Hostellerie Gargantua
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Hostellerie Gargantua

73 rue Haute Saint Maurice, 37500, Chinon France
Traveller (87)
Room & Suite (24)
salle du petit déjeuner
Dining (6)

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About

#6 of 14 hotels in Chinon
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.1 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Situated in the most picturesque road in the heart of Old Chinon and at the foot of the Chinon catsle the Hostellerie Gargantua has taken residence in the former Bailiwicks Palace dating back to the XVth Century which is renowned for having heard the famous plea given by the father of the French author François Rabelais.Situated 1 kilometre from the Chinon train station, and at walking distance from the town center. You may discover the historrical town on foot.
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Property amenities
Wifi
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Bicycle rental
Non-smoking hotel
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Quirky Hotels
Romantic

Location

73 rue Haute Saint Maurice, 37500, Chinon France
Name/address in local language
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 91 out of 100
91
St Symphorien Airport
47.1 km
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Arville Airport
60.2 km
See all flights

Reviews
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Traveller rating
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Detailed Reviews
Susann S wrote a review July 2022
Prague, Czech Republic
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Very charming hotel in an historic building. This building has much personality and leads you straight back in time.
Rooms and bathrooms are spacious and clean.
Best breakfast I ever had in a hotel in France, delicious and plenty!
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Date of stay: September 2021
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret R wrote a review June 2003
Washington DC, District of Columbia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I am a romantic. I don't like big American chain hotels. Charm and more charm are my criteria. I had made reservatoins for early September at Hotel de France in Chinon centre based on description but found it was so remodeled any charm had been destroyed. But driving into Chinon down narrow medieval street to get there, I passed a beautiful building housing Gargantua. I went "wow" and went in. My breath was further taken away by what I saw inside and I was transformed back into the 15th-16th century. Who can ask for more! I changed hotels. The magnificent staircase, charming uniquely decorated rooms-some a bit rustic, a lovely terrace where excellent dinners are served. The hotel is very reasonably priced (don't raise!) so that one can vacation there more often.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PhilipCarol wrote a review Nov 2014
Oxford, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Stayed for three nights at October half term. Fifteenth century mansion with worn stone stairs, antique furnishings including four-poster bed, large comfortable rooms with great views, no frills but then who needs that with surroundings like these? Friendly helpful staff and excellent breakfast - everything present and correct including freshly baked pains au chocolat and croissants in red damask lined dining room. Just right for a town like Chinon which could serve as a seventeenth-century filmset.
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Date of stay: October 2014
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Birdinhandtwo wrote a review Aug 2014
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Although we reserved our room long before our visit, our room on the top floor was stiflingly hot; none of the windows had been opened to air the room. Although the 15th century hostellerie was spacious and charming, with comfortable beds and a good breakfast, it was difficult to enjoy due to the heat.There was not even a fan. The staff were nice, especially the young woman who helped me with my luggage. I would suggest they open room windows prior to the arrival of confirmed guests and offer an electric fan to move the air around. The hotel might be more welcoming in the fall! We did like the restaurant, although all of us were unexpectedly served unwanted large portions of French fries. Americans don't go to France to eat French fries! The breakfast was good and served in a large, comfortable 2nd floor room. We saw no other guests during our stay. Climbing the ancient spiral staircase to the top was scary with luggage or without, and the last flight to the top had well-worn steps with no wood on the iron handrail. The writing room in the turret attached to the room was quaint and might be the perfect place for a writer in a cooler month. We, however, suffered in the unbearably hot, airless Pantagruel room and had difficulty getting comfortable enough to sleep. The wifi was usable only downstairs. We did enjoy having the bathtub when so many French lodgings offer only a small shower.
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Date of stay: July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Konstantinos M wrote a review Aug 2017
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Within the old town, 15th century historic building. Close to many chateaux and other attractions. No parking facilities but, free parking available not far from hotel. Family business. Very helpful and polite people at reception and the adjacent restaurant - brasserie. Very interesting staircase leading to the rooms. Spacious and clean rooms, some with four poster beds and full with antique furniture. Will definitely return for another stay if the need arises.
