A 3km (1.75 miles) drive from the Château de Chaumont, this is one of the finest château-hotels on the eastern Loire circuit. Perched on the north side of the Loire, this estate house was built by the owner of a Paris-based newspaper in 1840. He referred to it as his “hunting lodge,” much in the lines of Louis XIII and his grand Versailles. Rooms have been recently refurbished and feature vintage print wallpaper and textiles, whitewashed wooden beams and plush armchairs and sofas. Most are quite large; though those in the half-timbered annex that was originally the stables are less coveted. After your busy day of castle-hopping, enjoy a tranquil sunset stroll through the estate’s sprawling park or pamper yourself in the new Clarins spa.
Its one-Michelin-starred restaurant is definitely a highlight. The creative menu may offer white asparagus from Sologne baked in crispy pastry or lamb saddle with chickpea and wild garlic mousse. Main courses range from 44€ to 96€, with fixed-price menus ranging from 142€ to 182[€ and a vegetarian menu at 99€. The hotel has recently added a new modern “Bistrot” for those looking for a more casual, though equally delicious, meal in the area.