Hotel de France
Old-world French provincial with a serious motorsport obsession. Think crystal chandeliers, four-poster beds, and autographed racing photos. Warm and genuinely personal — this is not a chain hotel experience.
Request a room at the front of the hotel — they face the square and have the most character
Why It Matters
One of the most historically significant motorsport hotels in the world. Since 1953 it has served as the base camp for Le Mans 24 Hours racing teams and hosted Steve McQueen, Jackie Onassis, Bobby Kennedy, Sir Stirling Moss, and René Coty. The hotel holds living, documented motorsport history — not just framed prints but actual rooms where drivers slept before the race.
A storied, ivy-covered Art Deco hotel on the main square of La Chartre-sur-le-Loir, a small market town on the banks of the Loir River. For over 65 years this has been the de facto clubhouse for Le Mans 24 Hours teams — spotted by Aston Martin's race director in 1953, it went on to host Ferrari, Porsche, Ford, and Triumph, plus the occasional head of state and film star. British owner Martin Overington bought it in 2013 and renovated all 25 rooms without stripping the soul out of the place: the bar walls are still covered in signed photos of Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell.
Where You'll Stay
8 room types available
Classic Double
A double room with private bathroom. Located in The Ivy House. Carpeted, with fan heating, wardrobe, tea/coffee maker, electric kettle, flat-screen TV, and DVD player. Sleeps up to 2.
Double
Classic Family
Family-configured room sleeping up to 4. Located in The Ivy House. Interconnecting room option may be available. Cribs available. Flat-screen TV, tea/coffee maker, private bathroom.
Multiple
Classic Twin
Twin-bedded room sleeping up to 2 adults, located in The Ivy House. Same amenities as Classic Double — flat-screen TV, tea/coffee maker, private bathroom.
Twin
Deluxe Double/Triple
The Deluxe tier brings noticeably more polish — think crystal chandeliers, four-poster beds in some units, elaborate wallpapers, thick carpets, and plush bespoke furniture. Located in the Main Building. Air conditioning. Up to 2 adults (triple configuration available). These are the rooms to request for a special occasion.
Double or TripleDeluxe Twin
Twin-bedded Deluxe room with the same elevated decor as the Deluxe Double — quality linens, bespoke furnishings, air conditioning. Sleeps up to 2.
TwinFamily Deluxe
Deluxe-grade family room sleeping up to 4 adults. Reviewers note the family rooms are spacious with a separate area for children. Same elevated finishes as the standard Deluxe rooms.
MultipleJunior Suite
The top room category at the hotel, available in both The Ivy House and Le Petit France buildings. Larger layout with the most elaborate decor — four-poster beds, sumptuous fabrics, quality linens, and bespoke furniture chosen to evoke old-fashioned French luxury. Sleeps up to 2.
Double (some four-poster)Mini Classic
The entry-level room, accommodating up to 2 adults. Part of both the Main Building and The Ivy House. Equipped with flat-screen TV, high-quality bedding, and a courtesy tray. Bathroom has a bath or shower. No air conditioning in all units — some have fans.
DoubleThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The hotel holds the official Accueil Vélo label, meaning dedicated facilities for cyclists: secure bike storage, a pump, repair kit, and staff assistance. The Loir Valley has well-mapped cycling routes through vineyards and villages.
The Le Mans 24 Hours circuit (Circuit de la Sarthe) is approximately 43 km north of the hotel — around 30–40 minutes by car. The hotel is historically the closest characterful accommodation to the race, and staff can help arrange logistics. The hotel operates shuttle minibus service for race days.
The hotel is well-placed for day trips to the Loire Valley châteaux. Tours is 45 minutes south. Staff can arrange minibus transport for groups or individuals.
The hotel itself is a living museum of Le Mans racing history. The bar walls are covered in signed photos of drivers like Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell, and a tapestry traces the great dates of the race. Worth a walk-around even if you're not a petrolhead.
A heated outdoor pool set in the riverside garden behind the main building. Sun loungers provided. Towels available. Open during summer months. Reviewers consistently rate it as clean, well-maintained, and underused — i.e. you can actually get a lounger.
The hotel caters for business seminars, private receptions, and group stays. Meeting facilities on-site. Contact the hotel directly for group rates and event packages.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Meeting facilities available for seminars and business events.
Generous buffet breakfast with homemade cakes, fresh bread, pastries, charcuterie, cheese, fruit, and cereals. €16 per person. Served 7am–10am Mon–Fri; 8am–10am weekends.
Available on request — useful for Le Mans race days or cycling excursions.
Garden backing onto the Loir River. Sun-drenched terrace. Inner courtyard.
Pets welcome in standard rooms, bar/brasserie, and restaurant. Fee of approximately €5/day. Must be specified at booking.
Seasonal. Set in the riverside garden. Sun loungers and towels provided.
Available on request.
Secure bike storage with pump and basic repair kit. Accueil Vélo certified.
On-request minibus for airport transfers, Le Mans circuit days, or day trips to Tours.
Free self-parking on-site. Large enough for vans — several reviewer comments confirm this.
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