Cooking Holiday in France: Chateaux and Gastronomy in the Loire

Grand Tour of the Loire
Blois, Loir-et-Cher

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About the location: Among the glories of the Loire Valley are the magnificent chateaux studding the banks of the Loire river. The playground of nobles, the valley became the cradle of the artistic explosion of the French Renaissnace. Today, you will also find vineyards flanking much of the length of the Loire, and you will blend your visits of the chateaux with tastings of the best wines of the region. Pascal Mineau, a noted wine specialist, will be your private guide throughout this exceptional cooking vacation in France. Your accommodations will be in a lovely 16th-century manor house of just five rooms, nestled in a stunning park.

During this special and exclusive cooking vacation, you will enjoy tastings at some truly remarkable locales. Visit world-class wineries where the the experts will lead you in a tasting of the Loire’s famous wines; explore the subterranean caves where many varieties of mushrooms are cultivated; and let a renowned cheese Affineur lead you through a paired tasting of the region’s specialties.

About the cooking courses: You will have the exceptional opportunity for two cooking courses during your stay in the Loire Valley. Chef Garanger of “Le Medicis” was trained in Michelin star restaurants in the Loire valley, Paris and Burgandy. Your second cooking class with be with the hostess of the manor house and your guide. Both cooking classes will propose a menu using the freshest seasonal ingredients.

Grand Tour of the Loire Itinerary

Day 1

  • Arrival at Blois train station on your own. A taxi will be waiting for you to transfer you to your accommodation.
  • Check-in at the 3 star hotel and gourmet restaurant. Please note that rooms are available after 3:30 PM.
  • Renovated in 2007, the hotel is located 1 kilometer away from Blois Royal Château. Your quiet room is air-conditioned and has a jacuzzi bath to help you relax after a day of travel.
  • Dinner at your leisure with our list of recommended restaurants.

Day 2

  • Morning at your leisure in Blois to discover the old town, the Royal Château and the Museum of Magic.
  • This ancient city with a rich historical center is not to be missed. In the 16th century, Blois was the capital of France, under the king Louis XII. You can stroll through the old town, along its paved side-streets.
  • The Château de Blois is unique because of its combination of four architectural styles: Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Classical. Collectively built by the Counts of Blois, Louis XII, Francois I and Louis XIII, many significant historical events occurred within the walls of this château.
  • Enter the kingdom of illusions. After you have enjoyed a magic show, the house of magic, a tribute to the famous magician and native of Blois Robert Houdin, will give you the chance to wander from room to room and discover all the tricks used by magicians.
  • Chef Damien Garanger welcomes you for a private cooking class. Chef Garanger trained in Michelin-starred restaurants in the Loire Valley “Domaine des Hauts de Loire,” in Paris and in Burgundy. He won the French chef competition “Madarine Imperiale” in 2000.
  • Gourmet dinner in the restaurant featuring the recipes you have prepared in the afternoon, and a wine list that boasts over 300 wines mainly from the Loire Valley.

Day 3

  • 9 am check-out.
  • Morning pick-up by your English-speaking chauffeur.
  • Visit of the Chateau of Chambord. Chambord was the very first Chateau of the Valley to be proclaimed by UNESCO as a world heritage. It was commissioned in 1519 by King Francois I to Leonardo Da Vinci and his architects.
  • Lunch on your own in Chambord.
  • Transfer to Cheverny.
  • Visit of the Chateau of Cheverny. In the 17th century Cheverny was the first chateau incarnating the classical style in the Loire Valley. Built by the governor of Blois city, this chateau is known for the richness of its interiors, which have been kept unaltered thanks to its owners, the Hurault family. Cheverny presents a magnificent collection of furniture and master paintings from the Renaissance period.
  • Check-in at the Luxury Manor Guest House owned by Isabelle Fontanelle.
  • Isabelle designed the rooms with elegance and personal touches. This private manor has only 5 bedrooms. Nestled in a park, this small manor house from the 16th century has been completely restored.
  • The owners of this charming manor welcome you warmly. It is an opportunity to spend some time with locals in a very comfortable environment.
  • Private, hands-on cooking class with the owner, Isabelle. Your class feature all the freshest ingredients and the chef will teach you methods you can bring home to your own cooking.
  • Gourmet dinner at the manor, with wine included.

Day 4

  • Morning pick-up by your English-speaking chauffeur.
  • Transfer to Tours’ farmers market. Tours is a fascinating city. Still visible today are traces of the Roman Empire, medieval fortifications, Renaissance architecture, and Nepoleonic buildings. In Tours, your guide shows you the outdoor and indoor markets, which have around 120 shops and local producers.
  • Tours is the largest city in the Loire Valley and its capital city. Located in the heart of the region, it is the best destination for sightseeing. Historically and architecturally speaking, it is one of the cradles of the French Renaissance. Discover an area known as “Old Tours,” where pedestrian streets and numerous 15th and 16th century wood-framed houses, the famous Place Plumereau, Charlemagne Tour, Saint-Martin collegiate church, and the new Sant-Martin Basilica can be found.
  • Lunch on your own in Tours then Transfer to Villandry.
  • Tour of the Gardens of the Château Villandry. Villandry was the last chateau built during the Renaissance.
  • Transfer to Amboise
  • Tour of the Château du Clos Lucé. This manor was the last residence of Leonardo Da Vinci.
  • Return to the manor in the late afternoon.
  • Dinner at the manor, drinks included.

Day 5

  • Morning pick-up by English speaking guide.
  • Visit of the Chateau of Chenonceau. The unique architecture of the Chateau makes it one of the most exquisite Chateaux of the Loire Valley. Chenonceau is related to important French Renaissance women and was offered by King Henry II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers.
  • Transfer to Amboise. Enjoy the exceptional matured wines of the Loire Valley: you are welcomed in Caves Duhard, established in 1874. Its owner and wine maker Daniel Gatay is specialized in matured Loire Valley wines. You will discover a large range of vintages, from 1959 to the present. The caves were originally carved in the 12th century. Many of the stones extracted from the caves were used for the construction of the Chateaux and Cathedrals of the region.
  • Lunch is served in a private room next to the cave. We will present a selection of local specialties (Rillons de Touraine, charcuteries), salads, and an outstanding selection of cheeses. The cheese selection will be by Rodolphe Meunier (2007 France Master Cheese Affineur “Refiner” and 2007 World Champion Cheese Affineur “Refiner”). All wines are selected by Daniel Gatay to match perfectly the local dishes and cheeses. You will have a chance to taste wines form 1960 to the present.
  • Next is the Chateau of Amboise. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, this authentic royal castle introduced Italian style to the Loire valley. Relive the warmth of the past in this historical place thanks to the presence of an exceptional collection of Gothic and Renaissance furnishings. In the Saint-Hubert chapel, the tomb of Leonardo Da Vinci has recently been elegantly restored.
  • Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon.
  • Dinner at the manor house, wine included.

Day 6

  • Check-out and departure. Taxi transfer to Blois station, and end of the tour.

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