BIENVENUE!
Welcome to Maison Loire! To help make your stay with us in Blois even more special and memorable, we’ve compiled all the information you should need during your visit.
The Maison
Maison Loire is housed in a 19th century stately home, or maison bourgeoise, with sweeping views of the Loire river in the heart of Blois—a royal city full of history, culture, and charm.
The historic maison is the centerpiece of the guest experience. Designed on a north-south axis that embraces the symmetry of the period and leads visitors directly to the garden’s bellevue, the building features hand carved stone ornaments, marble fireplaces, herringbone parquet flooring, and Louis XVI plaster moldings that evoke the artistic richness of the Belle Epoque. On the ground floor, the foyer, salon, dining room, and library are clad with boiserie panel moldings against a backdrop of limestone and French white oak parquet flooring, providing a welcoming milieu for guests to socialize.
In 2021, the maison was reimagined with vigilant attention to detail to inspire the most discerning twenty-first century traveler. With a deep reverence for French classic design and the awe-inspiring history of the region, the owners spent nearly a year carefully restoring the property using period materials and reproduction finishes sourced from across Europe to achieve uncompromising authenticity while keeping sustainability and modern comforts front of mind. Layers of art, authentic antiques, noble fabrics, and world treasures collected over the past decade are carefully juxtaposed with contemporary touches to create a profound sense of history and a bold note of modern splendor.
The WiFi password for all of the networks on the property is MaisonLoire.
Smart speakers can be found in all of the common areas. To listen to your favorite artist, simply say, “Alexa….play music by….”
The Gardens
Beyond the rear double doors of the maison, visitors can commune with nature on the expansive terrace that affords sweeping views of the river valley below. The faint gurgling sound from the stone fountain in the adjoining parterre garden adds a sense of repose to the outdoor living space. The gardens become progressively less structured nearer the river with a brilliant variety of flowers basking in the Loire Valley sunshine. The piece de resistance hides in a small grotto at the bottom of the property—a life-size stone statue of Diana the Huntress.
The brasero on the terrace is an ideal place to gather around the fire and socialize. Ask the host for assistance with firewood and kindling.
The Rooms
The elegantly decorated accommodations at Maison Loire pay homage to the indulgence of the region’s noble roots while respecting the serenity of the natural surroundings. Five rooms in the main house—each with modern ensuite bathroom—are flooded with natural light and offer either a fireplace, a lounge area, or panoramic views of the river and city. A fully-equipped independent apartment found in the converted service wing of the maison features a private entrance and direct access to the classic French garden. Every space is well appointed with a carefully curated collection of antiques spanning three centuries, fine fabrics brought from India, and modern comforts. To encourage a total immersion in beauty, tranquility, and nature, televisions are intentionally omitted from the property. Nevertheless the property offers fiber optic WiFi.
All Natural Toiletries scented with lavender and tea tree essential oils are provided in zero-waste refillable containers for guests’ health, wellbeing, and beauty. Organic Cotton Bathrobes invite guests to feel completely at home.
The Host
Nicolas’s appreciation for the French aesthetic is the bedrock of Maison Loire’s excellent customer service. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have.
Nicolas Vasseur
The Location
Maison Loire is perfectly situated with the Blois train station and the city center each a five-minute walk from the maison, making it an ideal spot for weekend visitors from Paris.
18 Rue Augustin Thierry | Blois
The Timing
Check-in is from 14:00 to 17:00. If you need to arrive outside of these hours, simply let us know in advance so we can make sure we are ready to welcome you. We can’t always guarantee early check in, but we are always able to offer guests the option of an early arrival with luggage storage until the reserved room is ready.
Check-out is at 11:00. We offer luggage storage after this time for guests’ convenience.
Breakfast is served from 8:30 to 10:30. Guests can expect a spread of fresh pastries, fruits, yogurts, and charcuterie as well as hot drinks. Guests are welcome to eat in the formal dining room or on the terrace overlooking the Loire Valley.
The Rates
Bed & Breakfast: 200 euros per night (two night minimum)*
Vacation Rental: 165 euros per night (three night minimum)
*published rate includes breakfast
The Town
Maison Loire is perched at the top of a hill in Blois, a historic town famous for its magnificent chateau—the residence of numerous French kings from the 13th to the 17th centuries. Attractions worth visiting in town include…
The Chateau de Blois – A historic monument with four facades representing four grand architectural styles. For a journey throughout French history, don’t miss the nightly sound and light show in the courtyard of the castle at dusk from late April to late September. 10 minutes on foot.
Blois Antiques Market – Stroll the banks of the Loire river while searching for a piece of history to take home. Second Sunday of the month.
Fondation du Doute – Contemporary art center showcasing an eclectic collection of multimedia works in a vibrant space.
The Region
Maison Loire is located in the heart of the Loire Valley of France, a region renowned for its historic castles and concentration of vineyards. Within a half hour drive sit many of the region’s most famous chateaux, vineyards, and charming towns.
Chaumont sur Loire – Medieval castle with modern art installations and annual international garden festival. A Maison Loire favorite. 20 minute drive.
