
labourdaisiere.com
Yes
Nature
History
Food and drinks
Art and culture
Château de la Bourdaisière is a storybook French château hotel in the Loire Valley, reborn as a sanctuary for garden lovers and eco-travelers. Set on a 130-acre estate of forests, orchards, and formal gardens, this 15th-century castle—owned by Louis Albert de Broglie, the “Prince Gardener”—has woven sustainability into every aspect of its mission.
The estate is managed as a living conservatory of biodiversity. Guests can explore an orchard of rare heritage fruit trees, a medicinal plant garden, beehives, and the world-famous Tomato Conservatory, which preserves more than 700 heirloom tomato varieties. These gardens celebrate both history and ecology, preserving ancient species and traditional farming techniques while offering visitors an immersion in nature.
The château’s 29 refined rooms combine antique furnishings with modern eco-friendly amenities. Thick stone walls provide natural insulation, reducing the need for air conditioning, while energy-efficient lighting and water-saving fixtures are discreetly integrated. Guests enjoy a balance of historic elegance and contemporary sustainable hospitality in the Loire.
Every morning begins with produce-driven breakfasts featuring fruits from the orchard and honey from the estate’s hives. The château’s restaurant continues this farm-to-table philosophy, serving seasonal dishes crafted from vegetables and herbs grown on the property alongside locally sourced organic ingredients. Menus evolve with the garden’s harvests—tomatoes in summer take center stage, showcasing the estate’s commitment to seasonal, biodiverse cuisine.
Each September, the château hosts its renowned Tomato Festival, drawing visitors from around the world to celebrate biodiversity and sustainable gardening. Educational programs are central to the estate’s mission: workshops on seed saving, permaculture, and even climate-themed art exhibitions are regularly held in partnership with environmental organizations.
Sustainability extends to land and water management. Drip irrigation and rainwater-fed ponds ensure efficient water use, while sections of the estate are left wild to support pollinators and wildlife. Guests wandering the grounds may encounter hedgehogs, frogs, and a variety of bird species thriving in this safe haven.
Staying at Château de la Bourdaisière feels like stepping into a living eco-museum—one where you sleep in a four-poster bed and wake to peacocks strolling the lawns. Combining luxury, heritage, and sustainability, the château is both a gardener’s paradise and a model of green hospitality in the Loire.