Relax and unwinD... Getting out and about ... cylcling... press kit 2021 Slow tourism in the Valley Nature, culture and Art de Vivre an exceptional blend The Loire Valley offers countless leisure options for lovers of nature, heritage and gastronomy. To get here, nothing could be simpler: - from Paris: TGV train to Tours (1hr), regio- nal trains to Chartres (1hr), Orléans (1hr) or Bourges (2hrs) - from Roissy-CDG airport: direct TGV to Tours (2hrs) - from Nantes: regional trains to Tours (1hr 45mins), Blois (2hrs 30mins), Orléans (3hrs)

Listed as UNESCO World Heritage since châteaux such as the Château of Ainay-le- 2000, the Loire Valley is the heart of the Vieil, secrets gardens such as those of the surrounding region. Nicknamed the Val- Domain of Poulaines or the flower park in ley of the Kings, it is home to countless Apremont-sur-, internationally known châteaux including fifteen which are listed vineyards such as those in , lively as “Great Sites of the Loire Valley”, like towns such as Bourges and nature reserves the Château of Chambord and the Château such as the Regional Nature Park of Brenne. of Chenonceau. Indeed, before Versailles, This countryside area is a holiday destina- it was in the Loire Valley that the Kings of tion in its own right and with treasures to had their residences! discover. The Loire Valley is also known as the To the north, there is a different ambiance. ­“Garden of France” because of its fer- Enjoy a city break in Chartres with its tile ground and variety of soil types that cathedral listed as UNESCO World Heri- are ideal for growing fruit and vegetable tage or discover the authentic but still and making a wide range of wines. Red, little-known Eure valley with villages such white, rosé, sparkling, dry or tannic... there as ­Maintenon, known for its château and something for every taste! unfinished aqueduct that was the fruit of a wild idea of Louis XIV. There’s no better way to discover this region while still preserving its natural beauty than by cycling along La Loire à To help you unwind and discover all the top Vélo, a cycle route that follows the Loire, its locations in the region, the Comité régional vineyards and châteaux over 900km! du Tourisme has launched a new website dedicated to slow tourism, the values of To the south of the Loire Valley lies Berry, which are presented in this press kit: a little-known countryside region dotted www.enrouelibre-centre-valdeloire.com with countless gems including small private Solo trip along La Scan- dibérique with Estelle

La Scandibérique is the French section of the Loire in the direction of Orléans. EuroVelo 3 which goes from Trondheim At this point the route follows La Loire à in Norway to Santiago de Compostela in Vélo, which I rode a few years ago, but I Spain. really enjoyed discovering it again. That Practical information Although the idea of traversing Europe from evening, I decided to stop at the campsite in Duration north to south was appealing, I couldn’t Gien after hearing good things about it from 1 week for the Paris-Tours sec- take that much time off work so I decided Paul, a cyclist I met the day before. I tried tion, 1 month for the whole of La to settle for a few days on the Paris-Tours out their Abricyclo which means I didn’t Scandibérique section.. have to put up the tent. Luxury! Time of year The route started by following the Seine to After theChâteau of Sully-sur-Loire, the From April to October Fontainebleau and then joined the . I first of the Loire châteaux on my route, I Budget was quite taken with the town of , travelled through UNESCO World Heritage nicknamed “the Venice of Gâtinais” with countryside and enjoyed taking in the Things to do stand-up paddle or canoeing on its 131 bridges and footbridges spanning a spectacular scenery. I ticked off the stages: the or the Loire. multitude of little rivers. After enjoying a few Orléans, Blois, Amboise, Tours; the sur- Praslines Mazet, the local speciality, I left rounding landscape alternated vineyards, Places to visit the banks of the Loing and joined the Briare châteaux, forests and small villages... And so the town of Montargis canal. The tow path was a pleasant ride and I arrived at the end of my journey, my mind the Château of Sully-sur-Loire, the Château of Saint-Brisson, I had fun waving to the passengers on the and heart filled with happy memories of the the Loire châteaux along the sec- canal boats that regularly passed by. I passed experiences I enjoyed and the people I met. tion of La Loire à Vélo between through typical little villages like I spent the last night at the youth hostel in Orleans and Tours ­Châtillon-Colignybefore arriving in Briare. Tours, The People Hostel, which reserves Where to eat The panoramic view of the Loire from the ca- a special welcome for cyclists. There was a Oh Terroir, 100% local and orga- nal aqueduct there was breathtaking! Here, friendly atmosphere and I met Thomas and nic fast food in Montargis and the Briare canal crosses over the Loire on a Hugo and we discussed our respective bike Orléans bridge built by Eiffel, creating two separate trips together. I’m already keen to go back! Where to sleep water courses like I’ve rarely seen before! www.scandiberique.fr the campsite in Gien I then headed due west along the banks of The People Hostel in Tours UNESCO world heritage, châ- teaux and boating as a couple with Christophe and Isabelle

