La Maison Rabelais
Eco-conscious contemporary boutique hotel in a historic shell. Clean lines and modern interiors that don't erase the building's character. More guesthouse warmth than corporate polish.
Book a Lodge if you want total privacy and the private outdoor Jacuzzi — they're separate from the main building and eco-labeled passive
Why It Matters
Tablet Hotels member and Michelin Guide recommended. One of the only hotels in Amboise with genuine eco-credentials (geothermal system, passive-labeled lodges with photovoltaic panels), plus a heated pool, sauna, and private-Jacuzzi lodges. The location is hard to beat for Loire château touring.
An 18th-century manor in the actual center of Amboise — not nearby, not a short drive, right there, two blocks from the royal château. The building has had a few lives: boarding school from 1870, WWI field hospital, and now a freshly renovated 31-unit eco-hotel running on geothermal heating and photovoltaic-powered lodges. The team runs it with guesthouse warmth — they'll book your castle tickets, find you a dinner table, and pack you a Loire-fish picnic for the river. But dinner itself? That's in town. No restaurant on site.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Classic Room
The entry-level room — 17 to 20m², fits two comfortably but nothing more. Queen or king bed that converts to twins. Big windows bring in good light and depending on which room you land, you'll look out over the Royal Château d'Amboise, Saint-Denis Church, or the hotel courtyard. Shower only, no bath.
17 sqm
Duplex
The only duplex in the hotel — 41m², up to four people. Double bed on the mezzanine level, sofa bed in the living room below. Staircase access (no elevator). Pool views from the room. Kitchenette with fridge, microwave, and induction plates on request. The most characterful room in the main building.
41 sqmExecutive Room
At 25m², this room sleeps up to four with a king-size bed and a sofa bed. The headline feature is the view: directly onto the Royal Château d'Amboise. Good pick for families wanting a single room rather than separate units.
25 sqm
Lodge
Freestanding wooden chalets set apart from the main building — quiet and private. Each lodge fits up to four people with a double bed, sofa bed, full kitchenette, private terrace, and a private outdoor Jacuzzi. The roof panels are photovoltaic, so the lodges carry a passive eco-label. Best option if you want total seclusion and the hot tub under the Loire sky.
30 sqmStudio (2 People)
At 30m² this is the most practical room for a self-sufficient stay. King bed (converts to twins), full kitchenette with fridge and microwave (induction plates available on request), and a view of the pool and garden. Ground or first floor — stairs only, no elevator access. One PMR-adapted studio available.
30 sqmStudio for 4 People
Larger version of the studio concept at 30-40m², configured for up to four people. Full kitchenette for self-catering. A solid choice for families wanting autonomy without the full lodge experience.
35 sqmSuperior Room
A step up in size at 24m², still for two. King-size bed that converts to twins. The decor is refined without being fussy — quality materials, thoughtful layout. Views hit the courtyard, the château, or the church, depending on the room. Shower only.
24 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Available as a package: overnight stay, transfer at sunset or sunrise, one-hour balloon flight, and wine tasting at Caves Plou & Fils. The hotel coordinates the preferred day once booking is confirmed.
The hotel sits 2 minutes from the La Loire à Vélo cycling route — a world-class marked route following the Loire River. Secure on-site bike parking available. Bike rental included in the dedicated 'La Loire à Vélo' package offer.
The hotel's location is purpose-built for this. Château d'Amboise is a 10-minute walk. Clos Lucé (where Leonardo da Vinci died) is 1.1 km away. Chenonceau and Chambord are viable day trips. The concierge team books tickets and can arrange packages.
Included in the Hot Air Balloon package. Local Loire wine cellar experience.
Available as a hotel package with overnight stay and breakfast. Beauval is ranked among the top zoos in the world, housing giant pandas, koalas, and 35,000+ animals. Located in Saint-Aignan, about an hour from Amboise.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Pool, spa, and at least one studio adapted for guests with reduced mobility.
Seminar rooms available for business events; also a spacious lobby suitable for coworking.
Innovative geothermal system provides heating in winter and cooling in summer. Supported by Centre Val de Loire Region and the European Union.
Team books restaurant reservations, castle tickets, arranges surprises, and offers local recommendations. Multilingual staff (English, Spanish, French).
Pets accepted at an additional charge of €15 per night.
Accessible May 1 through October 31, 9 AM to 7 PM. Accessible to people with reduced mobility. Swimming not supervised.
20-space private car park under video surveillance. €15/day March-October; free November-February. Closed 10 PM to 7 AM. Reservation mandatory at time of booking or by phone.
2 electric vehicle pay stations in the private car park.
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