L'Aubinière

The restaurant was a highlight for us. Every meal was full of flavor, beautifully prepared, and inspired by local food, so each dinner felt like a special occasion. We found L’Aubinière while searching online, and this family-owned hotel turned out to be a wonderful surprise. Odile and Jacques ( a wonderful chef) are gracious, kind hosts who clearly want guests to feel at home. The accommodations are comfortable, thoughtfully designed, and carefully maintained. The people behind the place bring its magic through their passion, personal touch, and attention to detail. It's more than a hotel, it's an experience we'll remember, and we're eager to return.

The restaurant is known around the Amboise valley for its cuisine, and with good reason. There are two menus, each with choices, and the food is creative and high quality, with excellent service and a strong wine list. I'd recommend the Vouvray Huet. Book well ahead. I live in the next village, and St Ouen is a beautiful place for walks through the valley and around Pocé sur Cisse. It's also a great base for visiting the area's castles.

A generous, first rate breakfast with local products was a lovely start to the day. Dinner was absolutely first rate, too, with wonderful dishes and a nice list of local wines. We enjoyed aperitifs outdoors beforehand and digestifs in the poundage afterward, making for a relaxed, pleasant evening. L’Aubiniere is a wonderful hotel and restaurant in a quiet countryside hamlet just north of Amboise. The rooms are spacious, clean, and nicely decorated, and the public areas are pleasant. We had a wonderful stay.

We stayed two nights in a “privilege” room and loved it. The owner made us feel like VIPs. The room was comfortable and clean, and the setting felt peaceful and private. The small spa area was clean and enjoyable. We had breakfast and dinner both nights, and both were excellent.