On of the enchanting castles in Loire Valley

Beautiful old castle - Lorie Valley tour. Check 2024 Loire Valley Tour dates

On of the enchanting castles in Loire Valley - FRANCE OFF THE BEATEN PATH™ tours

Our Loire Valley Tour Hotel

Name: France Off the Beaten Path
Brand: France Off the Beaten Path
Rating: 5.0 (580 reviews)

Hotel Le Pavillon des Lys

NO HOTEL HOPPING!

RATED EXCELLENT WITH 500+ REVIEWS

2019 WINNER!! 3RD CONSECUTIVE YEAR!

RECOMMENDED BY FROMMER’S FRANCE!

Our Loire Valley Tour Hotel: Pavillon Des Lys or Clos d’Amboise

We work with two hotel partners in Amboise.

Both Pavillon des Lys and Clos d’Amboise have been voted two of the Best 4-star boutique hotels in the Loire Valley!

We stay at one of these two hotels (No Hotel Hopping, Unpack Only Once) for our Loire Valley Tours.

About Pavillon des Lys

Friends Guillaume and Julia's 4-star hotel for our Loire Valley Tours. Indulge in nine exquisitely designed rooms, each one a singular reflection of the boutique charm that defines the Pavillon des Lys. Every space tells its own story, curated with distinctive style, plush textures, and tasteful accents. Stay connected with complimentary WiFi across the lounge and rooms, while climate-controlled comfort keeps you perfectly at ease, no matter the season. The hotel is equipped with air-conditioning.

The historic Pavillon des Lys has been thoughtfully converted into a sophisticated retreat, where no two rooms are alike in size, decor, or furnishings. Expect generous layouts, luxurious materials, and a striking sense of character drawn from the beautiful Touraine region. It’s village center location is also perfect for enjoying a short walk to both Clos Lucé—Leonardo da Vinci’s final residence—and the recently renovated Château Gaillard.

Sleep like royalty on a sumptuous king or queen bed (or choose twin beds on request), and awaken in a private en-suite bathroom stocked with modern essentials—shower or bath, premium toiletries, a hair dryer, and more. Some rooms offer captivating views of the Castle of Amboise and Chapelle St. Hubert, letting you wake to a postcard-worthy vista.

Note: As with many countryside properties, there is no elevator at Pavillon des Lys.

About Clos d’Amboise

The terraces and garden at our hotel partner Clos d'Amboise Nestled in the heart of Amboise, this historic manor transformed into 4-star hotel offers an authentic glimpse into the Royal village’s charm. Just a short stroll from lively boutiques, artisan galleries, cafés, and the Royal Château of Amboise, you can also easily walk to Clos Lucé—Leonardo da Vinci’s final residence—and the recently renovated Château Gaillard. The hotel also boasts a gourmet restaurant worth a mention, as well as an onsite wine bar.

Once a grand 17th‑century estate, the hotel now comprises 20 rooms set within a converted stable complex, offering FREE Wifi access in lounges and rooms. All rooms are also equipped with air-conditioning. The original porch and expansive terrace open onto a park shaded by mature trees, inviting quiet strolls and contemplative moments. A tranquil pool area lies among fragrant rose beds and cedar trees, providing a serene backdrop for relaxation to the melodies of birds. Here, your stay unfolds at a gentle pace, echoing the timeless ease enjoyed by French royalty amid the village’s peaceful ambiance. The Clos d’Amboise is equipped with an elevator.

DAILY BREAKFAST

Enjoy a traditional French breakfast each morning either in the dining room or on the garden terrace before we head out for a day of fun castle tours and activities. Breakfast features all of the traditional French goodies including croissants, pain au chocolat (chocolate croissants), fresh baguette breads, fresh fruit salad, yoghurts, a variety of cereals to choose from, plus a selection of French cheeses, fresh fruit juices, and hot beverages such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate. French breakfast differs greatly from the style of breakfast in your home country — there are no pancakes or omelettes, etc in a French breakfast, and France does not have breakfast restaurants.

