Regions of France

Le Manoir Les Minimes Amboise, Loire Valley Step back in time by staying at the elegant Manoir des Minimes, situated just a 5-minute walk away from the impressive Château Royal d'Amboise . The 18th century manor house was built on the foundations of a medieval monastery, and offers sophisticated rooms and gracious lounges, as well as a library and a bar. There are 15 rooms in the main house, aptly called Le Manoir (the Manor), and another four more modern rooms in Le Pavillon des Rosiers, a newer rose-draped building across the gravel courtyard from the manor. The best rooms have chateau views. A place of residence for French kings from the 15th to the 19th centuries, its destiny is inextricably linked to the history of France. Numerous literary figures and artists were invited here, like Leonardo da Vinci whose tomb is preserved at the château. This place of high renown in the History of France boasts an exceptional collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture illustrating the artistic finery of the first French Renaissance. château d’AMBOISE When Henry II died unexpectedly, his wife Maria de medici, who had always coveted nearby Chenonceau (see previous page) banished her rival Diane de Poitiers to Chaumont. It is a far more traditional castle-like chateau in comparison to the Renaissance finesse of Chenonceau, but you would be forgiven for ascribing a fairy-tale description to the multi-turreted layout as it is reputed to have been the inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella Castle! Château de Chaumont -sur-Loire Lying 8km north of Chateau de Chaumont and hidden within 180 acres of woodland, Les Hauts de Loire was originally the relais de chasse of Château d’Onzain. Both were destroyed in the French Revolution, but the hunting Lodge was rebuilt and today the lodge has been transformed into an elegant retreat with 31 sophisticated rooms and suites, a host of leisure facilities that maximise the open spaces of the estate and last but not least gastronomic excellence with the outstanding regional cuisine from the hand of two-starred Michelin chef Rémy Giraud. Les Hauts de Loire A member of Relais & Chateaux Onzain, Near Chaumont-Sur-Loire, Loire Valley