Celebrate French Decadence in the Loire Valley
When you think of the “Valley of the Kings”, one’s mind immediately goes to Egypt, but the Loire Valley in France might just be able to give Egypt a run for its money. The historical region has played host to numerous French royals and aristocracy and many of the modern-day properties in the region pay homage to its decadent past. France, in general, is a perfect destination for queer travelers that revel in art, sophistication and historical charm, but Loire Valley in particular is worthy of your attention as new and exciting hotels continue to open alongside charming mainstays such as La P’tite Chose, a fabulous gay bar in the city of Tours.
Following the June 2022 openings of Le Bois des Chambres at the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire and the 5-star Fleur de Loire with its Michelin-starred Christophe Hay restaurant, the Loire Valley welcomed two new hotels this past fall. This year will also mark the 600th anniversary of the birth of Louis XI, for which a number of special exhibitions and events will be held across the region.
Château Louise de la Vallière
Open as of October 15, 2022, Château Louise de La Vallière is a new 5-star hotel, part of the Relais & Chateaux collection. This 16th-century château served as the first holiday residence of Louise de la Vallière (the future Duchess of La Vallière), who was also the first official mistress of Louis XIV. Restored to its former glory, this boutique hotel offers 20 rooms and suites, a gourmet restaurant and spa. The staff don period dress and recreate the historical era’s rituals and customs. Interior designer Jacques Garcia brought the château’s former grandeur back to life with period furnishings, paintings, tapestries and objets d’art, assembled from France’s most prestigious auction houses. The gourmet restaurant, helmed by Chef Maxime Lesobre, offers a lavish, multi-course tasting menu and décor inspired by the pomp and pageantry of the 17th and 18th centuries. The 47-acre park surrounding the hotel is home to 200-year-old trees, a Fig Conservatory (Louis XIV’s favorite fruit) and Madame de La Vallière roses.
La Borde en Sologne Château & Spa
Opened in October 2022, La Borde en Sologne is a new 4-star hotel located in a 17th-century building in the small village of Vernou-en-Solonge. Offering 35 rooms and suites, the hotel features sculpted walls and ceilings, wooden art frescos, fireplaces and a gallery. Rooms feature views of the French and English gardens, parks and the pond, where guests can take out small boats. The restaurant offers local and seasonal dishes, with some of the ingredients originating from the domain’s own vegetable and fruit gardens. The spa is located in the former orangery of the castle, featuring serene views of the surrounding natural environment, as well as a sauna, hammam and massage rooms with natural and organic treatments by Tata Harper.
The 600th Anniversary of King Louis XI
2023 will mark the 600th anniversary of the birth of King Louis XI, known as “Louis the Prudent,” who was the King of France from 1461 to 1483. For the occasion, Château Royal d’Amboise will host an exhibition titled, Louis XI, The Order of Saint Michael and the Rise of Royal Power, highlighting the political power of the king, who once lived in the château. Further south, in Touraine, the Château de Langeais, which was saved and rebuilt under the orders of Louis XI, pays homage to the king through the exhibition, Castle of Louis XI, The Builder King. At the Cité Royale de Loches, one of the best-preserved dungeons in Europe and a state prison under Louis XI, offers a unique scenography route, showcasing the king’s childhood growing up at the château, as well as his role and influence within the Court of France. For more information click here.