It’s now been 20 years since the Loire Valley avenue of century-old cedars leading to the was first listed as UNESCO World Heritage. It landing stage was stunning! was time for Christophe and I to discover this At the Domaine of Chaumont-sur-Loire, we still relatively little-known part of France! had lunch in the sunroom of the gastronomic Practical information We arrived in the village of Meung-sur-Loire restaurant «Le Grand Vélum». Our meals were Duration in the late afternoon. To better discover the decorated with flowers, which I found very re- 4 to 5 days (or more) Loire, the surrounding scenery and wildlife, we fined. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of boarded a boat with Denis from the Coeur de Christophe... Him and flowers! We went for a Time of year Loire association. Denis was a true freshwater digestive stroll in the Domaine’s vast park and all year round sailor and the trip was enjoyable and peaceful admired the numerous works of art placed at Budget in the late-afternoon sun. different points within it. We ended the day at the International Garden Festival which, for its Things to do The next day, we headed to Chambord. There 30th edition, is on the theme of “biomimicry a trip on a traditional Loire boat was no way we could miss out on this great in the garden». a panoramic picnic at the Royal architectural feat! And to think that the forest Château of Amboise surrounding it is as big as the centre of Paris... In the evening, we ate outside on the lawns of It’s huge! While waiting to visit the new per- the Royal Château of Amboise. Held for the Places to visit maculture vegetable garden and the vineyard first time the year before, these evening pic- the vineyards and vegetable gar- surrounding the estate, Christophe got out nics with a panoramic view are organised on den at the Château of Chambord his camera. It had to be said the location was certain days in summer and offer the opportu- the Château of Cheverny picture-perfect! nity to admire an exceptional sunset over the the Villandry gardens Loire accompanied by music. That evening, we slept in a château! We spent Where to eat a pleasant evening with Victor and Maria, On the last day we visited the iconic in Le Grand Velum at the Do- the delightful Swiss owners of Le Manoir de Renaissance­ gardens at Villandry. I admired maine of Chaumont-sur-Loire Contres. the work of the gardeners who keep them Where to sleep perfectly maintained without using a single We were just a stone’s throw from the on a Coeur de Loire boat in chemical!. ­Château of Cheverny, on which Hergé based Meung-sur-Loire. his works “the adventures of Tintin”. We dis- At the end of our trip, we headed west to the in a château at Manoir de covered their new orchards, called the “sweet Vendée to visit our grandchildren. Next time Contres gardens”, and enjoyed a trip on the river run- they’ll be coming with us, that’s for sure! Au Charme Rabelaisien **** in ning through the park in an electric boat. The the centre of Amboise www.loirevalley-france.co.uk Hand in hand in the land of fine wines with Paul and Léa

