A troglodyte house full of comfort and light
in the Val de Loire across from Amboise

Our opinion

Pearl of the Loire Valley, Amboise still shimmers with royal city status after making its mark during the Renaissance. With a chateau watching over it, a beautiful river at its border, a mild climate and delicious regional wines, there is an abundance of popular attractions here. Some others, however, are less well known and this only adds to the charm of the troglodyte dwellings. Though typical of the region, they were gradually forgotten. A love for quirky places in the present day, however, has led to them being granted a new lease of life. This property is an excellent example of the trend. Across from Amboise in a village perched above the Loire, the dwelling emerges from the eroded face of the rocky mass that houses it. A south-facing garden and a few windows reveal little of what lies inside: a succession of rooms enveloped in white stone, bathed in a warm light and adorned with furniture and objects that seem to have found where they truly belong. There is a perfect balance of comfort and simplicity in an ode to mineral life. More than just a place to stay, this troglodyte house offers guests an entirely new experience.

Property owners’ take the floor

Why did you settle in this region, in this place and not elsewhere ?

I left Paris in 2013 and the Val de Loire enchanted me with its nature and heritage. Here, perhaps more than anywhere else, the Loire and the hillsides of tuffeau form an ideal setting for the majesty of the great Loire chateaus and the art of gardening and winemaking.

What specific architectural features does your building have ?

These troglodyte dwellings are quite literally in the heart of the Loire Valley. They are ancient cavities from which cut stone was extracted, the most noble building material that Touraine has ever produced.

What is its history ?

Since the 19th century, the troglodyte dwelling has been somewhat abandoned due to the pressures of social image, despite the "noble" troglodyte heritage. The dwelling's mark on the Loire Valley and its imprint on social life are so strong, however, that it has not disappeared completely.

What can you offer people staying with you ?

This tufa-stone property carved into a rocky mass offers a new and unusual perspective to travellers by sharing the other side of Touraine's heritage. The harmony of old and new characterises this property, it is adorned and personalised with contemporary furniture that exudes the spirit of luxury and tranquillity - a "troglo" world of its own.

Places you would personally recommend

Explore the chateau of Valmer and its 16th century gardens where you can taste some of the greatest wines in the Vouvray appellation. Enjoy the traditional dishes from the rich lands in restaurants such as Chez Bruno, La Réserve and the Lion d'Or in Amboise, or the Hotel de France in La Chartre-sur-Loir. Lose yourself in the charmingly old-fashioned Montpoupon Chateau and the museum of venery. Learn about the history of France through the chateaus and heritage of the Loire Valley.

The annex house

400 € - 500 € per week-end

6 persons

2 bedrooms

2 bathrooms

The 130m2 troglodyte cottage can accommodate six people. It consists of two bedrooms, a large living room, a kitchen and a large outdoor terrace. Both rooms sleep four people and are equipped with double beds. The living room has a sofa bed for two people.

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www.amboisetroglodyte.com

Beds : 2 Double - 1 Simple
Wireless Internet connection
Dishwasher
heating
English
Opening date : 1st January to 31st December

The house guests rooms

100 € - 110 € per night

4 persons

2 bedrooms

2 bathrooms

The two troglodyte guest rooms are romantic, spacious and quiet. With a surface area of 25 m2, the Deluxe double room is equipped with a queen size bed and a bath nestled in the corner of the room. The studio, with a surface area of 35 m2, is equipped with a double bed and has a separate bathroom.

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