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Loire Valley is best known for its magnificent chateaus, which line
the Loire River and its tributaries, creating some of the most beautiful
sights in France. Built hundreds of years ago by kings as private
hunting estates and getaways, today many have been transformed into
world class hotels with award winning chefs. Surrounding these architectural
gems is a lush countryside with some of the most loved wines the
country has to offer.
We invite you on a luxury getaway, in which you will enjoy the cuisine,
wine, and chateaus of the Loire Valley. Your personal guide for
this tour is Pascal Mineau, who was born and raised in the Loire
Valley. Pascal degreed in tourism and worked as a manager at a Michelin
star restaurant in Bristol, England before returning to his native
region to lead tours for Epiculinary. He will accompany you to private
vineyards and fairytale chateaus, where top chefs will teach you
classic French dishes in private cooking lessons.
 You
will be met at the Tours Saint Pierre des Corps train station in
the morning by Pascal, who will drive you to the heart of the Loire
Valley and the town of Amboise.
Lunch is on your own in Amboise. Afternoon visit to the Royal Chateau
of Amboise, considered to be the most Italian of the Loire Valley
chateaus. This is where Leonardo da Vinci rests.
Afternoon wine tasting at a winery which specializes in mature Loire
Valley wines from 1945 to present.
Check in at the 3 star hotel Le Medicis located in the royal town
of Blois.
Dinner at the hotel.
Morning visit of the Chateau
of Cherverny. This Renaissance chateau presents one of the most
impressive collections of antique furniture and master paintings
in the entire valley.
Lunch on your own in Cheverny.
In the afternoon, we go to Cour Cheverny, at the Domain des Huars.
There you will visit the vineyard, and try some of the finest Cour
Cheverny wines. The Romorantin grape used to produce the white wines
was introduced in the region by King Francois
Mid afternoon cooking lesson with Chef Garanger at Le Medicis gastronomic
restaurant. You will prepare a complete three course menu consisting
of gourmet recipes based on seasonal ingredients.
Dinner and accommodation at Le Medici.
Morning visit of the royal
chateau of Blois, known for its three different architecture styles.
Lunch on your own in Blois.
Afternoon visit of the Chateau de Chambord, listed as a world heritage
site by UNESCO. This phenomenal chateau was built in the first period
of the Renaissance and is a must-see if you are visiting the Loire
Valley.
Shopping and free time in the medieval town of Montrichard. You
may visit a winery if you wish.
Check in at Chateau de Chissay, a four star chateau hotel built
in the 12th century.
Dinner at the hotel.
 Morning
visit of the Chateau of Chenonceau. Once the retreat for Catherine
de Medici and Mary Queen of Scots, it is considered the most romantic
of all the chateaus.
Lunch at your convenience in Chenonceau. Afterward you’ll
visit the Manor Clos Luce, which was the last residence of Leonardo
da Vinci.
Meet Chef Chef Florent Huget for today's cooking session. Chef Huget
boasts an impressive range of experience including working at a
number of Michelin star restaurants.
Dinner follows the lesson and is served with the appropriate wines.
Overnight Chateau de Chissay.
Morning check out. Private transfer to Tours train station.
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