LE PRIEURÉ
Manor house overlooking the Loire close to medieval Saumur
PERCHED HIGH ABOVE THE LOIRE and gazing across the river to medieval Saumur, Le Prieuré boasts a hard-to-beat setting. Sipping an aperitif on the terrace with the Loire River sweeping past below makes a pretty memorable start to any evening.
Built in the 16th century and set in a 60 acres of parkland and woods stretching down to the river (it stands on the site of a Benedictine priory), this elegant Loire manor house stands proud on the hillside with its gables, tall chimneys and a pointed tower. Its fascinating history is worth reading up on.
Inside this tranquil enclave you’ll find all the feel of a period residence: a grand spiral staircase, a gallery, carved stone fireplaces, canopied beds and polished antiques. Guests at le Prieuré stay in the château itself, in the former chapel or – if you'd sooner opt for contemporary surroundings – in one of the modern chalet-style cottages.
Hit the spot
On the banks of the Loire, near medieval Saumur.
Bedtime
Opt for a deluxe room with your own terrace overlooking the Loire.
Be savvy
Period furniture naturally comes with the patina of age.
Be smitten
Hillside Loire retreat with formidable views.
Wood-panelled warmth
Huge rooms in the older part of the property have richly coordinated fabrics and wall coverings and period furniture, with the best having a private terrace overlooking the Loire. Some have a cosier feel and sloping ceilings, while larger suites come with vast carved stone fireplaces and all the feel of an aristocratic residence.
Views from the restaurant at Le Prieuré are good enough to dine out on. Wood-panelled warmth and oil paintings are matched by huge bay windows framing fabulous river views. Don’t miss drinks or lunch on the terrace on summer days, or delve into the 12th century wine cellars for the full tasting experience.
Naturally you’ll want to try fresh-landed perch or salmon from the river, mushrooms from the nearby Tufa caves and some of the region’s outstanding Anjou wines. Chef Jean-Noel Lumineau’s creative Anjou cuisine makes an excellent match for those stunning wall-to-wall views of the Loire and its islands.
Le Prieuré was reviewed by Room for Romance
Built in the 16th century and set in a 60 acres of parkland and woods stretching down to the river (it stands on the site of a Benedictine priory), this elegant Loire manor house stands proud on the hillside with its gables, tall chimneys and a pointed tower. Its fascinating history is worth reading up on.
Inside this tranquil enclave you’ll find all the feel of a period residence: a grand spiral staircase, a gallery, carved stone fireplaces, canopied beds and polished antiques. Guests at le Prieuré stay in the château itself, in the former chapel or – if you'd sooner opt for contemporary surroundings – in one of the modern chalet-style cottages.
Hit the spot
On the banks of the Loire, near medieval Saumur.
Bedtime
Opt for a deluxe room with your own terrace overlooking the Loire.
Be savvy
Period furniture naturally comes with the patina of age.
Be smitten
Hillside Loire retreat with formidable views.
Wood-panelled warmth
Huge rooms in the older part of the property have richly coordinated fabrics and wall coverings and period furniture, with the best having a private terrace overlooking the Loire. Some have a cosier feel and sloping ceilings, while larger suites come with vast carved stone fireplaces and all the feel of an aristocratic residence.
Views from the restaurant at Le Prieuré are good enough to dine out on. Wood-panelled warmth and oil paintings are matched by huge bay windows framing fabulous river views. Don’t miss drinks or lunch on the terrace on summer days, or delve into the 12th century wine cellars for the full tasting experience.
Naturally you’ll want to try fresh-landed perch or salmon from the river, mushrooms from the nearby Tufa caves and some of the region’s outstanding Anjou wines. Chef Jean-Noel Lumineau’s creative Anjou cuisine makes an excellent match for those stunning wall-to-wall views of the Loire and its islands.
Le Prieuré was reviewed by Room for Romance
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Dining in
Waist-to-ceiling Loire views are not the only attraction at Le Prieuré’s restaurant. Taste some of the best regional cooking around: raviolis de langoustines à la crème de truffes or maybe filet de canette caramélisée au gingembre et citron vert should get your mouth watering, while a bottle or two of the local Saumur, Champigny or Chinon wines will go down a treat.
Dining out
Try Le Grand Bleu in Saumur’s rue du Marché for great seafood. Further afield is La Salamandre at Angers for classic cuisine in Renaissance surroundings, or the pricey but excellent Au Plaisir Gourmand in Chinon.
Where?
Le Prieuré.
What’s cooking?
Typical regional cuisine using Loire-caught fish and fruit and veg grown in the hotel’s kitchen garden.
Dress the part
You'll want to spruce up for dinner here.
Top table?
A window table with front-row views over the Loire.
