Le Haut des Lys Hotel

On By JR

Our little hotel in Villandry was really lovely so I wanted to share it with you. It was run by an adorable couple, Natalie and Pascal, who were so friendly and accommodating with everything we asked.  Their English was very good and we enjoyed talking with them about their beautiful little hotel and we even got to meet their cat, Minette.   When we told Pascal how beautiful Minette was, he got a big grin on his face and said, “Yes, she knows that.”

The hotel has only been open for 2 years since they started the renovation in 2010. Originally this elegant old limestone house, built in the 1800’s, was a refuge for women and girls.  It still has its old charm but has been completely renovated inside with beautiful tile floors and all of the modern conveniences.  The hotel is just up a slight hill from bustling downtown Villandry and thanks to its location and double-paned windows, the rooms are absolutely quiet.  Our room looked over the gardens and right next door there was a pasture with beautiful brown cows!  The best of both the city and countryside. Breakfast was served in the cheerful, sunny breakfast room and was delicious. Those were the best croissants we’ve had – and we’ve had a lot of croissants on this trip!!

Entrance to the Le Haut des Lys.
Gated entrance to the Le Haut des Lys Hotel.

 

The beautiful hotel.
The beautiful hotel. There was a big terrace along the front of the hotel with comfortable patio furniture where you could enjoy the lovely evenings.

 

Natalie and Pascal are perfect hosts - warm, gracious and eager to please.
Natalie and Pascal are perfect hosts – warm, gracious and eager to please.

 

Breakfast layout was beautifully displayed and delicious. Soft cooked eggs cooked to your liking - by you! Best croissants ever!
Breakfast layout was beautifully displayed and delicious. Soft cooked eggs cooked to your liking – by you! Best croissants ever!

 

Cheerful breakfast room.
Cheerful breakfast room.

 

Minette, the perfect cat!
Minette, the perfect cat!
One of the highpoints of the hotel are these stained glass windows in what used to be the chapel. These are absolutely mesmerizing!
One of the highpoints of the hotel are these stained glass windows in what used to be the chapel. These are absolutely mesmerizing! The old chapel is now part of the lounge area and bar. A very inviting area to relax.

 

This is a close-up of 2 of the windows in the morning when the sunlight was pouring in through the windows. They were amazing!
This is a close-up of 2 of the windows in the morning when the sunlight was pouring in through the windows. They were amazing!

 

The beautiful gardens we could see out our windows were lit at night.
The beautiful gardens we could see out our windows were lit at night.

 

This peony bush in the garden had the biggest peonies I've ever seen.
This fragrant peony bush in the garden had the biggest blossoms I’ve ever seen.

 

The hotel is on the Loire by Bike route and welcomes visitors traveling by bike.
The hotel is on the Loire by Bike route and welcomes visitors traveling by bike.

Gentle brown cows in the pasture next door. It doesn't get any more pastoral than this!
Gentle brown cows in the pasture next door. It doesn’t get any more pastoral than this!

 
Thanks Natalie and Pascal for a wonderful visit in your beautiful Loire Valley!

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