A few kilometers from Tours, in the heart of the Loire Valley, the Domaine des High Rocks stands out as a rare, confidential address, carved into the rock and suspended above the royal river.
À Rochecorbon, in a landscape shaped by history and the elements, this cave hotel belongs to the prestigious network Relais & Châteaux, renowned for its exceptional establishments with unique charm.
Les Hautes Roches is part of a unique territory in France: troglodyte dwellings carved into tuffeau stone, the iconic golden stone used to build the most famous châteaux of the Loire Valley. Located in the Touraine region, these hand-carved cliffs have for centuries housed living and working spaces, ranging from wine cellars to religious refuges.
To enhance the unique soul of Hautes Roches, the estate called upon one of the most iconic talents on the French scene: Alexis MabilleA distinguished couturier and member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture, he is now also making his mark in the world of interior design with his studio Beau Bow Paris.
In 2023, he undertook a complete and subtle renovation of the common areas, from the reception area to the two restaurants, without ever betraying the spirit of the place. His approach boldly blends classic lines, couture details, play on materials, and contrasting colors and textures, creating a refined dialogue between the site's troglodyte history and a contemporary aesthetic.
Alexis Mabille's elegant, theatrical, yet always accurate design breathes new life into the building, blending mineral sobriety with French sophistication. The result: a cozy, warm, and luminous atmosphere, where each room becomes a setting, comfortable, inspiring, and deeply rooted in the Loire region's heritage.
Carved into the rock, the estate's twelve troglodyte rooms offer an immersive and deeply soothing experience. Ultra-spacious—nearly 70 m² each—they combine the raw material of mineral walls with modern comfort. Four-poster wooden beds, shimmering rugs, comfortable lounges, and sleekly designed bathrooms: every detail reflects thoughtful refinement. The naturally cool walls envelop the visitor in a cozy, almost monastic atmosphere, while the large windows and balconies offer breathtaking views of the gardens, pool, and the peaceful Loire River.
Two other rooms, located in the 1989th-century manor overlooking the cliff, complete the ensemble, with the same demand for comfort and authenticity. The history of the place is rich and fascinating: first a private pavilion, then a wine estate, it was also a monastery and refuge, before being reborn in 1991 thanks to the vision of Philippe Mollard, who made it the first luxury troglodyte hotel in France. A member of Relais & Châteaux since XNUMX, Les Hautes Roches now embodies exceptional hospitality rooted in time.
The table, for its part, honors the gastronomic reputation of the Val de Loire. Two restaurants are located there, run by the young and talented chef Benjamin Christian, which brings original and traditional cuisine, deeply rooted in the land.
He embodies the new generation of French gastronomy, both respectful of tradition and resolutely focused on the future. At only 27 years old, this Michelin-starred chef, trained in several renowned establishments, stands out for his sensitivity, rigor, and strong culinary vision. Inspired by the Loire region, he creates signature cuisine that is refined and vibrant, where each product, always impeccable freshness, is perfectly enhanced. From hare à la royale to seafood creations inspired by the day's arrivals, his dishes tell a story of taste, elegance, and sincerity.
Deeply committed to short supply chains, Benjamin works closely with local producers, from market gardeners to fishermen, to offer an authentic gastronomic experience, rooted in the season and the region. Alongside the pastry chef Pauline Macé, he composes a subtle score where gluttony is combined with lightness, to make Hautes Roches an essential culinary address in the Loire Valley.
In a more relaxed atmosphere, the bistronomic restaurant welcomes guests into a light-filled veranda, like a winter garden suspended above the river. Here, the cuisine remains sophisticated but is more accessible, with light dishes like a warm juniper berry pâté or a Touraine pink pork tenderloin with Dijon mustard.
Alongside Benjamin Chrétien, pastry chef Pauline Macé creates desserts that are both indulgent and delicate, always guided by the seasons. Together, they create a four-handed score that tells the story of a lively, contemporary cuisine that respects its roots and is resolutely focused on emotion.
The experience doesn't stop at the hotel's doors. Les Hautes Roches offers an ideal setting for eco-tourism and discovering the treasures of the Loire Valley. A cruise on a traditional rowboat on the Loire allows you to savor the river's enduring charm. The more active can reach Tours by bike along the banks. For explorers, a hot-air balloon flight over the iconic châteaux offers an unforgettable spectacle. And for wine lovers, visits to wine estates like La Grange Tiphaine, owned by Coralie and Damien Delecheneau, allow you to explore an exceptional terroir where authenticity is a key value.
Les Hautes Roches isn't just a hotel, nor even a simple gastronomic destination. It's a suspended space, a meeting point between history and the unusual, tradition and modernity. A rare place for those who appreciate places with soul.
Ema Lynnx
Report produced with XPENG G9
Photos: Patrick Koune
