Food and Drink in Loire Valley
As you may have gathered, if there’s one thing the Loire Valley does well, it’s wines. Nowhere else will you find such diversity of grapes, flavours and varieties – the region excels in white, rosé, red and sparkling wines.
Following the Loire Valley wine route is a holiday in itself, with many companies offering wine tours across the region that come with a shuttle service to forward your luggage and pick up your purchases along the way.
Once you’ve found the wine, what should the discerning Loire Valley diner pair it with?
The stretch from Saumur to Tour abounds with troglodyte caves serving typical fare – fouaces (or fouées) are small kiln-baked buns filled with rillettes (a textured pâté), mogettes (white beans) or mushrooms and offer a hearty, down-to-earth dining experience with a difference.
Naturally, freshwater fish also figure prominently on the menu in many local restaurants. Nibble on fritures for starters before moving onto a pike perch in butter sauce for main. Hunting is a popular past time in the region, so game (deer and boar) is also a local speciality, served as pâté or as a dish.
Wine has been grown in the Loire Valley for more than two thousand years, yet its reputation has a lower profile than regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy or Champagne. A mild climate, rural hillsides, chalky earth and humidity from the river that winds its way through the valley combine to produce delicious lighter wines. Four varieties of grapes are used here (Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne and Cabernet Franc) to produce wines of all colours and for all occasions including reds (Anjou and Saumur), whites (Muscadet, Chinon and Sancerre), pinks (Cabernet d’Anjou and Rosé de Loire) and sparkling wines (Crémant and Vouvray).
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Le Domaine du Moulin
Refined manor with lots of character and sea view for rent. From its promontory in the middle of an area of two hectares, the Domaine du Moulin overlooks this legendary coast where earth and sea are melting into each other.
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Le Bois Bas
Genuine manor with heated pool, seaside. Charming estate with character, dating back to the 15th century, in the heart of Gulf of Morbihan.
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Le Paquebot
With three bridges, two decks, a staircase worthy of a liner, a living room like a ship's bridge and several marine-inspired rooms, this contemporary villa is like a transoceanic liner run aground
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Le Logis de la Chapelle
Le Logis de la Chapelle is a dream Brittany holiday home : an old granite house, a short walk from the beaches, in grounds which are wooded and enclosed, providing happiness for children and peace of mind for parents.
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La Legende de d'Artagnan
Luxury chateau rental Normandy. The château, built in 1626 - the year that D'Artagnan [character from the famous novel by Alexandre Dumas] went to the capital - is located in the heart of rural Normandy, and is only one hour from Paris. This peaceful location, set in large grounds containing a swimming pool and a tennis court
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Greens and Golf
High-end villa to rent with a heated pool. With its back to the hill, Greens and Golf offers a magnificent view of the peaceful Pays d'Auge countryside with marshlands and meadows stretching as far as the eye can see. Renovated in the style of Normandy timbered houses, this superbly decorated villa enjoys a spacious yet cosy living room and a majestic fireplace.
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Plage ou Golfe
Located in a peaceful setting between the Gulf of Morbihan and ocean beaches, the "Plage ou Golfe" villa offers all modern conveniences. Behind the traditional architecture of its exterior, this recent villa hides a very pleasant interior, featuring a high quality decorative scheme with a "design" feel...
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La Villa sur l Ocean
La Villa sur l'Océan is situated in an outstanding location between Finistere and Cote d'Armor. This holiday villa for rent in Brittany is nestled in the moorlands on a headland near the ocean and the beaches and just a stone's throw from a charming little village.
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Pure Luxury Normandy
Enjoy the grandeur and noble elegance of this French castle for rent for a very special Normandy experience! This immense chateau is set in 50 hectares of immaculate grounds and offers premium amenities. With Pure Luxury Normandy, ChicVillas offers you the promise of an unforgettable stay in a region steeped in history.
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Sweet Brittany
Fancy escaping to a beautiful holiday cottage in Brittany near the sea? Then our effortlessly stylish property Sweet Brittany is just what you're looking for!
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Sweet Normandy
This elegant villa in Normandy is packed with French style and charm. Set amid forests and meadows with long sandy beaches close by, it’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Stay in and relax with friends in a cosy atmosphere or head out for fresh air and uplifting coastal walks.
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