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Date of stay: August 2017
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Ask for a room on the top floor
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chloe W wrote a review July 2015
Stevenage, United Kingdom
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I recently stopped over in Chinon and found Hostellerie Gargantua, I read reviews on trip adviser before booking however I wasn't too sure about the place itself as on their own website it was only rated 2 star however on here it was 4-5 star, it was one of the cheapest hotels in Chinon that came up on my search so I decided to chance it and book for the night. When arriving in Chinon, we walked from the station which was about 10 minutes away, the place was really easy to find and in a really good location. It was in the centre but down a side road so it was away from all of the restaurants. The staff were all really nice and showed us in, the room was beautiful. It was very old fashioned but had a modern twist to it. The bedroom area had all old furniture in however the bathroom looked very modern. We also had a little study area in our room. The hotel also supplied you with a TV, 2 towels per person and mini toiletries. We also got the breakfast buffet which was lovely and runs from 8:30 - 11. The service was really good and I would definitely stay here again.
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Date of stay: July 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GomezandMorticia wrote a review July 2014
Hertford, United Kingdom
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed for 5 nights in July. The hotel is very well located and the room was very clean, comfortable and fairly quiet. The staff were friendly although sometimes a little elusive. Breakfast was pretty basic but then petit dejeuner in France often is, although it wasn't cheap. The hotel is very 'characterful' and we had a spacious room. It's a bit like staying in your own medieval castle! It's a little bit rough around the edges, so don't expect a polished and slick international hotel. On the whole, we enjoyed our stay but next time we'd bring our own hair dryer. (my wife tells me!)
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Date of stay: July 2014
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Wifi only in public area at ground floor.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jbray54 wrote a review July 2014
Annecy, France
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Stayed in this hotel for two nights while on a visit to the Loire valley. The hotel is located in the old part of Chinon. The pluses are a nice, helpful staff, reasonable prices, and close location to many interesting parts of the city. I stayed on the top floor. There are no elevators, so you have to bring your luggage up the stairs. The room was a nice size, especially in comparison to those in Paris that I stayed in. The bed was comfortable and had a view of the old castle. The downside were parking and the heat in the room. There was no AC and being on the top floor it was quite hot both during the day and at night--it really needed a fan and would not stay in this room again without one. The parking is challenging and I ended up paying for one of the hotel parking places. There is a restaurant attached to the hotel. I did not eat in it, but it had a nice atmosphere. Breakfast was extra and OK--nothing to write home about. Overall, I would recommend the place, but be aware of the temperature issue.
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Date of stay: July 2014
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott8147 wrote a review June 2015
The Villages, Florida
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed here for three nights while touring Chinon and several chateaus in the Loire Valley. The service was excellent. We had a little trouble the first night with water pressure in our toilet, but they fixed it first thing in the morning and we had no trouble after that. We stayed in the Balbec room on the 2nd floor and had a nice view of the Fortress above. The room was the largest we had during our trip in France. There was a nice included breakfast. We also ate at the hotel's restaurant the first night and had an excellent meal. I wanted to go back again, but we wanted to branch out. It's a wonderful property and we would definitely stay here again especially as it is so perfectly located.
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Date of stay: May 2015
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Txamber wrote a review Oct 2013
Round Rock, Texas
1.0 of 5 bubbles
I have never written a review but honestly feel the need to warm people not to stay here. It was creepy! Although Olivier and the other staff member there were friendly, we never saw another guest there the whole time we stayed. It is dark and damp and feels it's age (1520) without much upkeep. When we first walked in there were at least 20 flies on the windows.... mildew, dampness, I could go on. But the thing that really did us in was that the night we returned to the hotel at 9:30 pm and we found we were locked out. The manager decided that since no one came to his restaurant for dinner that night he would just go home (off-site). I turned on international calling and called the number for the hotel and it just rang in the dark lobby. I went to a neighboring pub and they had no idea what to do so they called police who said they could do nothing. There was a code on a business card given for the door in case we returned after 10 pm but since everything in Chinon closes at about 8 or 9 we didn't take the card and code and we returned at 9 or 930. It was scary and infuriating and although we eventually got in, there must be safety concerns that no one is on-site and even the police can't get in if there is an emergency. Please do yourself a favor and enjoy a different hotel.
