Touraine
Renowned for its traditional gourmande cuisine and cosy atmosphere, this country inn is 7.5km northeast of Amboise (just off the D952). Herbs from the garden are used in classic French dishes, accompanied by libations from a superb wine list, local cheeses and scrumptious desserts. Local specialities include beuchelle à la tourangelle (an old-world dish combining calf sweetbreads and kidneys, cream and mushrooms).
Also has 15 decent guest rooms (doubles €55 to €98).
8.45 MILES
Spanning the languid Cher River atop a graceful arched bridge, Chenonceau is one of France's most elegant châteaux. It's hard not to be moved and…
24.65 MILES
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26.08 MILES
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16.38 MILES
Seven French kings lived in Blois' royal château, whose four grand wings were built during four distinct periods in French architecture: Gothic (13th…
17.3 MILES
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3.38 MILES
The most exciting Loire château to open to visitors in years, Gaillard is the earliest expression of the Italian Renaissance in France. Begun in 1496, the…
3.63 MILES
It was at the invitation of François I that Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519), aged 64, took up residence in this grand manor house, built in 1471. An admirer…
22.17 MILES
Loches’ vast hilltop citadel is the size of a small town – a few lucky people even live here! Inside you can visit the Logis Royal and the Donjon et…
3.38 MILES
The most exciting Loire château to open to visitors in years, Gaillard is the earliest expression of the Italian Renaissance in France. Begun in 1496, the…
3.63 MILES
It was at the invitation of François I that Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519), aged 64, took up residence in this grand manor house, built in 1471. An admirer…
3.75 MILES
Perched atop a rocky escarpment above town, Amboise's castle was a favoured retreat for all of France's Valois and Bourbon kings. Only a few of the…
5.29 MILES
Three kilometres south of Amboise, this seven-storey, vaguely Asian 'pagoda' (44m) was built between 1775 and 1778, when blending classical French…
5. Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
6.66 MILES
Set on a strategic bluff with sweeping views along the Loire, Chaumont-sur-Loire is known for three things: the château itself, which has a medieval…
8.45 MILES
Spanning the languid Cher River atop a graceful arched bridge, Chenonceau is one of France's most elegant châteaux. It's hard not to be moved and…
9.89 MILES
Perched quietly beneath an imposing 12th-century donjon (keep), the town of Montrichard, 9km east of Chenonceau, is a perfect spot for a fizzy break. Just…
12.62 MILES
This wine estate has a wine museum and offers tastings; the ridge-top château is not open to the public.