In March 2018, the hotel Le Relais de Chambord opened next door to one of France’s most romantic châteaux in the Loire Valley. The opening is a joint project between the French government and entrepreneur Frederic Jousset to revitalize an existing relais set in a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Domaine de Chambord.

The 55-room hotel is located less than two hours from Paris, but remains a world away.

The Château de Chambord  a 5,440-hectare estate, or domaine, is surrounded by a 32km wall — the enclosed area is roughly the same size as central Paris. It is the largest enclosed nature reserve in Europe, rich in wild woodlands and heathland.

Guests of Le Relais de Chambord can explore the reserve with a forest guide, visit the waterways and view deer and wild boar. They can also cycle along the 4km canal or walk through 20km of new trails. Guests have access to the Château’s grounds at all times of day.