The Domaine des Hautes Roches in Rochecorbon is an old monastery that has been revamped and transformed into France’s first luxury troglodytic hotel.

The twelve cells where the monks once lived, carved out of the rock, have been converted into terrific bedrooms: the sense of tranquillity is right out of the top drawer, all the comforts are modern and the view of the Loire breath-taking. When your hunger starts to rise, you can make the acquaintance of Didier Edon, the chef of the estate’s starred restaurant. Didier serves up subtle, expressive cuisine that is based on the day’s catch and whatever is available locally — vegetables, charcuterie or meat from the "garden of France". The chef will also unveil the region’s most delicious wines: Vouvray, Chinon and Touraine, all from the magnificent vaulted cellar built into the hillside. There are worse punishments, are there not?

Tips nearby: 

Les Grandes Caves Saint Roch: In Rochecorbon, five minutes from the centre of Tours, this is one of Touraine’s most extensive cellars. You can visit the underground galleries on a two-wheeled Segway, where you’ll find out all about the traditional methods for making Vouvray. And, of course, you can enjoy a fine tasting of the house wines.

La Bagatelle: Situated in Vouvray, this beautiful 18th century mansion at the foot of Moncontour château boasts one bedroom and four guest suites (including two troglodyte suites). The comfortable décor is “French bourgeois”, and the setting peaceful and majestic, with the Loire passing just a few yards away. It makes an ideal base for an excursion to the great châteaux of the Loire.