“THE PERSON WHO HAS LIVED THE MOST IS NOT THE ONE WITH THE MOST YEARS, BUT THE ONE WITH THE RICHEST EXPERIENCES.”
– Jean Jacques Rousseau
Bienvenue à Maison Loire
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.
Visitors tap into the tranquility, artistry, and sense of belonging that Maison Loire offers through its luxury bed & breakfast and center for culture and wellbeing.
The Maison
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 is constructed of patterned brick and locally quarried tuffeau, a creamy white limestone. Hand carved stone ornaments, marble fireplaces, herringbone parquet flooring, and Louis XVI plaster moldings all evoke the artistic richness of the Belle Epoque.
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.
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. 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 Garden
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 briliant 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 Amenities
Maison Loire has reinterpreted the guest experience with an array of intuitive services worthy of the royal city—whether welcoming visitors with a glass of wine from local vineyards, curating recommendations for discovering the region, arranging massages from our spa partner, or offering a plate of regional delicacies after a day of sightseeing.
Each room features an ensuite bathroom stocked with environmentally friendly, all natural toiletries, and organic cotton bathrobes. Breakfast for guests in the main house features hot drinks and fresh pastries alongside assorted meats and cheeses.
The Rooms & Cottages
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 a 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 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.
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. The maison is perched on 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.
Within a half hour drive sit many of the region’s most famous chateaux, vineyards, and charming towns. Meanwhile. the Blois train station and city center are each a five minute walk from the maison, making it an ideal spot for weekend visitors from Paris.
The Experiences
Maison Loire offers a range of immersive experiences allowing guests to nourish their soul and focus on their wellbeing.
Maison Loire organizes art exhibits, live performances, private events, and corporate retreats capitalizing on the refined interior and spacious terrace.
Maison Loire can offer wellbeing services to guests such as guided meditation & morning yoga by owner Nicolas, a wellbeing devotee who has completed yoga training in India.
With its lush gardens and elegant interiors, Maison Loire is the ideal backdrop for your photo or video shoot.
Maison Loire partners with local vineyards to offer unique wine tasting experiences.
Maison Loire offers wellbeing retreats, artist residencies, and package tours for guests seeking to immerse themselves more fully.
The Hosts
Nicolas’s appreciation for the French aesthetic is the bedrock of Maison Loire’s excellent customer service. With fifteen years of experience in public health, Nicolas is a wellbeing devotee with yoga certificates from India and a deep interest in holistic medicine and medicinal plants. His connections in the art world elevate the caliber of Maison Loire’s art exhibitions and artist residence program.
Alexander’s wide-ranging career in interior design, French art and antiques, classical piano performance, and cultural programming inform both the refined ambiance and varied cultural programming at Maison Loire. An American diplomat since 2017, Alexander has lived in France, Italy, Russia, Hungary, Georgia. Ecuador, India, and Guinea—experiences that have inspired the spirit of discovery at Maison Loire.
The Gallery
Testimonials
Read what our guests have to say about their experience at Maison Loire.
Our thanks to Nicolas for his excellent hospitality in this beautiful house—exquisitely decorated, very well located, quiet, and with a superb view! Nicolas is a very warm and attentive host. The breakfast is excellent: bread and croissants, eggs made to order, good cheeses, fruits; everything is fresh and flavorful. We loved our room—the calm, the comfort and the view is top notch. The bedding is extremely comfortable and the linens are very nice. We hope to return soon and recommend this beautiful house without reservations!
Découvertes
Nicolas has decorated his home beautifully and tastefully with everything in just the right place. It’s a fabulous place to be. We were warmly welcomed on our arrival (and before). Nicolas provided lots of detailed information to help make our stay special. We had a delightful breakfast each morning in the dining room listening to the distant sound of classical music. The bedroom, the bathroom, and the views are wonderful. And with Nicolas’s great local insight, we spent a couple of truly memorable days in Blois. Nicolas gave us excellent recommendations. Staying at his gorgeous home was a delight and great comfort.
Curiosité