel Anne d'Anjou,The Originals Collection: A refined 18th-century hotel located along the Loire River in Saumur, offering elegant rooms with views of the river and Château de Saumur, as well as a tranquil garden and gourmet dining options.

• The Originals Boutique, Hôtel Le Londres, Saumur: A stylish and modern hotel in the heart of Saumur, offering contemporary rooms, a friendly atmosphere, and easy access to the town's attractions, including the nearby Château de Saumur.

Blois

Overview: Blois is a city steeped in royal history, featuring the famous Château de Blois, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of French kings. Its central location makes it a great place to explore the surrounding châteaux.

Where to Stay:

• Hôtel Mercure Blois Centre: A modern hotel with spacious rooms and an indoor pool, located just a short walk from the château and city center.

• Fleur de Loire: A luxurious hotel located in Blois, offering elegant rooms, fine dining, and stunning views of the Loire River, just a short distance from the historic Château de Blois.

• Novotel Blois Centre Val de Loire Hotel: A modern, eco-certified hotel offering comfortable accommodations with family-friendly amenities, an outdoor pool, and convenient access to Blois’s main attractions.

Chinon

Overview: Known for its medieval fortress and famous red wines, Chinon is a smaller, less touristy town perfect for wine lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The town has a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful views of the Vienne River.

Where to Stay:

• Hotel Diderot: A cozy, family-run hotel set in a historic building, offering individually decorated rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

• Best Western Hotel De France: A charming hotel located in the heart of the town’s medieval center, offering comfortable accommodations with views of the Vienne River and easy access to the Fortress of Chinon and local vineyards.

• Chateau de Rochecotte: An elegant 18th-century château hotel located in the countryside near Chinon, offering luxurious accommodations, beautiful gardens, and gourmet dining. It is situated just 9 miles from Chinon, making it an ideal retreat for exploring the Loire Valley's historic sites and vineyards.

Orléans

Overview: Orléans is a vibrant city with a rich history, particularly tied to Joan of Arc, who played a major role in the city's history. With its Gothic cathedral, modern shopping, and excellent restaurants, it’s a lively option for those wanting a mix of history and city life.

Where to Stay:

• Empreinte Hotel & Spa: A chic boutique hotel along the Loire River, offering elegant rooms and a spa in the heart of Orléans.

• Novotel Orléans Centre Gare:  A modern hotel located in the heart of Orléans, offering comfortable accommodations with convenient access to the train station and main attractions.

• Mercure Orléans Centre: A comfortable mid-range option with modern amenities and a great location for exploring the city.

Loches

Overview: Loches is a smaller, quieter town in the Loire Valley, known for its medieval citadel and charming old town. It’s an excellent option for travelers who prefer a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of history to explore.

Where to Stay:

• Les Troglos de Beaulieu: A unique stay offering troglodyte accommodations, these cave dwellings have been turned into comfortable, modern rooms with a distinct historic charm.

• Best Western Premier Hotel de la Cite Royale: A stylish and modern hotel offering elegant accommodations with excellent amenities and close proximity to the Royal City of Loches and its medieval fortress.

Azay-le-Rideau

Overview: This small town is famous for its Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, one of the most beautiful Renaissance châteaux in the Loire Valley. It’s a peaceful village with charming streets and plenty of history.

Where to Stay:

• Hôtel Grand Monarque: A charming hotel located just steps from the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, offering comfortable rooms and traditional French décor.

• Hôtel des Châteaux: A charming hotel located near the famous Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, offering comfortable rooms, a peaceful garden setting, and easy access to the town's main attractions.

Château de Noizay 

Top Château Hotels in the Loire Valley

Where to Stay in Style

Here’s a list of châteaux in the Loire Valley that have been transformed into luxurious hotels, where you can stay and experience history with modern comforts:

Château de Noizay (Near Amboise)

• A 16th-century château hotel offering elegant rooms, fine dining, and beautiful grounds, located just 10 kilometers from Amboise. A perfect blend of historic charm and luxury.

Château de Marçay (Near Chinon)

• A peaceful medieval château with luxurious accommodations, a gourmet restaurant, and its own vineyards, offering a serene escape in the Loire Valley countryside.

Château de Rochecotte (Near Chinon)

• This 18th-century château hotel provides elegant rooms, manicured gardens, and gourmet dining, located just 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) from Chinon, perfect for a refined countryside retreat.

Château de Pray (Amboise)

• A 13th-century castle turned hotel, featuring beautifully appointed rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and lovely gardens, all just outside Amboise.

Château d'Artigny (Montbazon)

• A grand 18th-century château hotel with luxurious rooms, a spa, and gourmet dining, surrounded by expansive gardens for a regal and relaxing stay.

Château de Beauvois (Near Tours)

• A former royal hunting lodge of King Louis XIII, now a luxurious hotel with a pool, elegant rooms, and a fine dining restaurant, set in tranquil surroundings near Tours.

Château de la Bourdaisière (Montlouis-sur-Loire)

• A Renaissance château hotel known for its spacious, stylish rooms, expansive gardens, and unique tomato conservatory, offering a perfect blend of history and comfort.

Château de Chissay (Near Chenonceaux)

• This 15th-century château hotel features spacious rooms with medieval charm and a refined atmosphere, located close to the famous Château de Chenonceau.

Château des Arpentis (Amboise)

• A 13th-century château hotel set in lush countryside near Amboise, offering modern amenities in a historic setting, perfect for a quiet retreat with a sense of grandeur.

Château des Grotteaux (Near Blois)

• A 17th-century château located near Château de Chambord. It offers a luxurious experience with individually designed rooms and stunning views over the surrounding parklands.

Château de Perreux (Near Amboise)

• A unique 18th-century château hotel partially built into a cliffside. It offers modern amenities and stunning views of the forest and countryside, while still close to Amboise.

Château de Ternay (Near Saumur)

• This charming medieval château offers a cozy, more intimate experience with personalized service and rooms that reflect the château’s historical character.

Château de Brissac (Near Angers)

• Known as the tallest château in France, Château de Brissac also offers accommodation in its historic rooms. Guests can experience the grandeur of this 15th-century residence while staying on-site.

Château du Rivau (Near Chinon)

• Known for its fairytale gardens, this medieval château offers a magical experience for guests. The rooms are beautifully designed to maintain the château’s historic charm, and the property features themed gardens that are open to the public.