Les Hautes Roches stands in Rochecorbon in the Loire Valley (UNESCO World Heritage), a few minutes from Tours. Rooms were carved into limestone cliffs (tuffeau) — one of the few troglodyte hotels with high-end hospitality standards in France. In 2026 it attracts those who want an unconventional stay: historic caves with contemporary comfort, views of the Loire and a restaurant focused on Touraine terroir. It works as a base for visiting Amboise, Chambord and, for an alternative night, the Closerie Belle Vue in Amboise. Rooms start at around €250 in low season — confirm rates on the official website.
From 12th-century monastery to troglodyte hotel
The site has history dating back to the 12th century. The caves served as annexes and cellars for monks at the neighbouring Marmoutier Abbey, founded by Saint Martin of Tours. The light limestone extracted from the cliffs (tuffeau) was used to build Loire Valley châteaux — Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise.
In the 18th century a classical mansion was built against the cliff. In the 1990s the property was renovated to integrate modern rooms into the caves, preserving exposed rock and the mansion façade. The contrast between classical architecture and carved stone is the main visual draw — not a simulated cave, but real caves adapted for hospitality.
Troglodyte rooms, gastronomy and cellar
Les Hautes Roches offers 14 individually decorated rooms, 12 of them carved into limestone. Sleeping in a troglodyte room changes thermal and acoustic sensation:
- Acoustic insulation: The thickness of the rock absorbs external sound — useful after a day visiting châteaux.
- Natural climate control: The rock keeps temperature around 18–20°C in summer and winter, with dehumidification systems for comfort.
- Décor: Exposed rock walls, recessed lighting and classic furniture in terracotta, gold and dark blue contrast with the light stone.
- Natural light: All troglodyte rooms have windows or glass doors in the original cliff openings — views of gardens and the Loire, without claustrophobia.
The hotel restaurant, with panoramic views of the Loire, serves creative cuisine based on local produce: Loire fish (pike, trout), organic garden vegetables and artisanal goat cheeses such as Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine.
The cellar, carved into the rock, maintains stable temperature and humidity. The sommelier organises tastings focused on Vouvray (Chenin Blanc, from dry to sweet and sparkling), plus red wines from Chinon and Bourgueil — regional appellations.
| Service / Detail | Practical Information (Loire 2026) |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address | 86 Quai de la Loire, 37210 Rochecorbon (Loire Valley). |
| 🚗 How to Get There (Access) | 15 minutes by car from Tours TGV station (1 hour from Paris by TGV). A car is recommended to explore the region. |
| ⏰ Hours (Check-in/out) | Check-in from 3:00 p.m.; check-out until 12:00 p.m. Reception with extended hours. |
| 💰 Average Price | Troglodyte rooms from €250/night in low season; €380 – €600/night in high season. |
| 🔗 Official Website | leshautesroches.com |
Practical tips
Troglodyte room: Book ahead — 12 of 14 rooms are carved into the rock. Natural temperature around 18–20°C; bring an extra layer if you feel cold at night in winter.
Wine tasting: Ask the sommelier for dry, demi-sec or sparkling Vouvray — the regional speciality. Chinon and Bourgueil (Cabernet Franc reds) pair well with game dishes in autumn.
Château route: Ideal base for Château d'Amboise (20 min by car), Château de Chambord (45 min) and Vouvray wineries nearby. Buy Chambord and Chenonceau tickets online in advance — queues at the ticket office can be long in high season.
Car recommended: The region is spread out; TGV to Tours works, but châteaux and wineries require travel. Free parking at the hotel.
Frequently asked questions
1. Are troglodyte rooms damp or cold?
No. The hotel installed controlled mechanical ventilation and silent dehumidifiers. Humidity is kept at comfortable levels; underfloor radiant heating regulates temperature in winter.
2. Is the hotel accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Some troglodyte rooms and common areas have steps, narrow corridors and difficult access for wheelchair users. Contact the hotel before booking to check ground-floor options.
3. Do the rooms have windows to the outside?
Yes. All troglodyte rooms have windows or glass doors in the original cliff openings, with natural light and views of gardens and the Loire.
Combine with guides on this site
To keep exploring on this site, these guides pair well with this article: Amboise, Château de Chambord and Closerie Belle Vue.
Editorial note: prices, opening hours and booking conditions in this guide are references checked against official and institutional sources in July 2026. Confirm on the official website before your visit, as details may change.