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A Jonathon Hawes Guide to Central France
Central France is a place to slow down. To wake up in a château, spend the afternoon sipping wine, and wander through storybook villages without an itinerary. It’s where French elegance meets countryside charm, where the food is always sublime, and where you leave already planning your next trip back. And if you do it right, you’ll spend at least one night at Château du Grand-Lucé, with a glass of Sancerre in hand, just soaking it all in.

Central France is all about quiet luxury—rolling vineyards, storybook châteaux, and historic towns where the pace is just a little slower. It’s where the Loire Valley’s regal elegance meets Burgundy’s world-class wines and Auvergne’s wild landscapes. This is a region that has charm in spades, from its grand, gilded estates to its small, family-run bistros where the butter is always better than anywhere else.

Having spent time in this part of France, I can say with certainty: it’s impossible not to fall in love with it. Whether you’re wandering through manicured gardens, sipping Sancerre by the river, or tucking into a perfectly cooked Bresse chicken, Central France just gets it.And if you appreciate historic homes with a sense of soul, then you’ll want to stay at Château du Grand-Lucé—one of my absolute favourite properties in the Loire Valley.

Where to Stay: The Best Hotels in Central France

Loire Valley

  1. Château du Grand-Lucé (Le Grand-Lucé) – One of my all-time favorite properties. Designed by Timothy Corrigan, this château was his private residence before he sold it and turned it into a charming, perfectly designed hotel. He’s now restoring another château, and honestly? I can’t wait to see what he does next.
  2. Château de la Bourdaisière (Montlouis-sur-Loire) – A gorgeous 15th-century castle with stunning gardens and an incredible tomato conservatory (yes, really).
  3. Domaine de la Tortinière (Veigné) – A 19th-century manor house with ivy-covered walls, a pool overlooking the Indre River, and a cozy but luxurious feel.
  4. Les Hauts de Loire (Onzain) – A former hunting lodge turned five-star retreat, with one of the best restaurants in the region.
  5. Château d’Artigny (Montbazon) – A Belle Époque dream, with regal suites, a world-class spa, and endless countryside views.

Burgundy

  1. Domaine Les Crayères (Reims) – If you’re visiting Burgundy for the Champagne houses, this grand château is the place to stay. Michelin-starred dining, impeccable service, and a wine list that will ruin you for life.
  2. Hostellerie Le Cèdre (Beaune) – Right in the heart of Burgundy’s wine country, with a Michelin-starred restaurant and a romantic, ivy-covered exterior.
  3. Château de Gilly (Gilly-lès-Cîteaux) – A 14th-century château that used to be home to monks (but with much better wine now).
  4. Le Cep (Beaune) – Charming, elegant, and perfectly placed for wine tastings. Bonus: their spa is phenomenal.
  5. Château de Saulon (Saulon-la-Rue) – A luxury countryside retreat, with incredible Burgundy wines on offer.

Auvergne

  1. Château de Codignat (Bort-l’Étang) – A medieval castle set in the forest, with gilded interiors, grand fireplaces, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
  2. Hôtel Radio (Chamalières) – A gorgeous Art Deco hotel with views over Clermont-Ferrand and the volcanic peaks beyond.
  3. Domaine Saint Roch (Salzuit) – A secluded château retreat, perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring.
Where to Eat: The Best Restaurants in Central France

Let’s be honest—every meal in France feels like a special occasion, but here? It’s another level.

Loire Valley

  1. La Roche Le Roy (Tours) – A Michelin-starred gem, housed in a gorgeous 18th-century manor.
  2. L’Orangerie (Chenonceaux) – Set near Château de Chenonceau, this is where you go for classic French dining with a view.
  3. Auberge du Bon Laboureur (Chenonceaux) – A quintessential country inn, serving refined, traditional cuisine.
  4. Les Hauts de Loire (Onzain) – Hands down, one of the best restaurants in the region. The perfect spot for a long, wine-soaked lunch.
  5. L’Évidence (Montbazon) – A Michelin-starred wonder that’s incredibly chic without being pretentious.

Burgundy

  1. Maison Lameloise (Chagny) – Three Michelin stars. A temple of fine dining.
  2. Le Bénaton (Beaune) – Modern, seasonal, and impossibly elegant.
  3. Auberge de l’Abbaye de Cluny (Cluny) – A hidden treasure in an ancient abbey.
  4. Le Montrachet (Puligny-Montrachet) – Incredible food, an unbeatable wine list, and the most charming setting.
  5. L’Assiette Champenoise (Reims) – A must if you’re pairing Champagne with your meals. Three Michelin stars and worth every euro.
The Best Things to Do in Central France
  1. Château-Hopping in the Loire Valley
  2. Château de Chambord – The most opulent, jaw-dropping château in France.
  3. Château de Chenonceau – The “floating” castle over the River Cher.
  4. Château du Grand-Lucé – (Obviously.)
  5. Wine Tasting in Burgundy & the Loire
  6. Visit Domaine Leflaive, Louis Jadot, and Château de Pommard in Burgundy.
  7. Taste Sancerre and Vouvray in the Loire.
  8. Explore Medieval Villages
  9. Vézelay – A UNESCO-listed hilltop village, famous for its Romanesque basilica.
  10. Yèvre-le-Châtel – Perfectly preserved medieval charm.
  11. Drive Through the Volcanic Landscapes of Auvergne
  12. Hike up Puy de Dôme for the best views.
  13. Visit Vulcania, a fascinating interactive volcano museum.
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