Flavors of France

Flavors of France > Take an autumn break to discover the Loire Valley

A jewel in the French crown, the Loire Valley, situated between the Parisian basin and the Atlantic coast, with its wealth of châteaux and renowned gardens, is the home of kings…
Throughout the centuries, kings and artists have been passionate in their love for the Loire Valley and have shaped its unique cultural and historical heritage. Poets have paid tribute to its gentle countryside and kings have chosen its valleys to build the most famous châteaux…

This is where culinary art boasts delicious variations: meat, fish, fruit and vegetables from the region are the basis for creative and succulent cuisine. The bouquets of Loire wines, both delicate and tantalizing, are a subtle accompaniment for all these specialties. Since the time of Rabelais, talented gastronomical craftsmen and wine-growers have all continued a tradition of hospitality and invite you to the table of the greats…

Amongst the specialties to be savoured: pâté from Chartres, pithiviers (almond paste), cotignac (quince preserve) from Orléans... Try the region's cheeses: crottin of Chavignol, Selles-sur-Cher, Sainte-Maure de Touraine... Perhaps accompanied by a glass of superb vintage wine, from grapes nurtured on vineyards bordering the river and its tributaries. From Sancerre to Bourgueil, via Valençay and Menetou-Salon, 22 fine wines go to make up the Loire's own private cellar, and all are available to sample. Land of tradition and culinary savoir-faire, the local chefs take their inspiration from the gentle climate and their own instinct as to what makes a good dish... Their menus speak for themselves.

Bon voyage on your journey to the heart of the Loire Valley