LE CHOISEUL
Loire country residence in royal Amboise
MINUTES FROM AMBOISE and its great chateau, Le Choiseul sits above the Loire river surrounded by pretty Italianate gardens. Tucked below the castle ramparts, it’s a grand location with front-row views of one of the region’s great historic towns.
A cluster of three 18th century houses make up Le Choiseul's pleasing estate. Rooms in the Maison de l’Ermite open onto the gardens and a lime tree-shaded alley. The aptly named Maison de l’Apothicaire was where Charles Vll’s herbalist prepared potions and lotions for the ladies of the court, and you’ll find the reception and restaurant in the Maison du Duc, built by the Louis XV aristo who built his own chateau nearby.
This ensemble of private residences is a place to immerse yourself in traditional French
l’art de vivre. Everything is on a pleasingly intimate scale, while painted shutters, climbing ivy and a pool guarded by classical statues pile on the charm. Bedrooms are colourfully – if not luxuriously – done out with vibrant shades (one is a riot of reds), period furniture and matching fabrics and wall coverings.
Hit the spot
Tucked below the ramparts of magnificent Château d'Amboise.
Bedtime
Deluxe rooms have a private terrace and garden views. Our favourite was 17, done out in sunny yellows and rose-patterned fabric.
Be savvy
Expect traditional charm rather than luxe.
Be smitten
Gastro-haven on the Loire.
Haven for gastro-guests
Choose from a cosy room up in the eaves with exposed beams, a generously sized deluxe with river views and a private terrace, or a spacious suite with a private lounge overlooking the Loire. Outside, terraced gardens and a pool beckon.
Gastro-guests come from far and wide to dine at le Choiseul’s Michelin star restaurant, where chef Pascal Bouvier comes up trumps with some wonderful Loire specialities. Needless to say the cellar is well stocked with first-rate Touraine wines to accompany your feast.
Said to be the last resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, Amboise was once home to kings and royals. Its great chateau was visited by Catherine de’Medici and courtiers galore, while other grand Loire chateaux lie within easy reach.
Le Choiseul was reviewed for Room for Romance by
Judy Neillands
Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.
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Dining in
With its drool-worthy views of the Loire, Michelin rated Le 36 is a gourmand’s delight. Regionally inspired dishes include
rack of Aveyron lamb with artichoke puff pastry, sweet pepper and goats cheese, rounded off with melon and fresh raspberry with
rice pudding ice cream. If this sounds slightly too
haute for lunch, you can enjoy informal eats in the adjacent breakfast-come-bistro room or on the terrace. There's a pretty salon and bar downstairs with frequently changing exhibitions of art and sculptures.
Dining out
Try Brasserie de l’Hotel de Ville in Amboise for good, inexpensive local cuisine. And skip lunch to save room for an afternoon trip to Patisserie Bigot – possibly the best pastry shop in France! – where the proprietor Christiane (grand daughter of the 1913 founder) makes the most heavenly cakes, chocolates and pastries.
Where?
Le 36 at Le Choiseul.
What’s cooking?
Stylish gastronomy inspired by regional classics.
Dress the part
Go smart, but not over the top.
Top table?
On the terrace in summer, or near the fireplace on cooler evenings.
See & Do
You’re close to the spectacular riverside Château d'Amboise, so treat yourselves to a massive cultural intake. Amboise – all very walkable – was also the final home of Leonardo da Vinci, so be sure to visit Clos Lucé, the manor house where he spent his last three years. The grand châteaux of Chenonceau, Cheverny, Blois and Chambord are must-sees, while other gorgeous ones include Chaumont (especially during its annual garden festival) and Valmer (at Vouvray). Staff at Le Choiseul will be happy to help you plan your days.
Take a boat ride along the Loire river or rent some bicycles and explore the region's back roads and villages. See the Loire from the sky on a hot air balloon or helicopter trip, or go Indiana Jones and explore the ancient troglodyte caves dug into the stone behind the hotel, where the king used to store liquid "tributes" from his subjects.
Shop
Make a beeline for Chocolaterie Bigot in Amboise for some treats to take home. You can stop there for coffee or hot chocolate and delicious cakes, then combine it with a visit to the château itself.
After dark
Don’t miss the wonderful sound and light show in summer at Château d’Amboise.
Dates
September
Get ready to boogie at the annual jazz festival in Amboise.
GETTING THERE
Location
Quai Charles Guinot, 37400 Amboise
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Amboise station – 1km
Taxis
7-10 EUR from the station
Airport
Tours – 25km
Rooms and suites
32 rooms, 10 suites
Special features
Tasteful rooms come with wi-fi and a flatscreen TV, but most have something better to look at - the 15th century Italianate gardens.
Also…
There is an open air heated pool. Relax during the day then get ready to party at one of Le Choiseul’s themed evenings, where glamour is de rigueur.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
140 - 300 EUR
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
3pm
Check-out
Midday
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Served until 10:30 in the dining room or 11am in your room.
Room service
Available 24 hours a day
Children
Welcome
Pets
Welcome
Air conditioning
No
Languages
French, English, Spanish and German
Wedding license?
Yes – for up to 100 guests.
Your contacts
Josette and Gérard Guerlais – General managers