Gîtes Les Closeaux

Upstream from Amboise, on the south bank of the Loire, this medieval castle with two massive towers, remodelled during the Renaissance, cannot fail but catch the eye. The edifice peacefully presides over vast formal grounds and staunchly upholds the Loire’s gracious art de vivre. The orangery, part of which is built into the rocky hillside, is the epitome of elegant, and on sunny days it is a treat to sit on the pleasant terrace overlooking the gardens. Chef Arnaud Philippon's cuisine flirts with the zeitgeist: pressed young goat and foie gras, pied bleu mushrooms, wild garlic and mango and co

In this former coaching inn on the banks of the Loire, you can enjoy the modern cuisine of chef Jean-François Beauduin, who learned the ropes in starred establishments. His tempting menu abounds in seasonal, local produce and stars a wonderful culinary lineup of dishes such as roast pollock, carrot greens and confit ginger. It would be a crime not to sample the soufflé flambéed in cognac with vanilla ice cream on the side. The menu also features a number of more traditional local dishes, like a “beuchelle tourangelle” (creamed kidneys and sweetbreads). Gracious service by the chef's wife, in a

Not far from the château, this contemporary bistro nestled behind a traditional burgundy-coloured façade makes an impression! Two old friends, who met at Tours hospitality management school, rustle up a flawless culinary experience, delving freely into the abundance of first-rate local produce available, from asparagus and strawberries in season to Roi Rose pork and goat's cheese. Dishes that taste as delicious as they sound include roasted scallops, cauliflower and vanilla oil; or lemon tart sprinkled with dried black lemon, a wickedly tempting detail that makes this dessert irresistible.

Established in a 19C hunting lodge between Amboise and Blois, the magnificent setting sports a classically appointed dining room and gloriously peaceful alfresco patio. The chef sources premium ingredients, such as Touraine truffles, Sologne caviar, Loire fish, which he carefully crafts into delicious dishes. In season, you will also taste local game and fruit and vegetables from the establishment’s cottage garden.

In the outbuildings of the estate, a picturesque Sologne building with exposed timber beams and oak floorboards sets the scene. On the terrace, facing the kitchen garden, you can tuck into simple bistro dishes (matured meat, spit-roasts) or the chef’s more imaginative creations. Scrumptious!

This attractive, contemporary dining space basks in the light of the windows that open out onto the wooded parkland. The seasonal cuisine never compromises on the quality of the ingredients (Richelieu asparagus, Mouliherne escargots, line-cut meagre etc) and the cellar is packed with regional wines: L'Aubinière restaurant has it all. There are also a number of elegant guestrooms, plus a wellness area.