Les Hautes Roches

The Loire Valley was for centuries famously home to ‘troglodytes’, local residents who lived in caves dug into the soft bedrock. Today, you’ll still find troglodyte homes, restaurants, zoos – and hotels.

This cosy four-star is one of the best, with calming, luxurious ‘troglodyte’ rooms carved into the neighbouring cliff. There’s a fine seafood-theme gastronomic restaurant and lovely views over the Loire River.

It’s close to Tours, making it an excellent central base to explore the Loire Valley’s main attraction.s