{"id":12047,"date":"2020-08-06T17:04:04","date_gmt":"2020-08-06T15:04:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/?p=12047"},"modified":"2022-08-03T16:01:07","modified_gmt":"2022-08-03T14:01:07","slug":"loire-valley-castles-hauts-de-loire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/2020\/08\/06\/loire-valley-castles-hauts-de-loire\/","title":{"rendered":"Enjoy the Loire Valley Castles, from the Domaine des Hauts de Loire and its Michelin starred Chef!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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…facing a seasonal flowerbed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The endless magic of boxwood…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the heart of the Loire Valley stands a real jewel of fine hospitality and gastronomy, in persona of the Domaine des Hauts de Loire<\/a>. <\/strong>Ideally located between the royal city of Blois and the legendary Loire castles, among them we may enumerate the flowered Chaumont-sur-Loire and its inspirated Festival of Gardens, without forgetting the Cheverny and Chambord castles that we would have a further look below.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Regarding this charming labelled Relais & Ch\u00e2teaux<\/a> resort, you would be surely amazed, already from the impressing entrance of the domain, full of rows of trees. <\/strong>Indeed this former hunting lodge, dating back of the 19th century, is surrounded by a wide private property of 70 hectares, mainly composed of a huge oak trees forest, where deers and swans welcome you at every corner. <\/strong>By AP<\/em><\/div>\n
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…in front a deciduous facade!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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What a wooden driveway…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It’s not a secret that in this haven of peace, you would live the typical castle<\/strong> life, while appreciating all the assets provided by this luxurious Domaine des Hauts de Loire<\/strong><\/a>, after a noble and large entranceway through a gigantic green central lane<\/strong>, bordered by incalculable trees, as tall as each other (photo credits : AP).<\/p>\n

Thus, progressively visible behind the groves<\/strong>, inducing an ineffable visual effect, whose facade is sometimes flooded from the early hours of the day, within a rising sun that, slowly announcing the morning dew on the Virginia creepers<\/strong> leaves. Once in the reception hall, the parquet<\/em> creaks under your footsteps and the smells of waxed wood, from the recently cleaned old furniture<\/strong>, slowly but surely rise until your nose.<\/p>\n

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…you would face the coat of arms.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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You get closer to the castle…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Officially switched into a Relais & Ch\u00e2teaux<\/strong><\/a> establishment since 1974, this Domaine des Hauts de Loire<\/strong><\/a> has been recently acquired by the H8 Collection<\/strong><\/a> group. Therefore, this hospitality<\/strong> structure pursued the original spirit, step by step completed by a couple of renovations <\/strong>enhancing the smallest nooks, within contemporary details.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

For instance, the entire decoration<\/strong> of the hotel has been redesigned by the interior designer Natalia Megret<\/strong><\/a>. Thanks to a strong experience in interior design<\/strong>, within private homes, restaurants or spas for almost twenty years, this Russian<\/strong> artist brought a wind of modernity to this classic entity, while maintaining the initial soul of the estate. In the large reception hall<\/strong>, situated on the ground floor, high ebony colored libraries<\/strong> came to dress the blue-gray toned walls. <\/div>\n
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…always joined by its spirits trolley.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A salon full of charm and tradition…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Thereafter, each of the 31 rooms and suites’ decoration has also been refreshed, through replicas of vintage furniture<\/strong> or even the employment of some premium Nobilis<\/strong> fabrics, used here as curtains, wallpapers and tapestries.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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For your information, Nobilis<\/strong><\/a> offers many original designer furnishing fabrics<\/strong>, since 1928. This luxurious upholstery<\/strong> manufacture propose a chic and unique spirit, notably expressing the sensitivity of contemporary artists<\/strong>. Their wide selection has already been enabled them to acquire an international reputation, also recognized for their creativity<\/strong>, the richness and the variety of their materials<\/strong>, their patterns<\/strong>, their colors<\/strong> and above all, by their technical innovation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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…as much as your sweet room.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Even the alleys are cosy to stay in…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In fact, once in your room, you would particularly enjoy the wedding between tradition<\/strong> and modernity<\/strong>, especially regarding the high-tech<\/strong> devices available, such as the Bluetooth<\/strong> speakers, air conditioning, and sometimes a massage shower<\/strong>! <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

