An immersion in French cuisine can be a huge part of any vacation in France, and for travelers visiting any of the Loire Valleys’ luxury villas, the opportunities for indulging the taste buds are numerous and very tempting.
Here are some of our highly recommended food experiences in the Loire Valley.
Bread Baking With an Expert, Amboise
Amboise is a town in the Loire Valley. It is famous for the Chateau d’Amboise, the grand 15th-century residence of King Charles VIII, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last days and was buried.
In Amboise, you will have the opportunity to make bread in the baker’s house and visit their charming country house.
This experience is often accompanied by other meals prepared to go with the bread.
Travelers will also enjoy a stroll along the quaint streets of the royal city of Amboise where Francois 1st built his renaissance style chateau in the 15th century.
Amboise Center:
For adults, this experience is often concluded with a discovery of the unique ambiance of a troglodyte cave and tasting the exceptional sparkling wine of Vouvray.
Visit to Château de Petit Thouars, Saint-Germain-sur-Vienne
Château de Petit Thouars
Winemaking has been a part of the history and culture of this family-owned chateau, which has been in the hands of the Petit Thouars family since 1636.
Ideally located between Chinon and Saumur, less than 5 km from the Abbey of Fontevraud, the Château du Petit Thouars welcomes travelers for tastings. A tour of the cellars is a consistent high point of visiting this chateau. The wine-tasting tour on the Vienne River is just charming…
Wine cellars of Château du Petit Thouars:
Guests can also be treated to tastings with lunch or dinner or a set of complementary activities such as boat tours, tastings on the Loire River picnics in the vineyards, and exploration of the Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc vines.
French Markets and Home-Made Dinners
The Loire Valley is one of France’s fertile areas. It produces huge amounts of wheat and vegetables, and gastronomic jewels such as cheese and perhaps most importantly, wine.
The immersive activity of buying in French markets is an experience worth every foodie’s while. There are several excellent food markets around the Loire Region. A few common ones include Le Marché du Carreau des Halles in Tours, Marché Lafayette in Angers, and Loches Market. These markets will have everything you need to put your newfound French cooking skills to use.
Le Marché du Carreau des Halles in Tours
Buying is however just half the experience. Visitors can enjoy the immersive experience of dining with a French family.
Family Dinner in La Maison d’à côté, Blois
La Maison d’à côté
This Michelin-starred gem is located in the modest French country village of Montlivault. It is one of the popular options for family dinners in Blois. For visitors, it’s not uncommon to have the chef deliver the food directly to the tables and explain each dish in detail.
The creative cooking is designed to showcase the best of local produce and the menu changes according to the season.
While in Blois, families could enjoy time out and a picnic at Les Jardins de l’Ancien Eveche Park or enjoy a visit to Chateau Royal de Blois.
Chateau Royal de Blois: