Auberge du Bon Laboureur

Auberge du Bon Laboureur, Chenonceaux: A Charming Michelin Key Selected Retreat in the Loire Valley

Auberge du Bon Laboureur in Chenonceaux, a property selected by the Michelin Key, consistently receives high praise from guests, offering a blend of historic charm, exceptional service, and gastronomic delights just moments from the iconic Château de Chenonceau. This family-owned establishment, dating back to 1786, provides a serene and luxurious base for exploring the heart of the Loire Valley.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Auberge du Bon Laboureur is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "charming," "excellent," and "wonderful." It garners strong ratings across various platforms, including a guest score of 18.9 out of 20 on the Michelin Guide, and ratings around 8.0-9.0 on Booking.com and 8.9-9.1 on TheFork. The hotel is celebrated for combining the personable atmosphere of a private residence with the style and service of a professional, high-end lodging.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects that make their stay memorable. The location is a major draw, being within a very short walking distance of Château de Chenonceau. The exceptional food, both at the gourmet restaurant and for breakfast, is frequently lauded. The attentive and friendly staff are often mentioned as outstanding. Other popular amenities include the beautiful, well-maintained gardens, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and a tranquil wellness area. The peaceful and quiet atmosphere throughout the property is also a cherished feature.

3. Room Quality

The 29 rooms, spread across five characterful houses that form part of the hotel's hamlet, are described as comfortable, clean, and well-designed, blending antique charm with contemporary comforts. Many guests appreciate the spaciousness, and some rooms even feature private gardens. Air conditioning is a welcome amenity. While generally positive, one past review noted a room being "far too small" with limited space around the bed. Room options range from cozy Classic Double Rooms (20 sq m) to spacious Signature Double Rooms (40 sq m) and Family Suites (45 sq m).

4. Dining Experience

Dining at Auberge du Bon Laboureur is a significant highlight. The gastronomic restaurant, under the direction of chef and proprietor Antoine Jeudi, is highly regarded for its classic seasonal French fare. A unique feature is the hotel's own small kitchen garden, from which much of the restaurant's produce is sourced, allowing for a vegetable-forward menu. Reviewers consistently praise the food as "excellent," "delicious," and "beautifully presented," with a 9/10 rating for food quality on TheFork.

Breakfast receives equally high marks, described as varied, plentiful, and featuring high-quality ingredients, including homemade touches. The hotel also offers a bistrot and a lounge bar for more relaxed moments. It's worth noting that while the restaurant lost its Michelin star in early 2019, a decision some reviewers found "bizarre" given the consistent quality, recent guest feedback affirms the food remains exceptional.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Auberge du Bon Laboureur are a standout feature, frequently earning accolades from guests. They are consistently described as "exceptional," "attentive," "courteous," "friendly," "helpful," "polite," and "professional." Guests report feeling warmly welcomed from the moment they arrive, with staff going "above and beyond" to ensure a pleasant stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an "ideal location" in the charming village of Chenonceaux. Its most celebrated advantage is being just a few minutes' walk from the famous Château de Chenonceau. Beyond the château, the Auberge serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider Loire Valley, with other major attractions like Amboise, Tours, Villandry, Blois, and Chambord easily accessible by car.

For transportation, the hotel is readily accessible by car via the A10 and A85 motorways, offering private parking, including covered garages and electric charging stations. For those traveling by train, the Chenonceaux TER station is just a few minutes' walk from the hotel, with connections to the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps TGV station in Tours.

7. Value & Pricing

Auberge du Bon Laboureur is generally considered to offer good value for the high quality of its accommodation, dining, and service. While luxury, it's seen as "affordable luxury" by some. As of late January 2026, a 1-night stay for two adults could start from approximately $188.49, though prices are subject to change based on dates and room type. Agoda estimates an average price of $232 per room.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted. One guest found their bedroom to be "far too small." A recent review from January 2026 mentioned a temporary breakdown of the sauna and jacuzzi during cold winter temperatures, as well as minor service oversights in the restaurant, such as a forgotten spoon or bread basket, and a lack of "apéritif cakes and olives" at the bar. An older review (October 2025) suggested common areas could benefit from a "refit" and described the bar area as "unloved." However, these appear to be isolated or minor issues rather than recurring significant problems.

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