Palais D’Or | 7-Bedroom Villa with Spa in Loches

Fourteen guests arrive at an 18th-century palace wrapped within the ramparts of Loches, a walled citadel that has hosted royalty and shaped French history. This luxury villa rental in Loches, France commands views across medieval battlements from a private acre where hammocks swing between fruit trees and a subterranean games room waits below.

The moment you approach Palais D’Or through its wrought-iron gate, the outside world—the tourists queuing at the Château de Loches just down the lane, the restaurant crowds gathering in the old town—all recede. What remains is the sound of your own footsteps on stone floors and the particular silence that comes with staying inside 500 years of history.

Inside Palais D’Or

Palais D’Or sleeps 13 guests across 7 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, distributed between the main palace and a separate pavilion set within the grounds. The arrangement suits extended families or groups who want togetherness without constant proximity.

The main palace centres on an entrance hall that flows into a living room anchored by a marble fireplace and tall French doors revealing the formal garden. Natural light floods through these same doors into the dining room, where a table seats up to 12 guests—the kind of space where candlelit dinners become the evening’s main event rather than a means to feed hunger. The kitchen occupies its own wing, a serious room with vaulted ceilings, a La Cornue stove (the workhorse that serious cooks dream about), dual dishwashers, and paired fridge-freezers alongside a dedicated wine fridge—recognition that in the Loire Valley, wine storage carries the same weight as any other utility.

The library breaks the formality with a TV and PlayStation 4, a refuge for those moments when children need screens or adults need to retreat. A guest WC sits discreetly off the main floor.

The first floor of the palace holds four bedrooms. Two offer king-size beds dressed in premium linens, one sleeps two guests in a double configuration, and a single bedroom provides flexibility for teenage children or additional guests requiring independent sleeping quarters. The primary bathroom features a full bathtub, rain shower, bidet, and dual sinks—the kind of bathroom that transforms morning routines into something approaching luxury rather than necessity. A separate shower room on this floor contains a striking spine shower with its own architectural presence, alongside sink and WC.

The lower ground floor reveals a gym equipped for serious fitness work and a pool table for less serious competitions.

The pavilion, a self-contained structure within the garden, contains three additional bedrooms and its own complete kitchen and living-dining area. This arrangement allows multi-generational groups to share the experience without sharing every meal or morning. The pavilion’s main floor features a living-dining space with lounge seating and a table for six, a well-equipped kitchen with oven, hob, dishwasher and fridge-freezer, guest WC, and laundry facilities. Two double bedrooms occupy the first floor alongside a full bathroom with bath and shower. A second-floor bedroom with twin beds and low sloping ceilings suits children best, accessed via steep stairs.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The one-acre garden is neither manicured into submission nor left wild—it occupies that middle ground where formality meets functionality. Gravel paths pass between specimen fruit trees. Hammocks stretch between sturdy supports. Benches appear at strategic points where the eye is drawn by sightlines across the garden toward the bell tower of St-Ours Church visible above the rampart walls.

The al-fresco dining terrace accommodates fourteen guests, pitched at the exact angle where the setting sun doesn’t glare directly into diners’ eyes. The barbecue sits ready for grilling fish or lamb. Outdoor lounge furniture scatters across the grass—not in a deliberately designed way, but allowing guests to create their own arrangements.

Below grade, accessed via the underground games room, table tennis and table football equipment promises entertainment that requires no screens. This subterranean space, carved from the hill itself, maintains a cool temperature even during July heat.

The garden wraps the property like a protective boundary, bounded by the rampart walls that have defended Loches for centuries. Parking for three cars sits within the property boundaries, with additional spaces a 3-minute walk outside the citadel walls.

Location: Loches and the Surrounding Area

Loches sits 45 kilometres southeast of Tours, in the Centre-Val de Loire region, and claims distinction as the Loire Valley’s only completely walled town. The citadel—where Palais D’Or is positioned—crowns a rocky spur overlooking the River Indre, a defensive position that has held strategic importance since the 11th century.

The Château de Loches, with its formidable 11th-century keep (the Donjon), stands within walking distance, its manicured gardens and medieval walls offering morning exploration before breakfast. St-Ours Church, its Romanesque architecture distinctive even from a distance, sits virtually adjacent to the property. Both are fundamental to understanding why Loches mattered historically and why it remains remarkable today.

The lower town beneath the citadel spreads along the riverside, its medieval street grid largely unchanged since the 14th century. The Tuesday and Saturday markets bring local produce, flowers, and prepared foods to the main square—the kind of market where farmers arrive with vegetables still bearing morning dew and where regular visitors earn a wave from their favourite cheese vendor. Restaurants cluster throughout these narrow streets, ranging from casual crêperies to establishments that take their wine lists as seriously as their cooking. The River Indre itself invites activity: canoe and kayak hire are available in the town proper, and the Indre à Vélo cycling trail follows the riverbank for 65 kilometres, offering everything from easy family rides to proper workout loops.

Tours, 45 kilometres to the northwest, serves as the Loire Valley’s largest city and cultural anchor—its cathedral deserves a day trip, and its restaurants reflect several generations of Michelin-rated cooking. Vouvray, famous for its white wines made from Chenin Blanc grapes, lies 20 kilometres north, with numerous domaines open for tasting and cellar tours. The gardens of Chédigny, a village dedicated entirely to garden aesthetics, occupy 15 kilometres to the east. Montrésor, designated one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, sits 12 kilometres southeast, its riverside château and medieval street layout making it the kind of place where an afternoon visit becomes a three-hour experience.

