Towards the end of May, we visited the Loire Valley and stayed at a hotel with rooms that are built into caves. Here are some more examples of cave dwellings which have been modernized.  We found these homes just a few minutes down the road from our hotel, between Turquant and Saumur.

Here are some more pictures of our hotel – the Demure de la Vignole … Beside having guest rooms inside caves (see earlier post here), there are other interesting features…

This is a view from our balcony  overlooking the hotel reception building. Notice the parking area situated under the cliff. Above the cliffs are vineyards !

The ugly grey rock on the left is part of our dwelling, our bedroom is upstairs with the triangular windows. The gap between the grey rock and the new (chateau-style) stone building is the main (very narrow) driveway to the hotel parking area.

The hotel’s fitness “center” is also situated inside a cave. The equipment is functional but overall it is a bit shabby.

Sauna ? Did not try it.

The most unique feature is the small swimming pool. This is the entrance to the fitness area and additional guest rooms.

The changing area and shower have a Moroccan accent – quite common in France …

 We had the pool to ourselves … bathing in the colored lights reflecting off the white cave walls.

The rocks in the area are known as tufa, a type of limestone, similar to travertine.

There was nothing special about the water, it was simply standard very lightly-chlorinated swimming pool water. The water was not naturally there.

The rest of the B&B/hotel and common areas …

Dining, reception areas

Terrace (with frogs hopping about)

View from the hotel front garden. The river Loire is just on the other side of the road hidden behind the trees.

More from the area in the next few posts …