Loire Anjou Touraine region

    

The Loire " Royal river " :

 

The last natural untouched river in Europe. You can take a cruise on the traditional 18th century "Gabarre" boats gently meandering your way along the river, discovering the typical fishing villages and enjoying the abundant wild life. This gives a unique perspective of the countryside and of the châteaux perched high on the cliffs along the route.

Treasures of the Loire Valley :

Numerous castles and royal abbeys.

Horseriding :

"Le Cadre Noir" military horse academy, in Saumur since the 17th century, representing the finest horseriding traditions of France.

Gastronomy :

Anjou way of life : taste the local specialities including mushrooms and "fouées" (traditional bread). Discover two typical Saumur dishes - original and delicious : "galipettes" large flat "Paris" mushrooms and "les fouées" small unlevened bread ; both garnished with pork confit, salmon, garlic butter, goats cheese - all cooked in traditional bread ovens.


Wines and winemaking :
 

20.000 hectares of wines and 32 Appellations (AOC). Amongst the most reputed "Saumur Champigny", "Coteaux de Saumur" and "Coteaux du Layon", not forgetting the Sparkling wines,  "Cremant de Loire".

Dominique's recommendations :