You would undoubtedly appreciate the recently refreshed vintage furnitures<\/strong> and the quality of the bed<\/strong>, which would surely fulfill your needs of comfort and sleep! Whatever the size of your room<\/strong>, each one is unique and deserves to spend time inside for a drink or for work in the classy table<\/strong>, or even for a long bath in the convivial corner tub<\/strong>!<\/div>\n
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…and admire the past in the mirror.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Dive into a typical French style…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Organized between the original edifice and a more recent building with its typical Sologne<\/strong> architecture, located just 30 meters away from the castle<\/strong>. This charming residence offers rooms and suites up to 70m2 and in both of them, you could enjoy the same ranges of room, all offering a smart view on the park, and even some privileged guests could also benefit from a private terrace<\/strong>, overlooking the garden where notably melt roses<\/strong> and sculptures<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

Conveyed by a white luggage cart<\/strong> with the gracious help of a baggage handler, you would reach your apartments<\/strong>. From the classic<\/strong> or superior rooms<\/strong>, you would have the choice among several ambiances, in a timeless cocoon<\/strong> full of comfort. It’s not a secret that these elegant interiors hold a certain by-gone charm mingling with some modern comfort. <\/p>\n

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…maybe to pursue in the bathtub.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The bottle is ready for a cool night…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A good occasion to let yourself seduced by this cohabitation… Then came a couple of family rooms<\/strong>, ideal for large tribes, consisting of two separate bedrooms<\/strong>. The view above the park<\/strong> or the vegetable garden<\/strong> is really a green asset, while he two bedrooms<\/strong> are communicating and have a private terrace<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, the prestige suites<\/strong> are decorated with care and elegance, these suites could easily seduce you with their spacious rooms<\/strong> and their terraces<\/strong> overlooking the green and prosperous countryside<\/strong>. Everything has been imagined to reserve you have an exceptional moment, thanks to very special attentions. Finally in the suites<\/strong>, an atmosphere of yesteryear<\/strong> floats through this space of refinement and clarity. <\/p>\n

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…surrounded by nature and statues.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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One of these private terraces…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As you would notice, everything is bright and wide, enough to take possession of the place and take some time to relax on one of the balconies<\/strong> or terraces<\/strong> overlooking the park, while admiring some curious statues<\/strong>… Indeed, since spring 2018, the sculptor Pierre Yermia<\/strong><\/a> has installed some of his monumental artworks, spread in the wide park, property of the Hauts de Loire<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

This renowned French<\/strong> sculptor mixes strength and the fragility in his statues of thick humans colliding with typical forestry<\/strong> animals. Their copper<\/strong> composition brings a touch of curiosity and elegance in this green nature scenery, covering in and around this real artistic mansion<\/strong>.<\/div>\n
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For example, you couldn’t miss the imposing deer<\/strong>, throning at the parking<\/strong> roundabout (where you could charge your electric car in one of the three slots), or maybe the astonishing lazy bull<\/strong>, laying on the floor near the Spa<\/strong> entrance. These amusing artworks correctly fit into this living environment<\/strong>, conveying a contemporary touch to this ensemble<\/em>. <\/div>\n
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…inside one of the rooms corridors.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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View from the Spa…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Concerning this Spa center<\/strong> by Clarins<\/strong><\/a>, fitted with an honorable surface of 150m2, inaugurated in April 2018 in the recent house next to the castle. Supported by the ancestral beauty expertise of this French<\/strong> brand, which offered its know-how to the Domaine des Hauts de Loire<\/strong><\/a>, and especially its customers willing to live a relaxing moment. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Also decorated by Natalia Megret<\/strong><\/a>, who desired to recall the emblematic brand colors, already identifiable in their home cosmetics<\/strong>, as well available at the beauty bar<\/strong>. For your information, the Spa<\/strong> is accessible every day from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. only for treatments and by appointment.<\/div>\n
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Thus, a minimalist but luminous atmosphere dominates the three cab-massage<\/strong> rooms (including a double), each of them overlooks an outdoor terrace where you may recover of your treatment<\/strong>, on some cosy lounge chairs, made of rattan<\/strong>. On the other part, you may count on the sauna<\/strong> and the hammam<\/strong>, contributing to evacuate toxins away from your skin. This space, full of relaxation, is meanwhile turned towards the charming priest’s vegetable<\/strong> garden<\/strong>, visible at the rear of the building. <\/div>\n
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The Guinguettes<\/em><\/strong> are very common in France!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sport and relaxation are favorite moments for this. An outdoor swimming pool<\/strong>, open all summer, awaits you for a few lengths or a refreshment when the temperature invites you to swim. You could also benefit from the nearby club house<\/strong>, for any shower or just to leave your clothes in the locker room<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

