Le Prieure d'Orchaise

J'y ai passé une nuit et j'aurais aimé que ce soit plus. Chaleureux ! Antoine est un hôte formidable. Parle anglais (ce qui a aidé car notre français n'est pas génial). Nous sommes arrivés en fin d'après-midi dimanche et n'avions pas eu l'occasion de déjeuner, il nous a sans hésiter organisé un dîner avec un restaurant local déjà complet! Belle maison et jardins, je pense que c'est un euphémisme (nos garçons de 10 et 13 ans ont adoré), tant de joyaux cachés et de choses à découvrir. Si vous avez la possibilité de rester, vous devez! Bon petit déjeuner et une délicieuse sélection de confitures maison! Sera de retour!

We stayed for almost a week in August (two adults, two teens). We had been intrigued by the very strong reviews and scores and the photos looked beautiful. It was our first time in the Loire Valley. I must say, the highly positive reviews were exactly correct. We travel a considerable amount all over the world and this was, hands down, our best stay anywhere. The property is inspiring. The garden is a clearly a labor of love. My wife and I walked throughout it most evenings with a glass of wine. Just stunning and genuinely uplifting. Our two rooms were what we envisioned as quintessential Loire Valley, spacious, immaculately clean, and very comfortable in a classic French style. The house was stunning, beautifully updated and maintained. Again, genuinely inspiring. Breakfast was not only filling and tasty but full of wonderful conversation and people met each morning. Last but not least, our hosts, Antoine and Anne-Marie are absolute gems of human beings. Their generosity and helpfulness is only matched by their passion for and dedication to the Prieure resulting in an incredibly authentic experience for us. This stay has raised our expectations of what is possible. I have always heard of stays that change your perspective but this was the first stay of this magnitude for my family and I. Thank you Antoine and Anne-Marie. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

I wish I’d booked a longer stay here! Host Antoine and his hunting dog, Nola, made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. Held in his family for several generations, the six-acre property is a truly serene and beautiful place. The priory hotel dates back to 1060 but is completely renovated, quiet and comfortable. Windows open for fresh country air. Bath has no shower, just a tub with shower faucet for bathing. If you are lucky, you’ll share an aperitif with Antoine outside before going to dinner at Hotel du Pont (he can call for your reservation as it’s the only place nearby). The gardens have been lovingly tended and curated so you’ll enjoy breakfast with homemade jams from the garden’s fruit, cherries right off the tree, honey from the bees, and eggs from the chicken. Do take time to wander the paths with peonies, roses, trees, ponds and more. Many are labeled. There’s even a sequoia tree from California planted eons ago! Antoine is caretaker for the church h next door and can tell you its history and show you his family mural inside. Small but beautiful and a gem to see. Free parking inside the locked gates (park outside the next door church when you arrive and then move your car inside the gates). Great Wi-Fi. Next time I’m in the Loire Valley, I’ll be booking a longer stay! I was enchanted and hope you will be as well.