See & Do
Wander among elegant Saumur’s half-timbered houses and cobbled streets or – if you’re lucky – see Sir Mick Jagger batting for the local Saumur cricket club. Taste some sparkling Saumur brut at a tasting in the underground limestone caves of the Bouvet-Ladubay vineyard, or brush up on your horsemanship at Saumur’s Cadre Noir school, one of the world’s top equestrian centres.
Take off in a hot air balloon or helicopter for the best views around. If you prefer terra firma, the great châteaux of the Loire Valley – Chenonceau, Amboise, Ussé and Chambord – await exploration.
Shop
There’s a Sunday market in Saumur, and a big bargain-hunter’s flea market in Angers on Saturdays. Pop into the Saumur patisserie Duchesse Anne for wonderful hand-made chocolates.
After dark
Saumur is not a party-till-dawn place, but you’ll find bars in the town centre playing rock, retro and good old-fashioned French chansons.
Dates
May
The heroic maid of Orléans is honoured in the two-day Fête de Jeanne d’Arc, with a huge procession.
Waist-to-ceiling Loire views are not the only attraction at Le Prieuré’s restaurant. Taste some of the best regional cooking around: raviolis de langoustines à la crème de truffes or maybe filet de canette caramélisée au gingembre et citron vert should get your mouth watering, while a bottle or two of the local Saumur, Champigny or Chinon wines will go down a treat.
Dining out
Try Le Grand Bleu in Saumur’s rue du Marché for great seafood. Further afield is La Salamandre at Angers for classic cuisine in Renaissance surroundings, or the pricey but excellent Au Plaisir Gourmand in Chinon.
Where?
Le Prieuré.
What’s cooking?
Typical regional cuisine using Loire-caught fish and fruit and veg grown in the hotel’s kitchen garden.
Dress the part
You'll want to spruce up for dinner here.
Top table?
A window table with front-row views over the Loire.
See & Do
Wander among elegant Saumur’s half-timbered houses and cobbled streets or – if you’re lucky – see Sir Mick Jagger batting for the local Saumur cricket club. Taste some sparkling Saumur brut at a tasting in the underground limestone caves of the Bouvet-Ladubay vineyard, or brush up on your horsemanship at Saumur’s Cadre Noir school, one of the world’s top equestrian centres.
Take off in a hot air balloon or helicopter for the best views around. If you prefer terra firma, the great châteaux of the Loire Valley – Chenonceau, Amboise, Ussé and Chambord – await exploration.
Shop
There’s a Sunday market in Saumur, and a big bargain-hunter’s flea market in Angers on Saturdays. Pop into the Saumur patisserie Duchesse Anne for wonderful hand-made chocolates.
After dark
Saumur is not a party-till-dawn place, but you’ll find bars in the town centre playing rock, retro and good old-fashioned French chansons.
Dates
May
The heroic maid of Orléans is honoured in the two-day Fête de Jeanne d’Arc, with a huge procession.
GETTING THERE
Location
49350 Chenehutte-Les-Tuffeaux, Pays de la Loire
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Saumur station – 7km
Taxis
EUR 20 from the station
Airport
Angers – 40km, or Tours – 65km
Rooms and suites
36 rooms, three suites
Special features
Superior and deluxe rooms have private terraces with terrific river views.
Also…
Keep fit here with tennis and mini golf, or swim in the heated outdoor pool. Glam up after dark for one of Le Prieuré's regular themed evenings.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 140 - 320
Check-in
3pm
Check-out
Midday
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast is served until 10:30 am.
Room service
Available 24 hours a day
Children
Welcome
Pets
Welcome at EUR 10 a day
Air conditioning
No
Languages
French, English, Spanish, Russian and Flemish
Wedding license?
Yes – for up to 160 guests.
Open/closed
Open all year
Your contact
Marc Franzoni – General manager
Location
49350 Chenehutte-Les-Tuffeaux, Pays de la Loire
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Saumur station – 7km
Taxis
EUR 20 from the station
Airport
Angers – 40km, or Tours – 65km
Rooms and suites
36 rooms, three suites
Special features
Superior and deluxe rooms have private terraces with terrific river views.
Also…
Keep fit here with tennis and mini golf, or swim in the heated outdoor pool. Glam up after dark for one of Le Prieuré's regular themed evenings.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 140 - 320
Check-in
3pm
Check-out
Midday
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast is served until 10:30 am.
Room service
Available 24 hours a day
Children
Welcome
Pets
Welcome at EUR 10 a day
Air conditioning
No
Languages
French, English, Spanish, Russian and Flemish
Wedding license?
Yes – for up to 160 guests.
Open/closed
Open all year
Your contact
Marc Franzoni – General manager