Chambord – The largest castle in the Loire Valley. A Renaissance masterpiece of the French king, Francois I. 25 minute drive.
Chenonceau – Spanning the Cher River, this chateau was home to many French female historical figures. 45 minute drive.
Villandry – Castle with the best example of French-style gardens in the Loire Valley. 60 minute drive.
Château de Montdomaine – A small castle and vineyard that produces natural, biodynamic wines. 40 minute drive. Montdomaine.fr.
Cycling in the Loire – Discover the Valley of Kings by bike with its 800 km cycle route
Hot air balloon ride – Visit the Loire Valley from the sky. Many options for tour operators.
Antiques Markets – Dig for treasure at the region’s morning antiques markets. First Saturday of the month in Amboise. Third Sunday of the month in Chinon. Fourth Sunday of the month in Tours.
Amboise – Charming town with its hilltop castle as well as Clos Luce, the home and gardens of Leonardo Davinci. 30 minute drive.
Meung-sur-Loire – Charming village with canals and a castle. 30 minute drive.
Tours – Larger city with beautiful architecture, extensive shopping, and a French art museum. 50 minute drive.
Chinon – Charming medieval town with castle and ties to Joan of Arc. 80 minute drive.
The Cuisine
Blois has a burgeoning culinary scene and offers many locally grown agricultural products.
The Blois Market boasts more than 100 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and cheeses to handmade pasta, oysters, and handicrafts. Every Saturday morning in the city center during the summer months.
A supermarket called Intermarché is a five minute walk from Maison Loire and offers an extensive selection of fresh groceries, snacks, and alcoholic drinks. It is open from 8:30. to 20:00 every day except Sunday when it is open from 9 to 12:30.
Fleur de Loire ($$$$) – Gastronomical experience curated by two-michelin star chef, Christophe Hay. 5 minute drive. 20 minute on foot.
Au Rendez-vous des Pecheurs ($$$) – Classic French fare in an upscale setting. 5 minutes on foot.
ASSA ($$$) – France meets Japan. Sophisticated. 5 minute drive. 25 minutes on foot. Maison Loire Favorite.
Ezia ($$) – Gastronomical restaurant destined to receive a Michelin star. 15 minute drive. Maison Loire Favorite
La Creusille ($$) – Approachable French cuisine. Opposite side of the river with views of Blois. 6 minute drive. 20 minute on foot.
Cote Loire Auberge Ligerienne ($$) – Market fresh cuisine. 5 minutes on foot.
Bro’s Restaurant ($$) – Charming interior. Artistically plated dishes. Open Mondays.
L’Oratoire ($$) – Set in the the orangery of Blois Castle. 10 minutes on foot.
Diffa ($$) – Local fare in the center of town. 15 minutes on foot.
Brut Maison de Cuisine ($) – Seasonal dishes. Minimalist interior with views of the castle from the opposite side of the river. 5 minute drive. 17 minutes on foot.
Poivre et Sel ($$) – Cosy. Classic French cuisine. 12 minutes on foot.
Le Clipper ($$) – Casual and hip. Lots of outdoor seating in the Place Louis XII. Open 7 days a week until 23:00. 10 minutes on foot.
The Norms
Smoking is prohibited in all interior spaces. Guests who wish to smoke may do so on the rear terrace with the consent of all other guests in the space.
Pets are not allowed on the property due to the liability for the animal, the other guests, and for the property itself.
Street Parking is available throughout the neighborhood free of charge. It is rarely difficult to find a nearby parking spot. However, the city centre is best enjoyed on foot.
Aquatic insects from the Loire River are attracted by light and will invade the rooms if the windows are not closed by dusk. If the interior lights remain off, the windows can remain open without risk of infestation.
Wooden shutters on each of the windows help keep temperatures down in the summer months when temperatures reach 39 * C (100* F) on rare occasions.
Valuables should be locked inside the room when guests are out. Maison Loire cannot be held liable for lost or stolen items.
Bath Towels are only changed out at the explicit request of guests as part of our efforts to minimize water consumption. Nearly 90% of guests agree to help save the environment by using their towels more than once.
Recycling receptacles can be found in the kitchen. Discuss with the host for details.
Property damage should be reported immediately. Maison Loire reserves the right to charge a damage fee of up to 1000 euros to help defray the cost of repair or replacement.
Radiant heating is available in all of the rooms and bathrooms. Gas radiators have a simple knob to regulate the heat. Electric wall-mount heaters found in some of the bathrooms operate with a control panel. Feel free to ask for a tutorial from the host.
Emergency services in France can be reached by dialing 112. Emergency services for deaf and hard of hearing people are at 114. Other important numbers include Police: 17, Firefighters: 18, Urgent Medical Aide Services (SAMU): 15, SOS doctors: 36 24 (0.12 € / min); Pharmacy on duty: 32 37 (0.34 € / min)
We are unable to accommodate visitors with reduced mobility. Given the property was built in the 19th century, all guest quarters are located up at least one flight of stairs. However, please count on us to assist you with your bags.