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Your own private forest - Chateau de Pray — Hotel: This is an intimate chateau, its exteriors might be easily recognised as it has been photographed for numerous Tourist brochures and magazines for its beauty and perhaps to demonstrate a quintessential Loire Valley chateau. Historic Amboise is less than 10 minutes by car and other major attractions like the Chateaux Chambord, Chaumont, Chenonceau are easily accessible. Allow one hour however to drive to wines villages such as Chinon and Bourgueil.

Rooms: Comfortable, simply decorated reflecting French elegance. The restaurant is popular with locals for the quality of the food, a extensive wine list. It recently gained a Michelin star however the Chef has reported to have opened his own restaurant in another village. In summer dining is alfesco. Winter is equally ambient by fireplace in the main Salon where you will find several large hunting trophies, antlers and some fine artwork. Menus range from €40 to €60. No need to eat here every night as there are numerous bistros nearby.

Facilities: Grounds are extensive, over 5 hectares so you can enjoy a long stroll in the adjacent forest or by the levee of the Loire. Also on offer a heat swimming pool, cycling and horse riding nearby. For shopping Tours is approximately 30 minutes has has some small department stores such as Printemps and boutique stores.
Route de Chargé Amboise t: 02 47572367

Chateau de Noizay — Hotel: Located in the wine growing district of Vouvray, it’s a perfect spot to explore nearby attractions in the Loire. Your accommodation is surrounded by beautiful 23-hectare woodlands. Swimming in the heated pool, tennis and bicycle rental.

Rooms: Larger rooms can be found in outside the chateaus with a small garden, many have four poster beds. Dinner and breakfast is served in a grand dining room with fireplace. Afterwards, relax in the library or terrace.

While you are surrounded with periodic furniture you still have access to all the modern cons, internet, satellite TV and air-conditioning.

Rooms range from 145 to 285 euros.
Pocé Nazelles-Negron (Amboise) t: 33 (0)2 47574150

HEART OF A VILLAGE: Les Manoir Les Minimes — An exceptional hotel in the heart of Amboise. 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 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) or visit one of the region's gastronomic restaurants!

All the rooms are individually themed and decorated with French antiques and rich fabric. 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, ‘Le Clos Luce’; don’t forget the famous Summer garden festival at Chateau Chaumont.

A rare stay, that is really 5 star in my book!
www.manoirlesminimes.com
34 Quai Charles Guinot - 37400 Amboise t: 33 (0) 2 47 30 40 40