Le Manoir Saint Thomas takes you on a journey back in time. Built on an ancient priory founded in the 11th century, its historic charm blends seamlessly with modern luxury to offer guests the most memorable stay. This four-star château hotel is the feature accommodation for our Cycling in the Royal Loire Valley trip, offering the perfect base from which to explore the stunning Loire Valley. We speak to Hotel Director, Monsieur Lucette, to discover what makes Le Manoir Saint Thomas a unique and captivating place to stay.
Originally founded by Hugues I of Amboise in the 12th century, Le Manoir Saint Thomas has been writing its history as we know it today. Over the years, the manor has belonged to various noble Amboise families (notably Jean Rouer in the 17th century, who was also mayor of Amboise). It has also hosted a myriad of royalty, including King François I and Diane de Poitiers. Monsieur Lucette reveals how, more recently, it has welcomed French politicians, TV presenters, writers and artists, who are all seeking a serene space to relax.
Over the last thirty years, Le Manoir Saint Thomas has undergone several restorations. “The entire hotel and its nine rooms were redecorated in 2023,” says Monsieur Lucette. However, he reassures us that Le Manoir Saint Thomas remains “a unique building steeped in history, surviving through the centuries to become a luxurious place to stay while retaining its historic charm.” This attention to maintaining the hotel’s history is clear. Many of the windows are stained glass, and some have medallions. Then there’s the beautiful, mullioned windows and winged dragons that add to the château’s intrigue.
For classical art fans, there are numerous reproductions of Vermeer’s works throughout Le Manoir Saint Thomas. “The owner, Annik Besson, feels his works reflect the reality of the place and its characters,” Monsieur Lucette explains. In fact, the style and décor of the hotel are based on this infamous Dutch painter. “Vermeer’s works often open onto stained-glass windows like those in the manor house, with an inlet of light illuminating the scene,” says Monsieur Lucette. He continues to describe how the hotel’s owner wanted to reflect an image of luxury, so the furniture was carefully chosen for each space. “The living room with its Renaissance fireplace is very pleasant during the winter season.”
During your stay at Le Manoir Saint Thomas, you’ll have access to the heated swimming pool and in-room massages offered by professional local providers. The ten personalised bedrooms are characterised by their colour, from a carpeted, cosy yellow room or one with exposed beams and parquet floor to the Superior Rooms with their stained-glass windows, painted beams and marble fireplace. Monsieur Lucette’s favourite is room number 10. Said to have welcomed King François I and Diane de Poitiers in the 15th century, its salamanders and herringbone ceilings decorated with fleur-de-lis dolphins still bear witness to their stay.
It is undeniable that the château is full of mystique. Monsieur Lucette reveals how they recently discovered a hidden safe sealed in one of the hotel walls, “No one can say what was inside!” Then there’s the extraordinary fireplace in the living room, signed by a cabinetmaker and dating from the 19th century.
Step outside Le Manoir Saint Thomas, and you’re in the centre of Amboise, just moments away from three historic châteaux: Château Royal d’Amboise, Château du Clos Lucé and Château Gaillard. On the first day of our Cycling in the Royal Loire Valley trip, you’ll have the opportunity to explore them all. The Château Royal d’Amboise is famous for hosting many kings and queens of France, including Charles VIII and his wife Anne de Bretagne and the illustrious François I. Meanwhile, the Château du Clos Lucé was home to Leonardo da Vinci, who, according to Monsieur Lucette, is the greatest genius of all time. Château Gaillard’s claim to fame is having one of the King’s gardeners, Dom Pacello, as its guest. And he was no ordinary gardener. On the contrary, Dom Pacello is credited for designing the first French Renaissance Garden, “The King’s Gardens.”
While Le Manoir Saint Thomas is situated in the heart of the royal city of Amboise, it is within easy reach of the picturesque, romantic landscape for which the Loire Valley is well known. Our Cycling in the Royal Loire Valley trip guides you through the vineyards from château to château to discover these gems. Monsieur Lucette recommends a visit to the Château de Chenonceau, whose famous arches appear to be mystically floating on water. “With its architecture, forest and gardens, it’s a real pleasure to cycle there from Amboise along the ‘Royal Road’, an exceptional cycling loop.”
Our itinerary also includes cycling to the Vouvray vineyards. On the way, you’ll pass magnificent Renaissance private châteaux, such as Château de Valmer (renowned for its Italian and vegetable gardens), and the beautiful Château de Jallanges, as well as numerous troglodyte houses. Be sure to stop to sample a glass of Vouvray wine along the way; the region is well-known for its exceptional whites.
Other fabulous activities that Monsieur Lucette recommends in the region include visiting the wine cellars and local cheese producers. For more outdoor adventure, there is canoeing, hot-air ballooning, and hiking, all of which provide a chance to take in this spectacular verdant landscape. Events and entertainment frequently take place at the nearby Château Royal d’Amboise, from concerts and markets to medieval spectaculars. Time your visit right, and you’ll get to absorb more of this remarkable culture of the Loire Valley.
In a region packed with history, culture and natural beauty, the Loire Valley offers something for everyone to enjoy. Cycling with our Loire Valley trip allows you to make the most of your time here, and staying at Le Manoir Saint Thomas offers the opportunity for you to become fully immersed in all its delights. However, with so much to experience, you’ll likely want to book a return visit!
To find out more about this trip and Le Manoir Saint Thomas, please visit our trip page or get in touch with our team.
