Le Choiseul - History of the Choiseul

René Traversac

It is nearly thirty years since René Traversac, the founder of the "Grandes Etapes Françaises", developed a taste for the restaurant industry and transforming châteaux or fine houses into luxury hotels.
In 1983, he was keeping a close eye on the work taking place on the Château de Divonne near Geneva (the 7th establishment in the chain of the "Grandes Etapes Françaises") when Pierre, his eldest son who had been his right-hand man for about twelve years, also joined in the game.
He became very interested in a hotel for sale in the Val de Loir that had been abandoned for many years.

		This was Le Choiseul, situated between the Loire and the hillside just at the foot of the famous château d'Amboise. Behind the high solid walls, in the centre of the thick brush of the park, the buildings appeared sound but totally in ruins inside; the renovation work would be considerable but the location was exceptional and the tourist potential significant. He decided to purchase it and take charge of the construction site. On 30 November 1984, the Grandes Etapes Françaises were enriched by this eighth establishment which was to open its doors in 1985.