Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé: Serenity in the Loire Valley

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By Sufiyeh Hadian on 21st October 2024

Comfortably nestled within the Loire, the Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé is not merely a place to stay – it is an experience which pivots between the parallels of history and contemporary luxury.

From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the sheer elegance of this 18th-century château, once the summer retreat of Baron Jacques Pineau de Viennay. Meticulously restored, it whispers stories of a bygone era whilst offering every indulgence a modern traveller could wish for.

Stepping through its grand doors felt like entering a living museum, yet it is far from austere. The neoclassical architecture by Mathieu de Bayeux exudes sophistication, but what struck us most was the château’s surprising sense of warmth. American designer Timothy Corrigan’s restoration has been nothing short of masterful, and Paul and Shannon Wehsener have subtly reimagined the interiors with impeccable taste. Every room tells a tale, with Pierre Frey and de Gournay wallpapers adorning the walls, seamlessly paired with both antique treasures and modern comforts.

The guest rooms are a sanctuary in themselves. We stayed in one of the 19 individually appointed rooms, where the original oak parquet floors and high ceilings enveloped us in serenity. The large casement windows opened onto stunning views of the formal French gardens – waking up to the sight of manicured hedgerows glimmering with dew was an experience in itself. The bed, dressed in the finest Pratesi linens, felt like sinking into a cloud, while the marble-clad bathroom with its clawfoot tub was the perfect retreat after a day spent exploring.

Foyer_photo credit adam lynk (1).
Billiards room. Grandsalon_photo credit michael spengler (3).

For the ultimate indulgence, the Baron’s Suite is unparalleled. Its hidden entrance through a secret door in the light-flooded Salon Chinois leads to a four-room haven of 17-foot ceilings, with walls hand-painted by Jean-Baptiste Pillement. The grandeur of this space, coupled with the connection to Versailles – where Pillement’s only other surviving work can be found – made it feel like we were living a small part of history.

One of our absolute highlights was the château’s 80-acre grounds, which invite exploration and reflection. After a leisurely boating trip on the lake, we opted for a picnic lunch, arranged by the hotel. We highly recommend this experience – dining by the lake with a carefully curated basket of charcuterie and lobster roll gourmet delights was pure bliss. The serenity of the setting, accompanied by the soft sounds of nature (and the estate’s own geese), made it feel like time itself had slowed down.

The pool, originally a reflection pool, offers a tranquil spot for relaxation. Lounging by its circular edge, surrounded by ivy-clad stone walls, is pure magic. The Loire Valley breeze, coupled with the château’s calm and silence, created a sense of peace that is rare to find. Dining at Le Lucé was another unforgettable experience. Chef Maxime Thomas crafts each dish with such artistry and finesse that every meal feels like a celebration. We especially recommend sitting beneath the François Boucher 18th-century tapestry for a dining experience steeped in history and luxury. The tapestry's richness, combined with the impeccable cuisine, creates an ambience that is as decadent as it is intimate.

In every corner of the Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé, history is revered, yet modern luxuries are not sacrificed. This château is a rare gem – a place where one can truly live like royalty, albeit in the 21st century. The service is impeccable, the setting unforgettable, and the attention to detail unparalleled.

For those seeking a romantic escape or a cultural retreat, this château promises more than just a stay. It offers a story – one that you will carry with you for years to come.

Château du Grand-Lucé

Address: 7 Pl. du Château, 72150 Le Grand-Lucé, France

Call: +33 2 55 48 40 40

Bookings: https://chateaugrandluce.com/

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