"If you love hotels with history, this is the place for you. Once a monastery, then a prison, and now the resting place of Richard the Lionheart, staying here feels like being immersed in centuries of French history. The setting within the former Fontevraud Abbey is truly unique and gives the hotel an atmosphere that is difficult to find elsewhere.
Just outside the hotel grounds is the picturesque village of Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, with restaurants, bars and a traditional boulangerie. One of my favourite memories was heading out for my early morning runs before the day had begun and smelling fresh bread and pastries coming from the boulangerie. It was one of those simple, wonderfully French moments that really added to the experience.
The hotel also makes a great base for exploring the Loire Valley, with its châteaux, vineyards and beautiful countryside all within easy reach. After a day of exploring, returning to the peaceful surroundings of the abbey was a real pleasure.
For a special occasion, I’d definitely recommend treating yourself to dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. It was the perfect way to round off our stay and made the whole experience even more memorable.
Overall, this is much more than simply a place to stay. The combination of history, character, location and atmosphere makes Fontevraud L’Ermitage a genuinely memorable hotel experience."