Château Louise de La Valliére: A Royal Experience
A Captivating Restoration
“As I passed the château’s medieval gate and stood in the courtyard, I remember being literally summoned by the spirit of the place,” Mira Grebenstein, the general manager of the newly opened Château Louise de La Valliére, expressed regarding her first visit to the 13th-century estate in the heart of France’s Loire Valley.
On Oct. 15, 2022, following a meticulous multi-year restoration, the estate opened as an opulent, 20-room Relais & Châteaux hotel, providing travelers a glimpse of life during the grand siècle (the 17th century). Inspired by its most renowned guest — the château served as the holiday residence of King Louis XIV’s favorite mistress, Louise de la Valliére — Grebenstein collaborated with interior designer Jacques Garcia to restore the château to its former glory. They achieved this by expertly decorating it with period furnishings, paintings, and tapestries. A 17th-century-style dress code for the hotel’s staff contributes to the historical experience.
Dine Like Royalty
The grandeur continues at the hotel’s signature restaurant, L’Amphitryon, named after the 17th-century comedy by Molière. Guests enjoy traditional grand siècle dishes crafted by chef Maxime Lesobre, who worked alongside a culinary historian to ensure the authenticity of the recipes and cooking techniques. The lavish décor evokes 17th- and 18th-century dining rooms adorned with rich fabrics and textures, featuring candles illuminating the tables.
Modern Amenities
Château Louise also features a modern spa, La Rosee, located in a stand-alone building. This serene retreat includes five treatment rooms, a jacuzzi, a sensory shower, a salt room, and a heated swimming pool, providing a luxurious escape for guests.
Commitment to Nature
The sprawling estate covers 47 acres, featuring centuries-old oaks and cedars, fig trees, rose gardens, and beehives, where birds, deer, and hares roam freely. “At Château Louise, we believe in sustainable tourism, with the highest degree of respect for the environment. The first action we took after acquiring the estate in 2018 was to prohibit hunting on our grounds, and to conduct an inventory of the wildlife present in the area,” Grebenstein noted.
You can experience a royal stay at Château Louise de La Valliére here. Nightly rates start at €440 (approximately $447 at the time of publishing).
