Le Cheval Blanc

Bang in the middle of Loire châteaux country, the famous 19th-century staging inn has always been an hotel – but much has changed in the last few years. The main square is now mostly pedestrianised, so the place is brilliantly quiet, and the rooms, all on the first floor, have been beautifully revamped by the new owners. Decorated and furnished with imagination, flair and lots of original timbers, the rooms are all different: from a cleancut 21st-century palette to a more traditional draped look. This is contemporary chic in a highly sophisticated yet unfussy manner. Bathrooms are state-of-the-art stylish, one room has its bathtub and shower proudly centre-stage in the room. Your charming and dynamic hosts are breathing new life into these old bones – fast. The restaurant, long known as one of the best in the region, is furnished and decorated with elegant simplicity so that you can concentrate on the gastronomic delights on your plate. In fine weather, the pretty inner courtyard has peace and shade for breakfast and dinner – and the sheltered pool is a great bonus.