Our stay in the Chateau was highlighted by waking up each morning to the birds singing outside our room’s window which over looked the 20 acre lake. All the excursions included sights and locations we would never have been able to find on our own and were delightful additions to our daily schedule. The most memorable meals were the picnics created by our hosts which were held in local parks in beautiful locations. The food was great and the whole experience was a lot of fun. Our excursion for a wine tasting with lunch in a troglodyte cave was the most interesting and one of the most unusual stops of the entire trip. Norm and Dana
Day One—Sunday
We pick you up in the early afternoon at the Angers/St Laud TGV train station and transport you by private van 16 minutes north to the amazing Chateau, your home for the week. Enjoy a meet-and-greet with homemade hors d’oeuvres and locally produced wines, followed by a tour of the Chateau. Then relax by the 20 acre lake or sit by the outdoor pool or explore the 100 acre estate until it is time for a welcome dinner. (Dinner by “chef” Walter and Artistic Gourmet Adventures)
Day Two—Monday
After breakfast, we will visit a local English-speaking wine expert. The day begins with coffee and biscuits, and includes a comprehensive tasting and lunch in the comfort of an old barrel cellar, followed by a leisurely trip along the river in a beautiful wooden boat. Gourmet Dinner at the Chateau in the Chatelaine Dining Room. (Breakfast/Gourmet Lunch/Gourmet Dinner included)
Day Three—Tuesday
Morning breakfast at the Chateau. We then drive through the French countryside of the Loire, via the breathtaking riverside village of Chenille Change, where we will picnic by the river and visit the historic water mill. We then continue on to our destination of Angers, capital of the ancient province of Anjou. You will have the opportunity to explore the city of Angers on your own. Highlights include great shopping, eateries, and the beautiful Castle, home of the Fourteenth Century Apocalypse Tapestry, the largest tapestry in the world. Don’t miss a great opportunity for gift-shopping. Dinner on your own in Angers. (Breakfast/Gourmet Picnic Lunch provided)
Day Four—Wednesday
Awake rested and ready to go. We will enjoy breakfast and head to the village of Beaumont-en-Veron, in the appelation of Chinon. Here we will meet a local representative, sample the local wines, tour a vineyard, then enjoy a scrumptious lunch (prepared by a local chef) dining in a Troglodyte Cave. We then drive on to the beautiful castle town of Chinon, famous for the legend of Joan of Arc. Dinner in Chinon on your own. (Breakfast/Gourmet Lunch provided)
Day Five—Thursday
After a leisurely breakfast, we will get a mid-morning start to Martin de Candre, maker of hundreds of artisinal soaps (savonnerie artisanale), great for gift-giving. After, we will travel a short distance to Fontevraud, home of Fontevraud l’Abbaye, burial place of King Henry II, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their son, Richard the Lionheart (also made famous in the modern era by the movie, “The Lion in Winter”). Explore this charming town on your own (tour the Abbey, have lunch in one of several restaurants, from bistro to gastronomique). At day’s end, we make a leisurely drive via the breathtaking Saumur Champigny region, on our way back to the Chateau for dinner. (Breakfast/ Dinner provided)
Day Six—Friday
Early breakfast, then visit Chateau de Chenonceau, located in a pretty setting literally on the Cher River. Gourmet Picnic lunch in the Chateau gardens. Arriving back a Farewell Dinner. (Breakfast/Picnic Lunch/Dinner provided)
Day Seven—Saturday
Breakfast at the Chateau, then transportation to Angers train station for your return home (or your next destination). (Breakfast)
A fantastic week exploring France’s Loire Valley with Kim and Walter Eagleton leading the way. Each day was very memorable with gourmet food, wine tastings and visits to historic sites. Best of all was our “home” at Chateau de la Beuvriere. Who wouldn’t enjoy living in a castle? Ray and Cydney