Location, Location, Location

Both hotels are located in the historic center of the Royal town of Amboise — in the heart of the Touraine, known best as the Loire Valley. Their location in the town center, right next to Amboise Royal Castle and the Clos Lucé Manor (the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci), makes both hotels the perfect and ideal selections for our 6-day castles and gourmet experience. Guests can step out the main entrance into the town’s cobblestone streets to explore Amboise, and discover the town’s artisan shops and cafes during leisure time. France Off the Beaten Path guests are welcomed as distinguished friends to both hotels.

There is NEVER ANY HOTEL HOPPING on any Off the Beaten Path Tours.

All Tours are home-based, meaning we stay at 1 hotel for the entire tour.

Loire Valley Tour Hotel Photo Gallery

All accommodations on Off the Beaten Path, LLC small group tours offer a charming and historical environment in combination with complete and comprehensive modern amenities and services. Our hotel selections are centrally located to the activities and excursions scheduled for each of our tours. All accommodations on Off the Beaten Path tours of France include large comfortable beds (queen or king size) and fully-equipped, private, en-suite bathrooms.

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RATED 5 STARS BY HUNDREDS OF HAPPY TOUR GUESTS

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A WORD FROM Our Guests:

Exceeded Our Expectations!

“This trip to the Loire Valley exceeded our expectations! Christy planned unique and interesting excursions and activities that highlighted the beauty of the area and provided in-depth background knowledge about the various chateaux we visited. The cooking classes with renowned chefs, held in their restaurants and homes, were never-to-be forgotten experiences, and the visit to the winery was a highlight. The hotel was delightful and charming, and staying in one location for the entire time was a treat. Every meal or cocktail hour was planned to highlight the delicious specialties of the region. Christy is extremely knowledgeable about the various places we visited and imparted that knowledge in an interesting and entertaining manner. She and Remi took great care to ensure that we were always comfortable and well-looked after. We could not have asked for a better trip!” — Ron Rose & Sharon Matsumoto (Have done Provence tour and Loire Valley tour)

This was my third trip in the same number of years

“This was my third trip in the same number of years with Christy and Off the Beaten Path. While on her trips you can tell how much effort there is on the off season to make every single week perfect. From the pick up at the train station to the teary goodbye at the airport, everything is perfectly planned and executed. The hotel in St. Remy is magical, and the tour guides Philippe and David are exceptional. If you are considering a trip with OTBP, go for it and come home with new friends, a love of Provence and a longing to return as soon as you can!” — Beth Bower (Has done Provence tour twice and Loire Valley tour)

The Best Tour Company!

“I have done two tours – Provence and Loire Valley – and I am already looking forward to booking another. The tours are all perfectly curated and Christy is a wealth of knowledge. She is so kind and takes all of your needs and wants into consideration. I cannot recommend Off the Beaten Path enough!” — Madison Carl (Has done Provence and Loire Valley tours)

“We did the Provence tour. 8/2019. I had taken the tour 2017 & this time my husband came with me. It was just as fabulous this time as it was in 2017. Restaurants, picnic, sights, wine, all of it just delightful, but the frosting on the cake is a the knowledge, insight, humor, & attention to detail from David & Philippe. To us, they make a great trip soooo much fun. (also, 3 of our neighbors joined us this tour). Don’t hesitate, take this tour & enjoy!!!!!” — Jim & Carol Dean (Carol has done Provence tour twice)

Returning to Provence with France Off the Beaten Path

“I wanted to return to Provence as soon as it was open. I had toured with Christy in Loire Valley in 2019 and knew I wanted to travel with her again. For the second time, everything was well organized, personal and definitely off the beaten path. Christy and Phillippe have a wealth of knowledge and are eager to share. The hotel was perfectly located in St Remy, the tours to the lavender and sunflower fields are my favorite memory. The lunches and dinners were like visiting friends. The boat tour in Cassis was another highlight. Even though I had visited Provence, this trip with France Off the Beaten Path brought a new appreciation for the area.” — Susan Gage (Has done Loire Valley tour, Provence tour, Champagne tour)

“We had an excellent tour with Christie and her crew in the Loire valley. We did things that only a true insider would have access to-dinner at a Michelin chefs house, helping/learning to cook at a highly rated restaurant in their kitchen. This was in addition to seeing the sights and touring the castles. A truly unique experience that is off the beaten path. We will use her again when going back to France.” — Karen Berner (Has done Loire Valley tour)