Le Manoir les Minimes
34 Quai Charles Guinot
37400 Amboise
Tel: 02-47-30-40-40; Fax: 02-47-30-40-77
Email: reservation@manoirlesminimes.com
Web: www.manoirlesminimes.com
13 rooms. Singles: €115; Doubles: €115 to €190

During the 1500's France's Loire Valley became something of a Renaissance version of the Hamptons, a playground for the rich and influential (or at least those who wanted to appear to be rich and influential). King Francis I, who loved the area for its dense forests and bountiful hunting, had several palaces in the region. He even managed to entice Leonardo da Vinci to abandon Italy and spend the last years of his life here.

Today many of these palaces have become museums, while others have found new life as hotels. If you're traveling by car you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a chateau hotel. Since many of them are located in isolated positions in the country, it's harder to get the chateau experience if you're relying on public transport. One great option is the village of Amboise, with frequent train connections to Paris, most via the town of Tours.

My favorite spot here is the Manoir les Minimes, a charming little manor house, located a short walk from the center of town and right near the river. Beautifully decorated, well-managed, and easy on the budget.

Tags: Amboise, Hotels, Loire Valley