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$ 5150
pp
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$ 8850
pp
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$ 4310
pp
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
French Countryside

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Wendy & Ron
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Our Travelers’ Photos

Ruth & Mary-Ann
From the US
In front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Sandy & Dennis
from the US
In Paris by Notre Dame Cathedral
Ron, Jane, Don & Nancy
From Canada
Visiting a wine cellar
Don with his hostess Oriana
From the US
At the hotel in Lyon
Fred
from Canada
Truffle hunting in Burgundy with Thierry
Pam & Rick
From the US
Tasting some oysters and white wine in the Basque Country
Dennis
from Australia
Hiking in the Dentelles in Provence
Kathie, Joan, Brian and Richard
from Canada
Biking for a day in the Loire Valley
Karen
from the US
Eating lunch at Jules Verne restaurant at the top of the Eiffel tower
Harry & Caroline
From Australia
Wine & Cheese Tasting
Chee Keong & Zack
From Malaysia
On Pegasus Bridge in Normandy for the D-Day celebrations
Maureen & Victor
from the US
Visiting an Abbey in the Loire Valley

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