The most famous Loire châteaux are within easy reach: Château de Chenonceau, perhaps the valley’s most photographed property, lies 30 kilometres northwest; the Royal d’Amboise, with its Renaissance architecture and Leonardo da Vinci connections, sits 25 kilometres northwest. Château de Villandry, renowned for its formal gardens arranged in geometric patterns, is 35 kilometres away.

Tours Val de Loire Airport, 50 kilometres distant, accommodates international flights with approximately 50-minute drive time. Paris Charles de Gaulle, 240 kilometres north, represents the major European hub alternative, requiring roughly a 2.5-hour drive.

The best months to visit are May, June, September, and October—warm enough for garden evenings but cool enough that the villa’s substantial stone walls provide natural temperature regulation. July and August bring crowds and summer heat that can push 30°C. Spring tulips emerge in late April, and autumn leaves peak in late October. Explore our villas in Centre Val De Loire to discover other properties across this remarkable region, or browse our full collection in France for alternative destinations. For broader travel inspiration, consult our France travel guide.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended family reunions find their natural home here. Seven bedrooms across two buildings allow parents, adult children, and grandchildren to coexist without friction—everyone has their own retreat but gathers in communal spaces for meals and evening activities. The pavilion structure proves particularly valuable for multi-generational groups.

Groups of friends traveling together benefit from the shared kitchen facilities and games room; the scale allows for both group activities and smaller breakaway moments. Corporate retreats seeking a memorable off-site location find the historical setting distinctive and the capacity appropriate for teams of 10-14 people.

Couples seeking medieval immersion will find the citadel location transformative, though the villa’s size makes it perhaps more economical when shared with friends. Families with children of varying ages appreciate the subterranean games room, outdoor space, and proximity to child-friendly activities including cycling, riverside picnics, and château exploration.

Practical Information

Palais D’Or accommodates 13 guests: the main palace contains 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms across two floors; the pavilion contains 3 additional bedrooms and 1 bathroom across three levels. The twin-bedded pavilion room suits children best due to its dimensions.

Tours Val de Loire Airport sits 50 kilometres away (approximately 50 minutes by car). Car rental is essential—public transportation in this region is limited, and exploring the surrounding châteaux and villages requires mobility.

A supermarket and pharmacy operate in the lower town of Loches, an approximately 5-minute walk from the citadel. The palace is set within the historic walled town, so arrival requires parking outside the walls and a short walk uphill through the gates.

The rental includes Wi-Fi throughout, heating, linen, towels, and use of all games room equipment. A maid service is available on request. The pre-stocked fridge option can be arranged in advance, allowing arrival without the necessity of immediate food shopping. Guests with pets should enquire directly—pets are accommodated by arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions about Palais D’Or

How many guests does Palais D’Or sleep?

Palais D’Or sleeps up to 13 guests across 7 bedrooms. The main palace contains 2 king-size double bedrooms, 1 standard double, and 1 single bedroom. The pavilion contains 2 additional double bedrooms and 1 twin bedroom suitable for children, along with a self-contained kitchen and lounge. The configuration allows for flexible arrangements depending on group composition.

What is the nearest airport to Palais D’Or in Loches?

Tours Val de Loire Airport lies 50 kilometres northwest of Loches, approximately 50 minutes by car. This airport handles direct flights to major European cities. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, the principal international hub for France, sits 240 kilometres north (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes drive). Car rental is recommended for exploring the surrounding Loire Valley châteaux and villages.

What is the best time of year to rent Palais D’Or?

May, June, September, and October provide ideal conditions—warm daytime temperatures suitable for garden dining and outdoor activities, with cooler evenings that make the villa’s historic stone walls welcome. July and August draw peak tourist crowds to Loire Valley attractions and produce temperatures regularly exceeding 28°C. Spring (April-May) brings blooming gardens and flowering châteaux grounds; autumn (September-October) offers golden light and dramatically reduced visitor numbers at major sites. April and November represent shoulder seasons with unpredictable weather but significantly lower accommodation prices.

Is Palais D’Or suitable for families with children?

Palais D’Or works well for families with children of school age and older. The one-acre garden provides extensive outdoor play space. The underground games room contains table tennis and table football equipment. The River Indre immediately outside Loches offers supervised swimming areas in summer. The nearby Château de Loches keeps children engaged with its towers and ramparts. The slower pace of Loches town—narrow streets without heavy vehicle traffic—makes it comfortable for families cycling or walking. Very young children should note the steep pavilion stairs and lack of door on the twin bedroom, which may require adapted arrangements.

What is included in the rental price at Palais D’Or?

The rental includes Wi-Fi internet access throughout both the palace and pavilion, heating (essential during cooler months), linen, towels, and full use of kitchen equipment including the La Cornue stove, dishwashers, fridge-freezers, and wine fridge. Games room equipment (table tennis, table football, pool table) is included. PlayStation 4 access in the library is available. A pre-stocked fridge option can be arranged prior to arrival, eliminating the need for immediate shopping. Maid service is available on request at additional cost. Pets may be accommodated subject to prior arrangement and possible additional fees.

What restaurants and shops are near Palais D’Or?

The lower town of Loches, a 5-minute walk downhill from the citadel, contains numerous restaurants ranging from casual crêperies and casual bistros to fine dining establishments. The Tuesday and Saturday markets operate year-round at the main town square, offering fresh produce, local cheeses, flowers, and prepared foods. A supermarket and pharmacy serve the town. The Indre riverfront area contains additional dining options with riverside seating. Towns within 15-30 kilometres, including Montrésor and Chédigny, have additional restaurant options. Tours, 45 kilometres away, hosts numerous Michelin-rated restaurants and comprehensive shopping facilities.