Amidst the tranquil backdrop of one of the most magical regions in France, a luxuriant hotel casts its spell to provide a peaceful sanctuary where time seems to melt away and nature sings her exultant song. Brushed with early summer sunlight, this picturesque manor—situated on a vast expanse of age-old woods just two hours away from the City of Light—stands ready to offer a respite to all those seeking an Arcadian escape.
As dawn breaks over the Loire Valley, waves of rose-hued clouds drift across the sky, and a pale gold band emerges on the horizon. Below, gossamer mist rises from the surface of a lake christened “The Mirror,” upon which a small boat rocks gently as the reflection of a stately château glimmers softly. Set amidst verdant woodlands, La Borde en Sologne Château & Spa was built in the seventeenth century in the village of Vernou-en-Sologne and has been in the extended family of Anabelle Ubald-Bocquet since 1904.
“For me, the area has always been the place where I can breathe, relax, and enjoy nature,” explains Anabelle. When an opportunity arose to acquire the estate, she and her husband, Jean-Marie de Mourgues, were eager to preserve the heritage of the property while injecting interiors with new life. The couple added luxe modern touches that juxtapose playfully with old-world grandeur and imbue the atmosphere with comfortable ease. “We transformed this sleeping beauty into a luxurious but approachable hotel,” says Anabelle.
Just a stone’s throw away from Blois, Chambord, and Cheverny, the castle grounds extend across roughly one hundred acres, enveloping visitors with a complete sense of escape. Well-manicured gardens brimming with blushing roses and fragrant lavender invite enchanting strolls, while sun-dappled paths in the forest or alongside the Loire beckon both those on foot and bicycle. The spa, housed in the former orangery, offers organic restorative treatments for those seeking a gentler retreat.
Nature’s reach extends to the gold-paneled dining room of Mémoire, the hotel’s restaurant, where the menu echoes the ever-changing seasons. With light streaming through its noble windows and a gentle breeze rippling the leaves of ancient trees beyond, La Borde en Sologne Château & Spa stands ready to offer a rejuvenating reprieve for all those willing to embrace its pastoral bliss.
