Our stay at Fleur de Loire
Our rating
★★★★☆
In the picturesque city of Blois, the Fleur de Loire Spa Hotel & Restaurant is a charming oasis along the banks of the Loire River. On the left bank of the city, it is a short drive from the train station, but we opted for a scenic walk through the city centre to reach our destination. Blois embraces the quiet ambience of the French countryside, with a rich history and gorgeous architecture. We walked along cobbled streets past towering cathedrals, ancient timber houses, and boutique shops. The city is also home to a beautiful Renaissance-style castle, the Château de Blois. Once you reach the embankment, the Fleur de Loire appears across the river.
The hotel is housed in a 17th-century building commissioned by the brother of King Louis XIII, and was once a hospice. In 2022, it was restored and transformed into a beautiful, 5-star hotel and spa. Just across the beautiful Pont Jaques-Gabriel bridge, we passed through the gates into the large courtyard garden that welcomes you to the hotel. As we arrived early, the receptionists were kind enough to keep our luggage for us while we explored Blois until it was time to check in. When we returned, we were greeted at the reception desk by a lovely concierge who personally showed us to our room, explained the logistics of our stay, and presented us with a complimentary jar of jam made by French chef Christophe Hay, who oversees the two-Michelin-starred restaurant at the hotel.
The lobby was tastefully designed, with luxurious tones of navy blue, gold and grey. The curated ambience carried over into the spacious rooms with comfortable beds, a stocked fridge, and a large closet equipped with soft robes and slippers for the spa. The bathrooms were immaculately clean, with bright, warm lighting and a deep soaking tub that was perfect for unwinding. The room was bright and airy, with a nice view of the courtyard.
The spa was located across the hotel, and could be reached via the corridors or by crossing the courtyard. The halls are lined with stunning photography prints of Blois and its surroundings, as well as historic photos of the hotel itself, which really immersed us in the beauty and history of the region. After a bit of wandering and looking for the right elevator, we finally reached the real gem of the hotel: the spa.
There were small, private changing rooms, but the staff informed us that if we preferred, we could simply change in our rooms and arrive in our bathing suits and robes.
The centre of the spa was an underground lap pool with cosy lounge chairs, the perfect place to unwind and read a book. Past the plunge pool were showers, a dark hammam steam room, and a sleek, warm sauna. Upstairs, there was a large jacuzzi room with relaxing jets and a quiet ambience. While we didn’t receive any treatments, we took advantage of the spa every day, and were usually the only guests there at the time. It was a very relaxing, calm and intimate experience that was a welcome respite.
The hotel has a beautiful view of the river and the historic city of Blois. With a short walk, we found ourselves in the historic centre, where we discovered the exquisite Château Royal de Bois. This historic castle is a must-see during your stay at Fleur de Loire, filled with fascinating artefacts, art, and preserved rooms that will transport you through time. Another iconic destination just a short drive from the hotel is the famous Château de Chambord. As the largest Château in the Loire Valley, it is truly a sight to behold, with countless treasures to discover inside. It is the embodiment of French Renaissance architecture and is home to the incredible double-helix staircase, a marvel of engineering, and rumoured to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
After a long day of exploring stunning castles and strolling through the ancient, winding streets of Blois, Fleur de Loire was a perfect oasis to return to. The spa was divine, the rooms were quiet, tasteful and comfortable, and the staff was polite and professional. For those seeking a relaxing spa weekend in a destination steeped with noble history and gorgeous architecture, we suggest you look no further. This chic, luxurious hotel truly lives up to its namesake as the flower of the Loire Valley.
OUR RATING
★★★★☆
WHAT WE LOVED
Central Location • Historic Architecture • Modern Design • Michelin Restaurant • Tranquil Spa
