Maison Rivière
There are gardens behind us and a long stretch of riverbank in front. The restaurant serves a seasonal menu most evenings. Breakfast runs late.
The same family has run the hotel for three generations. It is large now, but the staff still learn your name.
Our largest suite, with the river on two sides.
French doors straight onto the walled garden.
By the wine cellar, looking onto the courtyard.
The table
There is no real menu. Breakfast is the main event, served late in the walled garden when the weather holds. Eggs come from a farm up the road. We fetch the bread that morning. Coffee keeps coming until you wave it off.
The restaurant runs a short seasonal menu most evenings, built from the garden and the Tuesday market. It is candlelit and unhurried. Book a table when you reserve your room.
Things to do
The good vineyards start about half an hour out, around Vouvray and Chinon. We will call ahead so a grower pours for you, not a shop assistant.
The château at Azay-le-Rideau is a five-minute walk from the door. Chenonceau and Villandry are a short drive, easy to do before lunch.
Villandry has the famous Renaissance kitchen garden, twenty minutes away. Go in June, when the rows are full.
Borrow one of our bikes for the towpath. Or we will sort you a canoe on the Indre, which is shallow and slow, more herons than people.
The hotel
Guest reviews
We slept better here than we have in months. Our room looked straight out at the water, and breakfast was in the garden every morning. Three nights felt short.
Booking direct came out a good bit cheaper than the big sites. They knew our names by the first evening. The Atelier had room to spare for the four of us.
A grand old hotel run by people who clearly love it. The room was spotless and quiet. Good wine in the cellar bar. We are already planning the next trip.
Offers
3 nights, pay for 2½
Stay Friday to Monday and the third night is half price. Breakfast and a bottle on arrival are included.
2 nights, dinner included
Two nights, with our set dinner and a few Loire wines to taste on the first evening.
2 nights, Tuesday to Thursday
Our cheapest nights, midweek when it is quietest. Late checkout, and the garden mostly to yourself.
All offers are best booked direct. Prices are a guide, for two sharing.
Where we are
Good to know
Questions
Check-in is from 3pm, check-out by 11am. Arriving earlier or leaving later? Tell us. We will hold your bags and can usually work something out.
Yes. The garden breakfast comes with every room, every morning.
Yes. Take the TGV to Tours, about two hours from Paris, then a local train or a lift we will arrange. The village is small enough to walk.
Dogs are fine in two of the rooms and anywhere in the garden. Tell us in advance so we put you in the right one.
Book with us directly and you can cancel free up to 48 hours before you arrive. It is also the lowest price you will find.
Yes. We host small weddings and family gatherings, with part of the hotel set aside for the party. Write to us and we will talk it through.
Our story
Maison Rivière opened on the banks of the Loire in 1961. Our grandparents took in their first guests by accident, when the road flooded and two travellers were stuck for a week. They never really stopped.
The Hotel