To make the most of the end of summer, day. Paul and I treated ourselves to a romantic The following day, we headed off to Cave weekend away. As lovers of good wine and de la Sybille, just a few minutes’ drive from heritage, the Loire Valley has appealed to us Chinon, to discover the tale of Rabelais and for a long time and, after a little research, Practical information the sybil. We were plunged straight into the we decided to go to Chinon. Duration story thanks to the unique scenography of 1 weekend (or more!) We began the weekend with a visit to the the site and the sculptures on the tuffeau Fortress of Chinon, a must-see among the stone walls. The visit ended with a tasting of Time of year greatest sites in the Loire Valley! Using the local wines in the shop. all year round Histopad, the visit was an entertaining one Chinon wines are both light and full-bodied Budget that plunged us into the history of the site. and dense as well as structured according Outside, the panoramic view of the city and to soil they were grown in. Paul particularly Things to do surrounding vineyards was stunning. a Segway ride through the appreciated a Chinon Red with notes of vineyards After a quick lunch in the guinguette (open- spices aged in oak barrels, but I preferred a a trip on the Vienne in a traditio- air cafe) in Chinon, we set off for a rather lighter wine with red fruit notes, perfect for nal boat with wine and nibbles unusual vineyard visit... it was time for a a pre-dinner drink! We bought two bottles of Segway ride through the vineyard at Do- each Places to visit maine Pierre & Bertrand Couly! It’s a great the Fortress of Chinon To end the stay, we visited the gardens and activity that allowed us to discover the vines the Château of Le Rivau Château of Le Rivau. We wandered among in a fun way. Cave de la Sybille the roses, works of art and the vegetable in At the end of the day, another unusual the kitchen garden. A second later, we had Where to eat experience awaited us. Domaine de Noiré the pleasure of finding the same vegetable the open-air cafe in Chinon organises gourmet tastings on the Vienne on our plates in the château’s restaurant, the the gastronomic restaurant at the Château of Le Rivau aboard a gabare boat. Our boatman served “Jardin Secret”. We discovered that you can us a glass of the Domaine’s wine and a few even book accommodation at the château! Where to sleep local products, including poires tapées from At the end of our romantic weekend, we in a tree house with La Batelière Rivarennes. It was a moment where time sur Loire went home with stars in our eyes! seemed to stand still at the end of our first www.chinon.com La Loire à Vélo as a family, from Orléans to Blois With Marie and her family

For our first cycling holiday we chose the The next day, we continued our route Loire à Vélo, a flat easy route that is safe for towards Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire where we were families. to spend the night on a boat. We arrived at lunchtime and stopped at Le Bistrot Vélo, a We arrived in Orléans by train and immedia- cafe-bar that reserves a special welcome for tely set off in the footsteps of Joan of Arc, Practical information cyclists! whose story quickly captured the children’s Duration attention. Then, after an enjoyable evening The Château of Chambord was only 7 km 3 to 4 days in the open-air cafe, we headed off to the away and, since we still had some energy hotel for a good night’s rest.. left, we cycled there and back in the after- Time of year noon. It was very awe-inspiring arriving at From April to October Our hire bikes were delivered directly to the Chambord by bike, it made us feel so tiny! hotel for us with helmets and panniers. We Budget didn’t go for the «luggage transfer» option, At the end of the day, we enjoyed a trip on Things to do although it is a very practical service offe- the Loire in a traditional boat. Jean-Pierre a trip on the Loire in a traditional red by the hire company. With our panniers was an enthusiastic guide and we learned Loire boat in Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire fastened and our helmets strapped on, it plenty of things, even managing to spot a was time to go!! beaver! Places to visit We rode along the Loire with Jeanne in On the last day, we arrived in Blois late mor- the Château of Meung-sur-Loire the Royal Château of Blois the trailer attached to Thomas’s bike and ning, which left us enough time to visit the the towns of Orléans and Blois Titouan on his shiny green one. After 10km, city, the Maison de la Magie, the Parc des we stopped at Pointe de Courpain to admire Mées and the Loire Observatory. In the eve- Where to eat the flocks of migratory birds. It was so calm ning, we were all spellbound by the sound César et Firmin, in Beaugency and relaxing! A little later on, we stopped for and light show in the courtyard of the Royal Les Petits Instants, in Meung-sur- a leisurely picnic lunch in Meung-sur-Loire Château of Blois! Loire before going into the château. The visit with Something tells me this won’t be the last La Corne des Pâtures open-air Walter the robot was really well designed for time our family does 65km by bike.... We’re cafe children, ours didn’t get bored for a second! already thinking about our next holiday, and Where to sleep It was nearly time for an afternoon snack, so it will definitely be a cycling one! we cycled off again in the direction of the La on the Outre-Loire boat in Saint- Corne des Pâtures open-air cafe. Everything www.loirebybike.co.uk Dyé-sur-Loire was local and homemade, we loved it! Canoeing, cycling, food and drink, from Chartres to Dreux With Pierre and his friends

