My quest to discover the Loiret region and visit as many castles as possible has started. I wanted this trip to be special by choosing fine hotels with the same spirit as the region's history. Relais & Chateaux was the best choice.
The experience starts out in the parking where you are invited to keep your car in a cozy kind of parking all covered by fresh green grass. Here a kind gentleman helps you with your bags straight to the reception located on the other side of this historical mansion. We passed through three beautifully decorated reception areas around a middle courtyard enchanted by peaceful symphonies of birds and tree leaves friction.
Room1, this was our place of sleep for the night out of only 16 different others. We were shown to our cozy little room viewing directly on the middle courtyard. Everything is so calm and peaceful; it's now 7 in the morning, and I am writing my experience and hearing the sounds of doves whispers outside my window.
The beautiful details I loved:
- A really heavy lion head key ring opens the room door the old times way
- A lion head at the front door with a key in its mouth is the room's bell. Remove the key and no one will disturb you
- All the architectural details are original, stone and wood, beautifully mixed into a fine renaissance style
- Two huge stone fireplaces gather visitors around for chats
- The middle courtyard is awesome. A place you just don't want to leave
- Beds are facing the windows and not the TV, like hotels usually do
- Rooms are simply beautifully decorated
- The staff is welcoming and very professional
- A free and fast Internet connection
- The famous Hermes amenities: Founded by Frenchman Thierry Hermès in 1837, Hermès specialized in the highest quality saddles and leather goods during those early years. Hermès introduced its first perfume, Caleche, in 1961. The tradition of distinctive scents continues today with the introductions of new fragrances eagerly awaited by women throughout the world.
The dining experience:
The great dining experience with Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux, Didier Clement was simply perfect. Every single detail is mastered to perfection with plates that are succulent and beautifully decorated all by being too generous for a Grand Chef. Decoration, lighting, cutlery, service, bread, plates, food temperature, taste are really up to a Michelin starred restaurant.
I would change and add some minor things:
- A newer redesigned and more modern bathroom
- Thick bed blankets, the ones you feel diving into while sleeping instead of the old fleece ones they use
- Focus a bit more and the room cleaning before guests arrive
- A complementary water bottle next to the bed
- A dark chocolate piece when preparing the room for the night
