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A contemporary and elegant hotel - Pavillon des Lys — I can say it is beautifully positioned in 'centre ville' Amboise so walking distance to shops, bistros and the Castle. The restaurant has a strong focus on vegetarian dishes. The exterior is very pretty, shiny white tuffeau stone. The courtyard is modern and a wonderful spot to relax. Rooms (only 7) are very modern with old world charms with King size beds in most. Some bathrooms have a large cast iron tubs. There is a clever combination of the old antiques with modern touches. The owner and staff are attentive, young and energetic and there's non-stop room service. Expect Wifi, MP3, DVDs, CDs. Mick Jagger lives nearby so bit of rock star spotting?
9 rue d'orange, Amboise

Walk to Chateau Chenoneau - Bon Laboureur — A charming stay that is only walking distance to Chateau Chenonceau. The restaurant is particularly renown in the region and is a truly gastronomic experience, don't expect 'Steak et Frites' here. Rooms within the main building are not as luxurious as the exterior ones, but extremely comfortable. Accommodation in the exterior cottages are quite sumptuous. The apartments would suit a family as they open out into a little garden and offer a little more privacy.

The Chateau Chenonceau is the "Jewel in the Loire'. The village of Chenonceau is small and curious and offers a number of bistros for casual dining. There is also dining within the Chateau Chenonceau. This area will suit cyclists or those looking for a rural and rustic stay.

Area: Centrally located to explore nearby regions such as Amboise, Chaumont, Chambord and Tours. No swimming pool or tennis court. More of a country style inn.
6, rue Docteur Bretonneau 3715- Chenonceaux

2 star comfort at the Manoir Bel Air — A comfortable hotel offering over 40 rooms on the banks of the Loire. The rooms are large, nothing too fancy all equipped with private bathroom, television. Restaurant is reasonably priced from €28 to €52 for four/five courses.

On offer are activities such as horse riding, swimming, golf, tennis, hunting (seasonal) go-karting, canoe rides and of course walking and cycling.
www.manoirbelair.com
1 route d’Orléans, 41500 Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire t : 33 (0)2 54 81 60 10

Troglodyte accommodation at Les Hautes Roches — A different type of stay as many of the rooms are actually a Troglodyte. This 18th Century manor is quite impressive on approach. Positioned high above a hill and alongside the Loire Valley River there are great river views from the terrace. The restaurant is a respected gastronomic venue well frequented by an external clientele. Its signature dishes are numerous seafood specialities such as Langoustines, Lobster and local fish but prepared very traditionally. You can walk to nearby 'caves' and the wine district of Vouvray is minutes by car.

Rooms: Larger than most, particularly the Superior rooms which are built into the cliff-face and furnished with a modern look. Parking is ample. This is a great base to explore the region. There was no air-conditioning but rooms are promoted as naturally insulated.

Closes 20 January until 21 March.

www.leshautesroches.com
86, Quai de la Loire, Rochecorbon t: 33 (0)2 47 52 81 30.

Chateau Reignac — A four star stay in the small French village. Elegant, spacious rooms with inviting bathrooms. Large grounds and its own private chapel. Breakfast and dinner available. Each rooms has been tastefully and thoughtfully decorated. Few chateaus constantly rate 5/5 on www.tripadvisor, but this one does! Well at least when I last looked.
www.lechateaudereignac.com
19 rue Louis de Barberin, Reignac-sur-Indre, 37310

Le Manoir Les Minimes — It is with good reason that this charming hotel won an Award from Johanses. You will find extraordinary attention to detail, not only in the design of the rooms but also the service. Not really a hotel but an exquisite family home whose treasured belongings are shared with international guests who appreciate French refinery.

This is the only accommodation with direct views of the imposing Chateau d'Amboise. The Manoir provides breakfast however there is no restaurant. Evening drinks are accommodated ‘sur la terrace’, however with less than minute's walk to the village, you can choose between a number of a casual bistro dining (and one very famous Patisserie, Bigot).

All the rooms are individually themed and decorated with French antiques and rich fabrics. Most have beautiful exposed wooden beams and all have elegant, spacious bathrooms. Spoil yourself in the ‘prestige suite decorated in blue 'toile de Jouy'.

Located on the banks of the Loire, you are centrally located to visit the nearby chateaus of Chenonceau, Blois, Loches and Leonardo da Vinci’s last resting place, Clos Lucé. Also in Summer a famous annual garden festival held at Chateau Chaumont.

A rare stay, that is really 5 star in my book! See any 'Special Offers' direct on their site.
www.manoirlesminimes.com
34 quai Charles Guinot Amboise t : 02 47 30 40 40

The Grand Hotel de l'Univers - Tours — This is the largest hotel in the Touraine and is rated four stars. It is ideally placed for those wishing to attend Conferences or Trade Show at the large Exhibition Centre opposite. While my preference would be a chateau, this is a grand hotel with all the comforts such as public bar area, restaurant, breakfast room and business centre. If arriving from Paris on the TGV the hotel walking distance from the train station (2 minutes). Tours is a large town with lots of shopping and attractions. It has two department stores and numerous boutiques. The Cathedral, Museum du Vin and other attractions are easily accessed on foot. A popular tourist attraction is the Place Plumereau or Le Vieux Tours famous for its medieval buildings once home to merchants in the 15th Century. Restaurants can be quite 'ordinary' in this area but it is definitely worth visiting, particularly for an apéritif. If you don't have a car numerous Bus and private tours are available to visit the nearby chateaux.

Rooms: Modern, large, simple classic furniture. The suite has its own sitting room. All with air-con, sound-proofing, mini bar, cable TV and wifi
5 Impasse Heurteloup, Tours T: 33 (0)2 47 05 37 12