We love mini adventures with our mates! from Chartres... and we were on our way! This time we went to Chartres for the We cycled along the Véloscénie, a 450km weekend and it was Nico who organised route from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel. We everything. were 20km from Maintenon, where we We met at 5pm at Paris Montparnasse train ­stopped to visit the château. And what a Practical information station with our bikes. That said, we rarely château! It once belonged to Madame de Duration go anywhere without them! It’s free to travel Maintenon, Louis XIV’s mistress. They even a weekend with them on regional trains. An hour later, got married here in secret. The park was we arrived in Chartres. We followed Etienne magnificent and we couldn’t resist a quick Time of year who took us to a house surrounded by gree- break in the picnic area. From April to October nery with ducks and chickens, just 2km from We left the Véloscénie and joined the valley Budget the station. A spot of countryside in the city! of the Eure for 6km until we reached our It was time for a drink, so we all trooped off next destination: an unusual gite on the Things to do to the La Petite Venise open-air cafe on the banks of the river. We enjoyed a great eve- cycling along the Véloscénie or in banks of the Eure to enjoy a couple of local ning around the barbecue provided by the the royal Valley of the Eure beers. With its expanses of crop fields, the owners. an evening walk in Chartres to region around Chartres is known as “the In the morning, 15km of cycling to the water discover the Chartres en Lu- grain store of France” and the number of sports centre in Mézières-Ecluzelles awaited mières light show craft breweries is exploding! us. Nico had planned a canoe trip on the Places to visit Night falls. We got back on our bikes to ex- Eure for 2hrs30mins and I was keen to give it the Château of Maintenon plore Chartres by night. Nico promised us we a try! The valley of the Eure is very peaceful, would be amazed, and we were not disap- bordered by attractive houses and the jour- Where to eat pointed! Chartres en Lumières is an evening ney was easy and relaxing. The “La Petite Venise” open-air light show that illuminates all the buildings in After returning to the water sports centre, cafe in Chartres the city centre, bringing them to life with an we continued our route for 6km to the train exceptional choreography. station at Dreux, the final stop of our mini Where to sleep The next day, we visited the Chartres cathe- adventure. In less than an hour we were back Le Clos Chedeville in Chartres, a dral first, which is listed as UNESCO World in Paris, both relaxed and excited! countryside spot in the city! Heritage, then went to the market to buy Les Clefs de Milton, in an unu- provisions for lunch. Cheese from Perche, www.tourisme28.com sual gite on the river’s edge multigrain bread, a generous serving of pate A girls’ city break for Le Printemps de Bourges with Mathilde, Estelle and Océane

Le Printemps de Bourges opens the music After this cultural morning, it was time for a festival season in France every year. We’re bit of shopping! The streets of Bourges and all music lovers so this year we wanted to be Rue d’Auron, which was lined with half- there as soon as it starts! timbered houses, were full of little shops to satisfy our every desire. It was very pleasant It was also an opportunity to spend time Practical information walking around Bourges, even during the fes- with the girls! We had barely arrived and we tival period when the whole city was buzzing Duration were already at the foot of the main stage for with activity. a weekend or more the opening performance. Tryo got us in the mood and brought back memories of my high Near the walk along the ramparts, Océane Time of year school years, then Calypso Rose took over, spotted a tearoom called Cak T. We entered 4 to 9 May for the festival, all giving off an incredible sense of energy with a beautiful, vaulted room and fell under the year round outside of the festival her Cuban music, despite being 80 years old! charm. The bottles of Monin syrup lined up After a short night’s sleep and a delicious on the counter were almost enough to make Budget breakfast in our charming hotel, Villa C, we us forget the generous cakes and pastries on were eager to discover the centre of Bourges. display. We gave in to temptation. We nee- Things to do “Nothing is impossible with a valiant heart” ded to keep up our strength for the evening! attend during the festi- as Jacques Coeur once said, whose fascina- We were not going to the main stage today, val and discover the open stages ting story we learned about during a visit to we wanted to discover something new on walk through the marshes the Palais Jacques Coeur. We continued to one of the other stages set up across the city Saint-Etienne cathedral, a UNESCO World during the festival. The evening was full of Places to visit Heritage site, and had fun carefully exami- surprises and we danced late into the night! Palais Jacques Coeur ning every nook and cranny, because legend Saint-Etienne cathedral has it that the sculptors carved several pairs We were feeling pretty tired in the morning of hidden buttocks! but we nevertheless set off to walk through Where to eat the marshes, a real haven of peace in the Les Petits Plats du Bourbon An abbey! It was in the heart of a 17th centu- city centre. A little peace and quiet after two Cak T ry abbey that we had lunch, in the “Les Petits nights of partying was just what we needed! Plats du Bourbon” restaurant. The setting www.bourgesberrytourisme.com Where to sleep was exceptional and our mouths watered just Villa C thinking about the food! A quiet visit to tucked-away gardens in Berry with Christophe and Isabelle

