Sunday

 

Your adventure begins!

 

Welcome to Manoir du Grand Echeneau, our home for the week. Enjoy a glass of sparkling Vouvray on the patio, and a walk through the cellars of the Manoir, as you settle in for a week of adventure!

 

Dinner this evening will be at Restaurant L’Épicerie in Amboise. Situated in the heart of Amboise, this Renaissance style 14th century building sits under the impressive walls of Château d’Amboise, and is one of the oldest buildings in the village. It is the perfect place to enjoy your introduction to the cuisine of Touraine!  

 

 

Monday

 

After breakfast we will head to the neighbouring village of Rochecorbon. The first record of this village dates back to the 9th century, when it was known as Vodanum. By the 16th century, the name had evolved to become Rochecorbon: La Roche, the name of the chateau, and Corbon the name of the owners. Today, the village of Rochecorbon has a population of 3,100.

 

This morning, our 13km walk will start in the heart of the village at the Place de la Mairie (City Hall) and Église St. Georges. Our route will take us by the18th century Château de Montgouverne, chenin blanc vines, an 11th century light house, the bank of the Loire River, a Roman Chapel with murals dating back to the 12th century, wine caves, and troglodyte homes. Along the way, we will enjoy a hearty lunch among the vines before heading back to the village centre. 

 

This evening, we will enjoy a fabulous meal at one of my favourite local restaurants, Le Val Joli. It is located only a short walk from the Manoir. Owner, Stéphanie Bouland, will introduce us to her menu that includes many of her grandmother’s recipes, long held in the family.           

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Tuesday

 

After breakfast, we will take a 45-minute drive southwest of Tours, toward the village of Cande-Saint-Martin. Cande is listed among the 100 most beautiful villages in France. We will enjoy a walk above the village, where the panoramic views of the Loire and Vienne rivers are spectacular. 

 

For lunch we will head to the nearby town of Fontevraud. There, we will find a classic bistro in the village for lunch, before touring the 12th century Abbey that dominates the local skyline. The Abbey features an excellent audio tour. We will also be sure to spend time at the burial site of the King of England, Henry II, his wife Eleanore of Aquitaine, and their son King Richard the Lionheart, all buried here in the 12th century. 

 

We will have a late afternoon departure to the Manoir for a little rest and relaxation.

           

Dinner this evening will take place at La Table de Joseph in Rochecorbon. We will dine overlooking the Loire River, or among the sweet scents of their backyard garden.             

 

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Wednesday

 

Today will be your day off. Feel free to venture out on your own, or accompany me for some planned activities.

 

Following breakfast, I will head to the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy. There will be time to walk on the beach, visit the Juno Beach Centre, and pay our respects to the Canadian service men and women who died during the D-Day landings in June of 1944, and who are buried at the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Military cemetery. I have had the privilege of visiting Juno Beach and the cemetery on past tours to the Loire. Each visit seems more important as the years go by, and always more moving than the last.

 

For anyone not wishing to travel to Normandy, there are many possibilities to choose from. Enjoy a quiet morning with a good book by the pool, or spend time exploring the troglodyte caves on the Manoir property. I would be happy to discuss the possibilities with you. Transportation will be provided to and from your destination.

 

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Thursday

 

After breakfast, we will travel to Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil. Our 14km walk meanders through forest and vines, showcasing the great valley views. St. Nicolas is a small appellation tucked into the west side of its larger neighbour Bourgueil. This is red wine country. The cabernet franc produced in this region is unique in the world of wine. After our walk, we will enjoy a tasting with one of my favourite wine-makers, Jean Delanoue. Jean retired a few years back and his son, Vincent, oversees day-to-day operations of his family vineyard.     

 

Following our tasting, we will return to the Manoir for an hour or two of relaxation.

 

This evening we will dine at L’Etape Gourmande in Villandry. Situated outside the walls of Château de Villandry, this 17th century seigneurie has been transformed into a working farm and restaurant, producing its very own St. Maure style goats' cheese. The restaurant is owned by mother-daughter team, Béatrice and Alexandra de Montferrier. I am sure you will enjoy the elegance and warmth of this fabulous restaurant!

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Friday

 

Today, we will begin with an 8km walk through Vouvray, departing directly from the Manoir. After strolling through the village, we will follow the river Cisse for 1km before climbing the cliff side that takes us to the haute lieu vineyards of Domaine Huet, one of the most well-known and respected Domaines of the appellation. We will pass alongside vineyards and fields of sunflowers (if they haven’t already been harvested) before heading back past Le Clos d’Epinay and the centuries old cemetery, taking the old pathway down to the village. 

 

Following our walk, we will depart for the city of Amboise, only a 20-minute drive away. Amboise has a population of approximately 10,000, and was once home to the Renaissance King of France, Francois I. Through the 15th and 16th centuries, Amboise was the heart of France, and enjoyed political and economic prosperity. One fifth of the original chateau remains, rising above the Loire River and the city centre. Nearby is the Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s home during the last three years of his life. Inside we will find to scale models of several of his greatest inventions.

 

Dinner tonight will be a real treat! Our dear friends, Mireille and Laurent, will welcome us into their 18th century home. Mireille is an excellent cook, and Laurent’s wine cellar is to die for! Together we will share a relaxed meal, a great way to enjoy your last night in Vouvray!

 

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Saturday

 

We will enjoy breakfast together, followed by your departure. Transportation will be provided to the train station at Saint-Pierre-des-Corps. Please inform me of your departure times in advance.

 

It has been my pleasure introducing you to a few of my favourite places in Touraine! I hope to see you again on another Select Wine Journey!