La Chartre-sur-le-Loir, France
Hôtel de France - Restaurant le relais de Ronsard
Motorsport pilgrimage inn
La Chartre-sur-le-Loir, France
Renovated
2014
Price
$$
Rated for
Heritage Classic LocalOutside the door
The house
Logis HotelsMotorsport pilgrimage inn
A traditional French hostelry doubles as a racing clubhouse, where decades of Le Mans memorabilia and signed driver portraits cover the bar.
What it’s good at
Notable
Historic racing team headquarters where Le Mans mechanics prepared cars in the courtyard.
Notable
A century-old hostelry welcoming Le Mans motorsport pilgrims and drivers since the 1950s.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The 25 rooms across three buildings range from snug classics to junior suites, with four-poster beds… giving the place an aristocratic character.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
The town square sits directly out front, while the private back garden stretches down to the Loir River.
The rooms
Rooms are named after iconic Le Mans drivers, and some feature four-poster beds beneath crystal chandeliers.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated outdoor pool sits in the private garden bordered by the Loir River, surrounded by stone paving and loungers.
Bar-Brasserie
The marble-topped bar serves draft beers and casual lunches beneath walls lined with vintage racing regalia.
At the table
Le Relais de Ronsard prepares seasonal Sarthe cuisine, and the barrel-vaulted cellar hosts tastings of regional Jasnières wines.
How it began
Starting in 1953, racing teams tuned their cars in the courtyard and drove them over public roads straight to the circuit.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.