This summer we chose a holiday destination We enjoyed strolling through the French in the countryside away from the busiest formal gardens, the leafy park and the flower tourist destinations: Berry and its secret garden, which was stunning at that time of gardens! year. Practical information We started in the village of Apremont-sur-­ As a keen admirer of George Sand, I was Allier which is listed as one of the Most interested to discover the Domain of Nohant. Duration Beautiful Villages in France. We walked The writer spent part of her childhood 5 days through the quiet streets and along the banks here and later received the great artists of Time of year of the Allier then visited the flower garden. A the time at the domain, including Eugène From April to October real gem! With its oriental-style pavilions and Delacroix, Franz Listz, Alfred de Musset and bridges, it soon transported us to the far-off her lover, Frédéric Chopin. The visit of the Budget lands of the Byzantine Empire and China.. house and gardens was filled with tales about the life of this strong-willed woman! Things to do We continued our journey to Sancerre to dis- a gardening workshop at the cover a real treasure: the Pesselières gardens After this literary break, we went to the Prieuré d’Orsan which are traversed by a stream and boast ­medieval gardens at the Prieuré d’Orsan, an alley of three-hundred-year-old boxwood carefully maintained by the new owners, Places to visit trees as well as a maze and a vegetable Cyril and Gareth, where we travelled back the Apremont-sur-Allier flower garden. We made the most of this haven of in time. We had lunch in the middle of the garden peace.. gardens with a view of a fantastic topiary the Pesselières gardens heart against an old stone wall. The location After a relaxing night in Sancerre, we visited the Domain of Poulaines is imbued with a sense of calm and serenity! the gardens and arboretum at the Domain the Château of Bouges of Poulaines. Valerie, the owner, explained We slept in the Château of Ainay-le-Vieil George Sand’s house that she also had gites in the garden and sold and visited the gardens in the early morning. the Château of Ainay-le-Vieil local produce in the tearoom and hand-craf- Even in July the rose garden was still stunning Where to eat ted items in the shop, such as hats made of and the roses perfumed the park while the the restaurant at the Prieuré stinging nettles. Since it was sunny, I treated morning sun added an intimate feel to the d’Orsan myself to one and barely took it off for the location. rest of the holiday! We’ve really fallen in love with the Berry Where to sleep The Château of Bouges, 10 minutes away, countryside, so peaceful and unspoilt. at the Château of Ainay-le-Vieil at Domain of Poulaines reminded us of the Petit Trianon at Versailles. www.berryprovince.com Birds, vegetarian cooking and horse riding in Brenne with Marie and her family

This year we wanted to get away for a few class with Valérie who introduced us to her days of peace and quiet to unwind and delicious vegetarian cuisine. Then it was enjoy the countryside. Just 3 hours from time to go to the Haute-Touche reserve to Paris, the Regional Nature Park of Brenne admire animals from all over the world living Practical information was our chosen destination. in semi-liberty. We visited the nursery, where Duration our hearts melted at the sight of the baby With more than 3,000 lakes, numerous birds 3 to 4 days European pond turtles, the «cistudes», an and its European pond turtles, Brenne is a iconic species of Brenne. natural haven! We started by going to the Time of year Maison du Parc in Rosnay to find out all we We then visited the Château of all year round (spring and could about the park and the best places to ­Azay-le-Ferron which was just a few kilo- autumn for migratory bird wat- visit. Because travelling makes you hungry, metres away. The inside was very modern ching) we also took the opportunity to try battered and our guide, Nestor, told us plenty of tales Budget carp, a local speciality. Delicious! about the history of the château. We then took a short walk in the park. Things to do We then went to the Le Blanc outdoor activi- a vegetarian cooking class ty centre where we had reserved 4 mountain Today was our last day in Brenne! We began a nature outing with a guide bikes. It’s the best way to travel to explore the day with a horse ride with a guide from a bike ride through the lakes Brenne at your own pace. We stopped to the Maison du Parc. He showed us hidden admire several lakes and watch the flocks spots and explained all about the local Places to visit of birds from the observation huts. After a wildlife. At the end of our enjoyable trip we The Maison du Parc in Rosnay good bike ride, we headed for our gite for decided to spend the afternoon swimming. The Haute-Touche Reserve the night. We went to Bellebouche Lake where there The Château of Azay le Ferron are multiple water activities available. It was Le Sanglier Hirsute (the Hairy Boar), what a Where to eat great for the children! funny name! Valérie provided us with warm the Maison du Parc welcome and the rooms were well-equipped After this refreshing stay surrounded by Where to sleep and cute. After a restorative night’s sleep, wildlife, it was hard to return to Paris... Le Sanglier Hirsute we began the following day with a cooking www.parc-naturel-brenne.fr Good food and accommodation New recommendations

