Fleur de Loire

Pauline telling Rosemary and Hervé about the historic pillars in the bar.

Fleur de Loire is a new 5 star hotel with a 2 star Michelin restaurant at Blois. The chef is locally born and raised Christophe Hay [link], who is the only chef in the Touraine Loire Valley who has more than one star. We were invited to visit along with Loire ConneXion, on an outing organised by Summer Jauneaud, who is Loire Valley Concierge. Pauline Bernard the General Manager took us around and it was a very useful and interesting visit. 

The chef's Maserati in the courtyard. It is the only car allowed to park here. Guests cars are parked by the staff in a carpark hidden behind the eastern wing of the hotel.

It's a hotel for people who don't do the outdoors, although ironically it is perfectly placed for the Loire a Vélo cycle path. I've no doubt that the hotel does a great job of attending to their guests well being (Fr. bien etre), and this focus is just as is should be according to the latest industry trend reports. The main attractions are the Michelin starred restaurant and the Sisley spa [link]. There is a second restaurant too, with magnificent views over the Loire towards Blois, and a €75 a head gastronomic menu [link]. The decor is all soft purpley beigey blue greys that reference the river, with lots of black and white photos, mostly taken by Christophe Hay himself, and works of art by featured artists which change regularly [link]. The 112 staff wear turquoise uniforms and there are 44 rooms.

The Sisley spa.

The building is U-shaped, with an open courtyard facing the Loire on its left (south) bank. It was built by Gaston d'Orléans, the troublesome brother of Louis XIII (the king in the Three Musketeers) and up until now has been a hospice of one sort or another (most latterly an aged care home).

The Kiosk a patisseries [link], with a lovely view of the Loire and Blois.

The project has cost 9 million euros.

Wagu style beef, produced near Angers, on display in the Amour Blanc restaurant.

A typical room (not a suite, which we didn't see), with a view over the Loire.

Red wines in the 'cellar', a controlled atmosphere storeroom in the Michelin starred restaurant.

The Michelin starred restaurant.

Table setting in the Michelin starred restaurant, on the 'Chef's Table'.

The view of the Michelin starred kitchen that diners get.

The Michelin starred kitchen.