The Loire Valley perfectly represents la douceur de vivre ('sweet way of life') with nice weather, tasty food, delicious wine, and friendly people. Cherished by the kings of the past and royal courts of France, the Loire region offers a pleasant pace of life, prosperity, and all the good things in life.

Rumor has it the quintessence of the French cuisine was developed in the royal kitchens of the Chateaux de la Loire. Along your way in the Loire Valley, you will inevitably set eyes on the many delicious gourmet treats of the Loire region, nicely prepared and presented.

 

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is a typical confection of the region, and you will find it in all shapes and sizes. The most famous type is the long, cylindrical St Maure, pierced through the center with a straw. The legend says that you always have to start cutting St Maure goat cheese from the wider side or the goat will not produce any more milk.

loire valley goat cheese

Sainte Maure Goat cheese - ©Stevens Frémont - ADT Touraine

 

Rillettes and Rillons

Meat used to be the pride and joy of the medieval royalties. In Touraine, some of the traditional dishes include rillettes and rillons. Made from pig’s neck fried in fat, this cold confection is delicious when spread on a slice of fresh baguette. The locals also serve it with fouée, a regional bread cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven.

 

Nougat

The nougat of Tours was created in the time of Leonardo da Vinci. This delicious treat has evolved since the 15th century, nowadays it is similar to an apricot marmalade tart with candied fruit and topped with almond macaron batter.

loire cuisine

Nougat de Tours - ©Stevens Frémont - ADT Touraine

 

Poire Tapée

Another speciality of the Loire Valley gastronomy is the poire tapée (flattened pear). This dried pear is originally from Rivarennes, where it would be flattened with a special tool. The pear could then be eaten dried or rehydrated in a dish or wine.

 

Wine and Cheese

Last but not least, the Loire Valley is famed for its delicious wine and cheese. A wide range of wines can be found in the Val de Loire - one to suit every taste. Renowned for their light taste, the Loire Valley wines go perfectly with the regional culinary specialties such as the Sainte Maure goat cheese and flattened pears.

We will offer you a wine and cheese tasting experience, as part of your personalized Loire Valley tour, depending on your preferences. We will also be happy to share with you our special favorite restaurants when you'll find authentic and succulent regional cuisine. This will be a journey that your tastebuds will never forget! The Loire Valley gastronomy is an important feature of our Loire Valley self-drive itineraries

 

Some Great Trips including the Loire Valley :

Duration
13 days
Price
US$ 4870
Region
in Loire Valley

Be seduced by France Just For You's very special way of discovering the Loire Valley, its must sees and hidden beauties. In this itinerary, you will experience the "sweet life" in Touraine, stopping over in little villages to savor local goat cheese or taste amazing wines. Take the time to relax in rose gardens, or to enjoy the traditional cuisine in many small restaurants frequented by the locals.

Wine Tasting
Heritage & History
Gourmet Food
Duration
26 days
Price
US$ 7580
Region
in Paris, Loire Valley & Normandy

This itinerary will take you to three of the culturally richest regions of France, at a relaxed pace and away from the beaten tracks. We recommend flying into and out of Paris for this itinerary.

Wine Tasting
Heritage & History
Duration
10 days
Price
US$ 3750
Region
in Loire Valley & Normandy

From the Loire Valley castles, the famous village of Mont Saint Michel surrounded by water, the landings beaches and the Norman countryside . . . to end the trip at Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny: you’ll have to keep your eyes wide open!

Heritage & History
Countryside

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Our Travelers’ Reviews

Corinne
Lovely trip made easy by France just for you! We had a fabulous time in France on a two week driving trip. We provided a brief outline of some of the things we wanted to see and do and France Just for you created a daily itinerary, booked our Bed and Breakfasts and hotels, reserved our car and suggested things to see in each city we visited. It was …
Jill & Jerry from the US
The team at FJFY arranged everything for our 3 week trip to southern France. From car rental, train tickets, activities and wonderful accommodations they arranged it all. Stress free traveling! The spiral bound guide book and FJFY app gave us so much information on each area including activities and restaurant recommendations. The B & Bs were all …
Vania
Emilie did an outstanding job choosing ideal locations, charming B and B's and accommodating our requests. We went from Normandy to Aix to the Alps to Paris and were happy with the entire trip. She created a personalized itinerary that made our travels very easy and our experiences feel unique. No doubt I would recommend France Just for You and …

Our Travelers’ Photos

John & Becky
from the US
In the Arcachon Bassin
Bridget & Tyler
from the US
In Monet's house kitchen in Giverny
Harry & Caroline
From Australia
Wine & Cheese Tasting
Bob & Naomi
From the US
In Monet's gardens in Giverny, Normandy
Sally & Mike
From the US
With their hosts in the Loire Valley
Bonnie & her 2 daughters
from Canada
In Ménerbes, Provence
Karen & Ed
from the US
At the restaurant in Giverny
Barbara & Gary
from the US
Buying cheese in Rocamadour
Sheena & Anna
From the US
In Provence
Yvette & David
from the US
on the French Riviera, near Nice
Michele, Jacques, Nicole, Gaetan, Joanne & Keith
from Canada
In the Loire Valley
The Ko Family
from Korea
on the French Riviera