Loire Valley Lodges Les Sources de Cheverny Situated 15km south of Tours in a private 300-hec- This new luxury hotel complex combining wine therapy, wine tare forest, this concept hotel promises a unique tourism and wildlife was inaugurated in autumn 2020. Les experience for unwinding and soaking up the positive vibes Sources de Cheverny, situated on an estate of forty or so hec- from the forest. 18 modern lodges, each decorated by a tares including an 18th-century château and a farmhouse, offers contemporary artist, are equipped with all you need and even 49 rooms and suites, a Caudalie Spa, a bistro and a gastronomic have a private spa on each of the terraces. restaurant due to open in the spring of 2021. www.loirevalleylodges.com www.sources-cheverny.com

La Maison Tatin An iconic French dessert known all over the world, Tarte Tatin originated in Sologne. As the story goes, it was first made by accident by the Tatin sisters in their family home in Lamotte-Beuvron. In 2021, the hotel is getting a make-over and is bringing their famous dessert to centre stage! Now called “La Maison Tatin», the establishment offers 16 refined rooms decorated on the theme of nature with large panoramic photos depic- ting the local Sologne wildlife as bed headboards, including a kingfisher in one room, a couple of great crested grebes in another and a northern lapwing in yet another. La Maison Tatin also has a restaurant, which naturally serves Tarte Tatin, a spa and a small museum space on the incredible history of this delicious dessert! www.lamaisontatin.fr

Tours is being transformed! In 2021, the city of Tours will be undergoing a transformation! On the banks of the Loire, near the Pont Wilson bridge, two Hilton hotels will be giving the city a brand new allure. On the east side, Hampton by Hilton is a 3-star hotel with 71 rooms. It’s larger counterpart on the west side, called the Garden Inn, is a 4-star hotel with 100 rooms. The opening is planned for spring. www.hiltonhotels.com From the vegetable garden to the table at Château of Rivau Something new This small restaurant with an intimate feel in Loches! seats up to 20 beneath its glass roof, sur- rounded by greenery. Chef Nicolas Gaulan- deau proposes creative and refined cuisine made using vegetables and herbs from the Le Rivau garden. There’s just a few steps from the kitchen garden to the table! www.chateaudurivau.com Sleep in a court.... of justice! In the spring of 2021, the former law courts of Loches will be turned into a 4-star hotel. Managed by the Best Dining with a view with the Château of Montpoupon Western Plus brand, the royal city’s hotel will offer the A small haven of peace away from the crowds at the busiest places, L’Auberge de Montpoupon is the new restaurant by Christophe Lunais. unique experience of walking through the “Salle des Situated on the edge of a magnificent forest, it offers a unique view of the Pas Perdus”, having breakfast in the courtroom or slee- Château of Montpoupon. The restaurant’s chef cooks local dishes made ping in the judges’ room... with fresh local produce. www.auberge-montpoupon.fr The hotel has 45 rooms, a spa, a heated indoor pool, a restaurant and a bar. It is also due to receive “the Accueil Vélo” or “Cyclist Welcome” and Clef Verte A 4-star experience in Brenne certifications. Situated in the Regional Nature Park of Brenne, Le Manoir de Pierre Levée www.hotel-citeroyale.com has been turned into a 4-star hotel offering 5 elegant and refined rooms in the heart of a leafy 9-hectare estate dotted with typical Brenne lakes. The hotel’s semi-gastronomic restaurant serves food made with seasonal, Arbore et Sens, new gastronomy organic and local produce. Behind this gastronomic restaurant is, above all, the www.theoriginalshotels.com/hotels/manoir-pierre-levee tale of a family adventure. After travelling in different countries across the world, chef Clément Guillot finally returned to his homeland to open his own res- taurant at the foot of the Royal City of Loches. His partner, Océane, is in charge of the wine while her sister takes care of the commercial side of things. The chef serves gastronomic cuisine made with 100% local produce to promote the heritage of southern Touraine. www.restaurant-arbore-et-sens.fr

