Hotel de France - Le Relais de Ronsard

Le Grand Monarque was a lovely hotel (with a Michelin starred restaurant), abutting the upper part of the old town.

The Loir valley is worth a visit but this renowned place is rather disappointing. Unless you are a big fan of past car race champions, the inside decoration doesn't fit what the outside looks. It is a sad regular comfortable setting that you may find everywhere. Except for a nice lady, members of the crew are either indifferent or even rough and unpleasant. Food is tasteless and VERY expensive. You can easily find charming B

I have stayed many times at The Grand Monarque when travelling to Chartres with work and often I end up just eating at their brasserie.

We have stayed here before and the hotel is still as good as it gets. English owned and run it combines the best of France with the best of England. It is full of character from it's links with the Le Mans 24 hour race, the rooms are lovely with tea and coffee making facilities with jugs of fresh milk - the English touch! The restaurant is fantastic. Wonderful food beautifully served by a host of charming staff. There is a lovely secluded swimming pool with piles of fluffy towels if you feel like chilling out after your bottle of rose.! What actually makes this place so special is Sally, the manager and her team. Christophe who has been running the bar with great style since way back, Paul and Anna, Marianne - so beautiful, Stephan the Maître D and so many more. They are friendly to a fault, efficient and kind without being intrusive. We never met the chefs but they really do need an big pat on the back. Go there - you will not be disappointed.

If you are interested in motor sport and like luxury, this hotel offers both. Sympathetically renovated with Le Mans 24 hour memorabilia there is just enough for you to want to return again. Warm welcome from all the staff in both the bar area and restaurant. Food is very good, no complaints yet, and rooms very comfortable. A high level of service throughout.