Loire Valley Lodges Awarded One Key as Michelin Debuts New Rating System For France’s Finest Hotels

London, April 2024 // Loire Valley Lodges, a contemporary boutique hotel located in 300 hectares of private forest in Esvres, South Tours, is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a Michelin Key, as the Michelin Guide unveiled its inaugural ranking of Michelin Keys for France last week, marking its first foray into hotels.

Since its opening in 2020, this bucolic retreat has sought to celebrate the marriage of art, nature and wellbeing, focusing on the art of slow, coupled with discreet yet warm service and innovative gastronomic experiences. As part of its 2024 cultural programming, this season will see the hotel welcome new guest chefs, Portuguese-born Gil Nogueira and Japanese native, Sayaka Sawaguchi at one of its two restaurants, Asperatus. An enhanced wellbeing offering sees the addition of saunas to three additional lodges (now six complete with sauna and jacuzzi) and a new sound bath and healing sessions for guests at the hotel’s newly constructed zome.

Anne Caroline Frey, Director & Founder of Loire Valley Lodges commented: 

“It is a real honour to see Loire Valley Lodges awarded a Michelin Key in the Guide’s first ever such rating system, especially as the only hotel in our department to feature. This award is testament to the entire team at Loire Valley Lodges and their unwavering commitment, passion and dedication as they go above and beyond to deliver an unforgettable guest experience here in the heart of the forest. As we enter a new season, we are excited to bring the best of Loire gastronomy, nature and hospitality to our valued guests in 2024.”

Crucially, Michelin said that its goal is to evaluate hotels beyond basic amenities, placing a premium on their restaurants, design, and service. It said it is focusing on the local character, individuality, and an overall memorable guest experience. With 189 distinguished establishments across France among the 600 hotels in the new guide, Michelin celebrates the talent and dedication of these hospitality professionals, setting a new standard for excellence in the hotel industry.

The keys are bestowed upon establishments in the Guide’s hotel selection offering the most remarkable stay experiences. Awarded by the Michelin Guide’s inspectors based on anonymous stays or visits, and independent of any existing tourism labels, distinctions or quotas, the Michelin Keys establish themselves as a new international benchmark for travellers, guiding them towards accommodations distinguished by their unique hotel concept, strong personality, and exceptionally high level of hospitality and service. 

Nightly rates at Loire Valley Lodges from 440 euro including breakfast; www.loirevalleylodges.com