Les Hautes Roches
Historic-meets-contemporary cave hotel. Think raw mineral walls softened by couture interiors, firelight, and Loire River views from every south-facing room. Romantic and genuinely one-of-a-kind, though the isolated setting means a car is essential.
Book a troglodyte room, not a manor room — that's the whole point of coming here
Why It Matters
The only property of its kind in France: a luxury hotel built directly into a troglodyte cliff, with a Michelin Guide-listed restaurant, Relais & Châteaux membership since 1991, and a 2023 redesign by Alexis Mabille that rebalanced the interiors without losing the cave's soul.
France's first luxury troglodyte hotel, Les Hautes Roches is a 4-star Relais & Châteaux property where 12 of its 14 rooms are literally carved into a tufa cliff face above the Loire River. The 18th-century manor house fused into the rock — originally monks' cells from the Marmoutier Abbey — was transformed into a hotel by Philippe Mollard in 1991 and underwent a major design renovation in 2023 by French couturier Alexis Mabille. It sits in the heart of Vouvray wine country, 8 km from Tours.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Classic Deluxe Room
Located on the second floor of the 18th-century manor house (not in the cave). Loire River views from the window. Elegant furnishings with a modern bathroom in a vintage style. For guests who want the manor house setting with all 4-star comforts but prefer above-ground accommodation.
Classic Superior Room
In the main manor building with Loire River views. Soft colours and warm materials throughout. Bathroom with bath and separate shower. For guests who want the hotel experience without sleeping inside the cliff.
Deluxe Troglodyte Room
The flagship cave room. Spacious and elegantly appointed, carved directly into the tufa cliff. Warm atmosphere with tufa stone walls, four-poster wooden beds, shimmering rugs, comfortable lounge seating, and a sleekly designed bathroom with bathtub or shower. South-facing with Loire River or garden views. No AC — the rock provides natural temperature regulation. Fans available on request.
70 sqmSuperior Troglodyte Room
Also carved into the heart of the rock, with elegantly combined tufa stone walls and softly coloured fabrics over modern curved furniture. Decent volume and space. Bathroom with bath or shower. River or garden side views. The interiors reflect the 2023 Alexis Mabille renovation.
Troglodyte Standard Room
The entry-level cave room, located in the heart of the rock with a modern, sleek style. Ergonomic furniture, minibar, safe, and courtesy tray. Views over the garden or Loire River. The design is pared back compared to the superior and deluxe grades but the fundamental cave experience — and the view — is the same.
The Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The hotel sits on the La Loire à Vélo cycling route. Guests can cycle along the riverbanks directly into Tours city centre (~8 km). Bikes can be arranged.
Arranged through the concierge — balloon flights over the Loire Valley châteaux are a classic area activity, departing from the wider Touraine region at sunrise or dusk.
Guided or self-guided cruise on a traditional Loire rowboat. The hotel can arrange access to this classic Loire Valley experience directly from the riverfront setting.
The hotel is an ideal base for Amboise (20 km), Chenonceau (30 km), Langeais (30 km), Villandry, and Azay-le-Rideau. The concierge can arrange guided tours.
A troglodyte seminar/reception room carved directly into the rock, capacity up to 70 persons. Fiber-optic floor lighting highlights the tufa stone walls. Full AV equipment provided. Also available for private events: weddings, birthdays, retirement parties.
The hotel is in the heart of Vouvray appellation. Marc Bredif wine caves are immediately adjacent (walkable). The hotel can also arrange visits to estates like La Grange Tiphaine. Loire Valley wine tasting is a core activity the concierge actively facilitates.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary wireless internet throughout property including in rooms.
All 14 rooms feature fireplaces.
Rooms include bathrobes, bidets, and complimentary toiletries.
A cave reception room with capacity up to 70 persons, fiber-optic lighting, full AV equipment. Available for corporate seminars and private events.
A large landscaped garden between the manor house and the Loire, with paths overlooking the river. The garden also frames the outdoor pool area.
Pets accepted, with possible additional charges.
A seasonal heated outdoor pool set in the landscaped riverside gardens. Described as on the smaller side by some guests. Open in fine weather (spring through autumn). Drinks can be ordered poolside.
Room service available including continental breakfast in-room.
Free self-parking available on-site. Essential given the hotel's isolated riverbank location.
BUILD YOUR LES HAUTES ROCHES PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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