The lure of the Loire draws visitors from all corners of the globe, who come to marvel at a constellation of sublime châteaux studding the banks of the fertile river valley. There’s more too: fine wines and fantastic food, lively markets and beautiful towns all wrapped up in beautiful, sleepy countryside. Base yourself at any of our Loire Valley gites with pools for a summer holiday to remember. We’ve handpicked a selection of ancient manors and sturdy farmhouses, modern lodges and even a graceful château, all with a pool to splash, float and swim laps in while you create memories to treasure.
Manoir de la Salle du Roc, Loir-et-Cher
You’ll find plenty of space to spread out at this ancient manor from the middle ages, built against a stone cliff with extensive terraced grounds, a glittering pool and parkland filled with wildlife. Unbend in the large sitting room by the fire or the dining room, filled with antiques. There is a small single bedroom downstairs, the rest are on the first floor and have fine views.
The unique kitchen is built into the rock face but has all the modern fittings and you are left a bottle of the local wine. If you don’t fancy cooking then you can be served a home-cooked three-course dinner in the dining room or Orangery depending on the weather. Summer evenings will be spent on your own terrace overlooking extensive grounds and water gardens.
“This place is truly amazing! The house is huge, with spectacular rooms, and the surrounding area is lovely and peaceful. I’ve never slept so well. Olivier and Olga (and Unix the dog) were perfect hosts.” – Guest, Verity
Le Manoir, Indre-et-Loire
Climb the narrow road past vineyards and fields, and step back in time. Towering over high walls is a mediaeval château and manor house, all soft grey stone, steep roofs and deep windows. Still a working vineyard, from the manor house (your home) you’re free to roam the château’s parkland, a fairytale of topiary, lime tree walks, courtyards and formal gardens, plus hidden pools.
The house retains its mediaeval atmosphere – thick walls, heavy beams, flagged floors – cleverly updated with modern furnishings. In the huge salon, a vast stone fireplace warms you and the former bakehouse is now a sleek kitchen. Dine there or on the grassy terrace. Bedrooms are romantic with views over the parkland. Visit more Châteaux, Villandry gardens, mediaeval towns and Chinon forest. Return to splash in the pool.
“Le Manoir is as beautiful as it looks in the photos, a really special place to holiday. As a family of 4, the gardens were wonderful for allowing the children freedom to explore, feed the donkeys and play while the grown ups soaked up the tranquillity.” – Guest, Jen
La Challerie – La Dépendance, Indre-et-Loire
You have this rustic 15th-century farmhouse all to yourselves and you’re surrounded by acres of rolling wooded countryside, so the peace is deep. The pool is gorgeous and so is the terrace with its lounging area – sun or shade, complete with barbecue. Picnic on smooth lawns, wander the beautiful garden to discover an orchard of peaches, plums and pears – yours to pick when ripe.
Eat honey, goat’s and ewe’s cheeses produced just down the road. Stroll into 11th-century Montrésor for the freshest bread and pâtisserie, visit Loches for its twice-weekly market. Wild swim or boat in the lake at Chemillé, hire bikes locally. There are châteaux and wines to discover too.
“A comfortable house, a pleasant 20-min walk through the fields to the beautiful village of Montrésor. The large pool is fully fenced with a very comfortable covered seating and lounging area.” – Guest, David
Stay at La Challerie – La Dépendance >
Le Clos de Fontenay – Gîtes, Indre-et-Loire
Sweep up the wooded drive to the formal gardens and know you have entered an enchanting place. The graceful château sits in wooded splendour on the banks of the Cher – you can see the river from some of the suitably sumptuous bedrooms. Breakfast well, on homemade preserves, fruit from the garden, eggs from the hens as you sit on the wisteria-shaded terrace by the pool, or in the elegant dining room with an open fire for chilly days.
Swim laps in the pool (open April – September), play billiards in the fab games room or just have a wander; it’s the most relaxed of places. You’re in the heart of the Val du Cher, dotted with opulent aristocratic estates and historic towns – Amboise, Loches and Tours are all close. Borrow bikes and pedal off down La Loire à Vélo. Eat at the local crêperie or go for something more fancy.
“A stunning château with wonderful views down to the river. Cycle rides by the river, wonderful walks, so much to do locally you need a number of days here to be able to enjoy it all.” – Guest, Richard
L’Ecrin de Verdure, Indre-et-Loire
Three quirky lodges, tucked in a hamlet surrounded by vines and truffle orchards, not far from the fertile river banks, near the sleepy farming village of Ligré. There’s so much to do without budging: play pétanque, swim in the pool, stroll through the wider garden, enjoy your own hot tub in Verveine and Rosemary, book a massage or visit the lovely on-site shop. 2CV tours can be arranged to wine and truffle producers.
All three lodges have a private garden and a good-sized kitchen (the one for two with just a hob, no oven) and are well stocked. If you stay for a week you’ll find a bottle of wine, homemade jam and fresh fruit waiting for you. Bedrooms are calm, bathrooms straight out of a country interiors magazine; the vibe is laid-back. Beautiful Chinon is just ten minutes in the car.
“I can’t think of a better place to stay than here! The charming young French owners have created a chic trio of gites – each with a private garden and two with hot tubs.” – Inspector, Nicky
View all our gites in the Loire Valley with pools >
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Carmen McCormack
Guest Expert
Carmen is a freelance writer specialising in travel. She once lived in a bus in north Wales, skipped off to study in Barcelona, and now calls Bristol home. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she can be found reading (a lot), lake swimming (a little), and pottering on the allotment with husband and two kiddos. She’s currently dreaming about cold cerveza and torta in Mexico.
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