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Romantic Retreats: An Idyllic Stay in the Loire Valley

Chateau France

Delicious wine, whimsical castles and some of the most stunning landscapes in Europe are all up for grabs in France’s lush Loire Valley. 

The region close to the country’s west coast is a fabulous place for a romantic road trip with your other half! Want to know how to make it that little bit more memorable? By staying in an idyllic chateau or handsome manor house, of course! You don’t have to be royalty to bed down in one of these beauties, either.  So many of the region’s castles, palaces and grand manors have been transformed into plush hotels and guest houses perfect for couples to enjoy some alone time together. 

No matter where you stay, you’ll soon discover that the Loire Valley and romance go hand in hand. Don’t believe us? Well it’s time to try booking a getaway at one of the following fairy-tale venues. You know you’ll soon see some romance blooming! 

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Reserve a room at Hotel le Clos d’Amboise for the ultimate romantic gesture

Looking for something truly memorable? Few things feel more special than spending several nights sleeping in a huge mansion. The Hotel le Clos d’Amboise is lodged inside one of the most picturesque manor houses you’ll ever set eyes on, plus it’s also within one of the most historic towns in the Loire Valley.

Amboise’s has a pretty big claim to fame too! It was once the hunting lodge of Charles VIII and the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci. The Clos d’Amboise offers up plenty of decadence with its regal rooms, enchanting gardens and luxe facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool and terraced bar featuring wonderful countryside vistas.

Keen to go all-out during your stay? The pinnacle of Loire Valley romance has to be taking a hot air balloon ride from Amboise. You’ll soar across the UNESCO World Heritage valley, spot famous chateaus down below and sip on French champagne. Pretty idyllic, right?

27 Rue Rabelais, 37400 Amboise

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Treat yourselves to a stay at Relais de Chambord if you fancy going back in time to one of the most romantic eras of history 

Fancy staying in one of the Loire Valley’s most famous structures and the largest castle in the region? Yeah of course you do. And it’s a five-star retreat too, nestled in the grounds of the gorgeous Chateau du Chambord. 

This one has also got another da Vinci connection. Honestly, he seems to be everywhere in these parts! He’s actually rumoured to have had a hand in the design. Can we confirm the rumours? Unfortunately not, but what we can say is, just check out the ornate architecture. We love it and it’s a real throwback to the dreamy French Renaissance. 

Want to stay just a stone’s throw from the palace? Reserving a room at the boutique Relais de Chambord hotel puts you within five minutes of the palace. There’s also 23km of picturesque walking trails to explore on foot or by hiring bikes. If you feel like breaking up the romance with a bit of exercise that is! 

For something a little quirkier you can go for a floating suite alongside the Cosson Canal next to the chateau. Wow that’s pretty epic!  Or for something a bit more classic, the spacious rooms in the hotel’s atmospheric old wing provide epic views across Chambord town. Romantic or what? 

Place Saint-Louis, 41250 Chambord

When your other half wants a total escape from reality, it doesn’t get much better than Relais du Plessis

Sometimes a romantic break should just be about a bit of couple’s R&R. And have we got the spot for you. Set within a large and leafy park on the outskirts of Richelieu, Relais du Plessis brings all the romantic feels. 

Feel like a proper pampering session? Well you’re in luck. There’s a 300 metre square spa with all the treatments on offer. Or you can just relax poolside. 

And what about the sleeping arrangements we hear you ask? How does a cosy chalet or cottage with complete seclusion from the outside world sound? We are super jealous! 

Route de Thuet, 37120 Richelieu

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You can’t go wrong with Le Grand Monarque for a romantic winter break 

Heading to the Loire Valley in winter? Le Grand Monarque is a real haven to return to after a long day of touring historic castles, hopping between vineyards or indulging in high-end French cuisine. 

Think country-chic suites, an open fire, and a cosy wine bar. And for a little extra romance? How about a winter walk around the hotel’s gorgeous grounds? Then it’ll be back to the fire and that wine bar. Why not? 

3 Place de la République, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau

Want to eat, sleep and live like kings? Save up for a stay at the Château d’Artigny

Want your romantic break served with a side of glam? The five-star Château d’Artigny & Spa is the one for you. 

It was first built by a famous perfumer. And not only did he have a nose for smells, he also had an eye for a bit of glamour and loved a party too. The Roaring Twenties definitely roared in this spot! And it’s still the same now. Think floor to ceiling windows, sweeping staircases and high-ceilinged rooms decked out in pastel colours and pretty patterned wallpaper.

For a few more sprinkles of romance, for an extra €15 per person, you’ll get unlimited access to the sauna, jacuzzi and hammam. The amazing hotel spa also has a huge range of indulgent treatments on offer, as well as a heated outdoor pool. Nice! 

92 Rue de Monts, 37250 Montbazon

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Getting to the Loire Valley

The easiest way to reach the Loire Valley is to fly into Nantes and hire a car. You can then enjoy an incredibly scenic road trip east to your chosen hotel. Or why not explore the country’s iconic capital city and then drive south at your own pace towards the lush, winegrowing valley?

To discover why France is one of our top driving holiday destinations, check out our inspiring articles on the spectacular Champagne region, the fairy-tale Fontainebleau forest and the epic Route Napoleon.

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