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Date of stay: October 2013
2.0 of 5 bubblesValue
2.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
1.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
2.0 of 5 bubblesService
1.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from HotelGargantua, Propriétaire at Hostellerie Gargantua
Responded 3 Nov 2013
Dear Madam Amber S., How made you to go into the hotel ? Very easy, you were able to join me without any difficulty. Why don't you say it ? ( A transfer of call on the mobile phone of the owner is activated from the closure of the reception ). Indeed, we give an access code to the hotel to all our customers. What allows our customers can go at any time of the night into the establishment. I also allows me, Madam, to remind you that reception desk close at 9:00 pm, like that is specified on our web site and by display in the hotel reception. Concerning flies in your rooms, I wonder that you made no remark during your stay and I saw you every day. Concerning your possible call to the police services, I indicate that the same police services related to me no incident and spoke to me on no informations about you. Concerning the security of the establishment, that this is for the French and European standards dating 2011 ( the last ). For information, I receive a warning message for a power cut, for the slightest suspect smoke, etc... You stayed nights of October 21st and 22nd in the hotel. The night of October 21st : five of our seven rooms were book. The night of October 22nd : 4 of our seven rooms were book. I would finish this " answer of the direction " by reminding you that defamation is a reprehensible act. Best regards, Olivier.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kms4774 asked a question Dec 2016
Prescott, Arizona91 contributions91 helpful votes
Is there available parking?
Answer from HotelGargantua
Chinon
Dear "kms4774", I'm really sorry for this later answer, I just saw your question. Many thanks to "XanderCaron" and Lynn A" for the informations. Our hôtel is in the historic part of Chinon, and we don't have private park place. At the bottom of the hotel, there are two public parking ( free ) and at 50 meters of the hotel, along the river there are parking spot ( not free between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm. Don't hesitate to call us or to come in the reception desk when you will arrive in CHINON and of course, we will help you with your car. Olivier.
Answer from HotelGargantua
Chinon
Dear Madam, Dear Sir, We propose two types of room : "Simple room", rate by night is 59 € or "Superior room", rate by night is 89 €. Differences are on the size, décoration and the view. For the availibilities, we need dates. You could have more informations on our official website. We are staying on your service. Best regards, Olivier.
Donald S wrote a tip May 2018
Thames, New Zealand4 contributions1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"As far as I know all rooms have interesting views."
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DeanWorcestershireUk wrote a tip Sept 2017
worcestershire uk49 contributions60 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"No lift hard work to the top floor with luggage"
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LucySky99 wrote a tip Sept 2017
Faversham, United Kingdom151 contributions93 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Lots of stairs and no lift."
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Konstantinos M wrote a tip Aug 2017
39 contributions47 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"Ask for a room on the top floor"
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Barcul wrote a tip June 2017
Dublin90 contributions10 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The beautiful winding staircase was a winning feature for us but some may prefer regular stairs and/or an elevator."
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Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Chinon area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
hostellerie gargantua chinon, hostellerie gargantua hotel chinon
LOCATION
FranceCentre-Val de LoireIndre-et-LoireChinon
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
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HOSTELLERIE GARGANTUA - Reviews (Chinon, Loire Valley, France) - Photos of Hotel - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Hostellerie Gargantua
Which popular attractions are close to Hostellerie Gargantua?
Nearby attractions include Forteresse royale de Chinon (0.2 km), Café Français (0.3 km), and Musée Anime du Vin et de la Tonnellerie (0.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Hostellerie Gargantua?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, breakfast buffet, and internet access.
What food & drink options are available at Hostellerie Gargantua?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Hostellerie Gargantua?
Conveniently located restaurants include Les Années 30, L'Ardoise, and Restaurant La Maison Rouge.
Is Hostellerie Gargantua located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.5 km away from the centre of Chinon.
Are there any historical sites close to Hostellerie Gargantua?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Forteresse royale de Chinon (0.2 km), Chapelle Sainte Radegonde (1.1 km), and Église Saint Martin (4.4 km).
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