Chateau de Perreux – Amboise

Built directly on the side of a rocky hill, this early 18th-century château offers a quiet retreat amid manicured gardens and forests. There are several other similar properties in the region, but what sets this four-pearl boutique apart from the rest is its modern take on chateau luxury. While many other properties go with opulent interiors featuring antiques and ornate details, Château de Perreux offers a stylish mix of period-style furniture and contemporary decor in serene earth tones with a few pops of color. The overall atmosphere is luxurious, chic, and intimate, but it may not appeal to those expecting a more traditional style. 

Aside from the château itself, one of the features that is most striking is its parking garage, which is set in a cave dug out directly in the mountain. A long tunnel also excavated in the rock opens onto an underground reception area with a modern lift that takes guests to the lobby. The spacious hall offers a first taste of the stylish, eclectic decor found in the rest of the property. Beige printed wallpaper, white wood wainscoting, a couple period pieces of furniture, ornate door frames, and traditional cast-iron radiators blend easily with a modern lamp with several shades, industrial-style coffee tables, and contemporary tufted seating in a soft earthy palette. The rest of the common spaces and all rooms have a similar cosmopolitan feel. This romantic boutique attracts couples and leisure travelers seeking a peaceful stay.

Château de Perreux is located amid lovely gardens in a secluded spot less than two miles from picturesque Amboise, a small historic town with wonderful sights such as the imposing Amboise Castle, Le Château du Clos Lucé (known for being Leonardo da Vinci’s last residence), and several vineyards with wine tastings. The historic town of Tours is a 30-minute drive away and famous Château de Chenonceau can be reached in about 20 minutes. Other châteaux -- such as Château d’Ussé and Château de Villandry -- are each less than an hour away. Amboise train station is served by direct trains to Paris. 

The hotel has 11 rooms, all featuring a stylish mix of contemporary decor with classic elements, both architectural and ornamental. Earth-tone and pastel-colored tufted couches, contemporary art on walls, and clean lines add style and a modern feel, while lovely wooden period-style furniture, wall moldings, and flower-printed curtains are nods at the hotel’s long history. Room types include Standard, Privilege, Junior Suites, and Family Rooms, and each has unique details, such as stunning gabled wooden ceilings, hardwood floors, fireplaces, balconies, deep soaking tubs, and canopy beds. All rooms, however, are large and sunny, with big windows overlooking the gardens, and modern bathrooms, some with walk-in rain showers, and others with separate showers and soaking tubs. Flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and Damana toiletries are also standard amenities, but Wi-Fi is only available in the lobby area. The most striking units are the Privilege Rooms, one of which is a duplex with wooden ceilings and walls housed in one of the turrets. Family Rooms have two bedrooms, and Room 11 is dug in the rock and has stone floors and bunk beds for kids. 

Former Michelin-starred chef Ludovic Laurenty is at the helm of the hotel’s excellent restaurant, which serves a dinner prix-fixe menu made with fresh, seasonal, and organic ingredients that changes on a daily basis. A varied continental breakfast of eggs, meats, cheeses, fresh baguette, and croissants is offered every morning free of charge to all guests in the restaurant’s stylish dining room, featuring striking painted ceilings with moldings, crystal chandeliers, a few golden accents, and modern touches such as a yellow retro-style couch and a knotty wood sculpture. 

The cute heated outdoor pool is located in a secluded walled spot in the garden and has a quiet vibe that invites guests to relax in the sun. Around it, lovely gardens dotted with hammocks are perfect for a lazy morning, and the nearby caves can be a fun activity for guests of all ages. Parking is available at no extra charge in a cave excavated in the mountain, and babysitting services can be requested at front desk. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, but there is no in-room Internet connection here.