A few meters away, in another typical club house<\/strong>, invite your children to play in the Kids Club<\/strong>, whether inside or outside, while you kill your calories in the front fitness room<\/strong>. A facility equipped with several modern gym machines<\/strong>, able to permit anyone to exercise and thus bring many benefits to their body. For studied comfort, an adjacent cloakroom is as well available to these athletes<\/strong>. As a last rejoicing, discover the typical bocce<\/strong> game at the ball court, in front of the Guinguette<\/strong><\/em>, where you could have a fresh drink and maybe meet new friends, propping up the bar!<\/p>\n

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…its appetizers before a rich diner.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A welcome Vouvray drink and…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You need other kinds of delights<\/strong>?
\nYou’re undoubtedly at the right place… since these Hauts de Loire<\/strong><\/a> have been luckily associated since 1988 with a talented Chef R\u00e9my Giraud<\/strong><\/a>, ravishing all the passing epicureans. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

His symbiosis with this gourmet<\/strong> restaurant became so quick that their collaboration got even awarded by 2 stars<\/strong> by the Michelin Guide<\/strong>, in 1993, while cherishing this quiet and rural region, where numerous good products can easily found. Recompensing a high-level gastronomic<\/strong> programming, mainly relying on seasonal and local products, extracted from nearby farms<\/strong>, such as some goat cheeses<\/strong> made by the Cantinette <\/strong>but also fresh cantaloupe<\/strong>, used there for making delicious velout\u00e9s<\/strong><\/em>.<\/div>\n
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…a local Caviar and its golden leaf.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A waterproof terrace able to host…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

These precious elements muchly depend on the maturity of vegetables, fish or meats availability, and of course the inspiration of this Chef<\/strong>, native from Vend\u00e9e<\/strong>, who varies then, as much as possible, his menus regarding these parameters. For your information, his asparagus<\/strong> grow on a plot located in the neighboring village of Veuves<\/strong>, while many other of his vegetables come from la Touche<\/strong> farm, in the Chitenay<\/strong> village, along most of the fish caught in the Loire<\/strong> river and the privilege to cook with regional caviar<\/strong>, bred from Sologne<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

About this large choice of delicious<\/strong> alternatives, the team proposes you three different discovery formulas. These options give you the opportunity to taste some emblematic homemade<\/strong> specialities, as well with the possibility to pair each one with a specific suitable wine<\/strong>. <\/div>\n
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…to appreciate with a white wine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Some typical foie gras<\/em> is a staple…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Always developed with a certain surprising sense of associating unexpected savors<\/strong>, you would definitely be convinced by each culinary<\/strong> artwork imagined by R\u00e9my Giraud<\/strong>, assisted by the Chef Baptiste Gournillat<\/strong><\/a>. For instance, you may explore two appetizers, such as this legendary duck foie gras<\/strong> <\/em>enhanced in a sweet support of gingerbread<\/strong> crust and cherry chutney <\/strong>(pictured on the right), completed by a Texture of artichoke<\/strong>, emphasized with an incredible smooth harissa<\/strong> sorbet. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Following this gargantuan diner, so representative of a certain French<\/strong> tradition, you would either couple a tender pollack<\/strong> fish, cooked at the Japanese Ikajime<\/em><\/strong> manner, for a softer flesh, perfumed with a selection of confidential vegetables : kohlrabi<\/strong>, whelk<\/strong> and some caviar<\/strong> ersatz, the tuna<\/strong> roe<\/strong>.<\/div>\n
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…taste a fine salmon appetizer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Under the green facade…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Suggested with a local Chardonnay<\/strong>, you would be obviously ready to face the Guinea<\/strong> fowl<\/strong>, carely selected by two passionate farmers Guylaine<\/strong> and Damien Leroux<\/strong>. A tasty and digeste assortment, highlighted with some Touraine<\/strong> truffles<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Cherry on the cake, the sophisticated but refined Raspberry<\/strong> dessert (pictured above), balanced with its lemon basil<\/strong> sorbet and its related jammy raspberry<\/strong> coulis<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

All these jewels are delicately served with the help of a crockery<\/strong> full of golden reflections, stamped Raynaud Limoges<\/strong> and a finely chiseled Ercuis and Voglux<\/strong> silverware, notably for the butter dish<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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…in front of the green Agora.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Still some vintage eye wink…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In case of good weather, you would enjoy each second of this memorable moment, in the panoramic terrace<\/strong> in front of the castle, time would stop just for you, expressly when you focus on a random decorative wood fire<\/strong> or the swan<\/strong> pond, just arising over the horizon. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

For simpler decisions, why not choosing the Bistrot<\/strong>? <\/div>\n
Newly launched in 2018, it reveals its warm brick walls<\/strong> and still succeeds to welcome you in a scenic framework, whose walls are dressed in still life<\/strong> paintings or portraits<\/strong>, belonging to the estate and re-framed just for this dining room. Ideally nestled in a square courtyard<\/strong>, filled with themed vegetation<\/strong> and water fountains<\/strong>.<\/div>\n
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…such as this dense hot chocolate.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Some light devices are mandatory…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Conforming to the high quality gastronomic<\/strong> offer of these Hauts de Loire<\/strong><\/a>, again under the leadership of R\u00e9my Giraud<\/strong>. Influencing this time a rather terroir<\/em><\/strong> cuisine<\/em>, proud of the past and of the forestry<\/strong> environment, rich in game meat, either grilled on a spit<\/strong>, or in the charcoal<\/strong> wood oven. There, it’s announced some veal crepinettes<\/em><\/strong>, pork knuckles<\/strong>, stuffed quails<\/strong> or lamb<\/strong> shoulders, in this intimate room, topped with imposing brown beams<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Moreover, you would also be grateful to take your continental breakfast<\/strong>, possibly in the terrace<\/strong> of the Bistrot<\/strong> or inside, during winter time. Full of timeless elements, such as viennoiseries<\/em><\/strong>, homemade honey<\/strong>, fresh fruits<\/strong>, delicatessen<\/strong> and scrambled eggs<\/strong> with bacon. You wouldn’t feel so much disoriented!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

If you would like to deepen your culinary<\/strong> knowledge, don’t hesitate to ask for the upcoming planning of the hotel’s cooking<\/strong> school, l’Art des Mets<\/strong><\/a>. You could also become a Chef<\/strong>! <\/div>\n
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…close to the helicopter zone.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Some water vestiges of the past…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Last but not least, we are pleased to invite you to discover this huge stretch of nature through this forest, surrounding the resort<\/strong>. Only accessible for the guests, several pedestrian<\/strong> itineraries are proposed, whose longest is about 45mn! You may pass through a couple of curiosities, like the water tower turbine<\/strong> or even the helicopter<\/strong> airstrip.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

During this promenades<\/em><\/strong>, you would empty your mind due to the calm ambiance of this return to nature<\/strong>, where you could stride and hide in the alleys of massive oak trees<\/strong>. By chance, you could have the opportunity to meet some typical but gentle animal<\/strong> citizens, such as roe deers, bladgers, hares… Unless there are plenty of these specimens<\/em><\/strong> around you, the hunting is not allowed.<\/div>\n
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…can you see a queen bee?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Honey may be very heavy…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Furthermore, close to the two other artificial lakes<\/strong>, where a canoe may be at your disposal, stand three hives providing the necessary honey<\/strong> needs of the hotel<\/strong>. A production supplied and protected by the expertise of the apicultor David Delaporte<\/strong> and his Api’Plan\u00e8te<\/strong><\/a> structure. Don’t hesitate to ask at the reception when he would be available to show you some secrets about bees<\/strong>, of course protected in a dedicated protective beesuit<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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This homemade<\/strong> honey, is mostly reserve for the hotel<\/strong> guests for breakfast, but also for the preparation of the Chef<\/strong>‘s dishes and for anyone interested to bring a liquid souvenir<\/em><\/strong> at home! <\/div>\n
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Likewise, the team as well cooks their own chocolate, thanks to the talent of their pastry master Tom Duclos<\/strong>, who takes time to offer fine pastries<\/strong> and other gourmet<\/strong> desserts designed around cocoa<\/strong>, faithful to his inspirations of the moment.<\/p>\n

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More information on the official website<\/strong><\/a> and also explore the whole H8 Collection<\/strong><\/a> hospitality selection. Domaine Relais & Ch\u00e2teaux<\/strong><\/a> des Hauts de Loire<\/strong><\/a> \/ 79 Rue Gilbert Navard, 41150 Veuzain-sur-Loire (France) \/ Phone : 00 33 (0)2 54 20 72 57 \/ www.hautsdeloire.com<\/a><\/div>\n
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