Life in a château at the Château of Ainay-le-Vieil This 13th-century fortress in the heart of Berry now offers accommo- dation. The guest room is in one of the towers in the ramparts dating from the 13th century. Two gites have also been created on the estate. The first, in the château outbuildings, can host up to eight people while the second, in an outbuilding in the garden, can accommodate up to six. Needless to say, guests have access to the park and gardens for the dura- tion of their stay! www.chateau-ainaylevieil.fr EVENTS IN 2021 PROGRAMME 3 April Start of the sound and light show in the courtyard of the Royal Château of Blois 10 and 11 April which recounts the history 19th edition of the Che- of the major figures of the verny Marathon. Several Château. Every evening until routes are available, 26 September starting from the Château and combining 22 April heritage, vineyards and Opening of the 30th Interna- gastronomy. tional Garden Festival at the Domaine of Chaumont- from 4 to 9 May sur-Loire on the theme of 44th edition of the Prin- “Biomimicry in the Gar- temps de Bourges eclectic den». Until 1st November (rock, pop, electro etc.) with Ayo, Jeanne Added, Alain Souchon and Calypso Rose Spring22 avril among others. Inauguration(tbc) Inauguration de la 30eof the édition new dumuseum Festival space International dedicated todes JardinsLeonardo du daDomaine Vinci, painter de 29 & 30 May andChaumont-sur-Loire architect, at the surChâ le- 15th edition of the Rose teauthème du «Biomimétisme Clos-Lucé: virtual au Festival in Chédigny, the gallery,Jardin». immersive exhibition, only “garden-village” in 3DJusqu’au animations, 1er novembre etc. France. Exhibition with plant nurseries, sculptors, painters and photography, musical performances etc. 5 & 6 June Festival of the Rose at the Château of Le Rivau, home 12 June to the only conservatory 9th Sancerre Trail, a journey of fragrant roses in France. through the heart of the Numerous events about Sancerre winemaking roses. region with vineyards, paths and woods. Routes of 35, 18 or 5km with up to 1000m of height climbed. 5 & 6 June 2-3 July, 6-7 August (tbc) 19ª edición de la feria Vi- “Nuit des Mille Feux” at tiloire de Tours, al aire libre, the Château of Villandry. con más de 150 viticultores Gardens lit by 2000 de las 70 denominaciones candles, projections, de origen de los viñedos del Valle del Loira. shows and fireworks make for an unforgettable evening. 3-722 avril July 9 & 10 July Inauguration10th edition ofde the la 30eChambord édition Cocorico Electro festival at duFestival: Festival 17 Internationalmusic concerts des the Château of La Ferté basedJardins on du famous Domaine composi de - Saint-Aubin: classical Chaumont-sur-Loiretions by Mozart, including sur le architecture, electro thèmea «Biomimétisme in the forest. au music and fireworks Jardin».Fireworks on 3 July. guarantee a unique Jusqu’au+ 1 July: Sting1er novembre concert atmosphere. 16 and 30 July, 6 August, 2211 avril& 12 September 3 September Inauguration(tbc) 23rd edition de la of30e the édition To- Picnics with a panoramic view dumato Festival Festival International at the Château des and stargazing at the Royal Château of Amboise. Musical Jardinsof La Bourdaisière. du Domaine 50 de ex - Chaumont-sur-Loire sur le accompaniment, local pro- hibitors proposing seeds, thème «Biomimétisme au duce and a stunning sunset over cookware, beauty products Jardin». the Loire. and decorative items. Jusqu’au 1er novembre 22- 26 September 26 September Festival de Loire in Orléans, 7th edition of the Tours the largest river gathering in Marathon with a new route Europe. Exhibitions, boat combining urban lands- cape, nature and culture trips, concerts, shows, boat- including the city centre, related activities etc. the banks of the and the Abbey of Marmoutiers.

December : the magic of Christ- decorations, countless Christmas trees, large- mas in the Châteaux scale nativity scenes, fireside tales, creative Christmas works its magic in the châteaux every workshops, magic shows and delicious drinks and year, where presents and surprises abound in a sweets, the programme of events is as full as Father programme of magical events. With facades shining Christmas’s sleigh! A great opportunity to discover the with a thousand lights, rooms festooned with Christmas Châteaux in a different way. ©Gillard et Vincent, ©F.Leguere_château royal de Blois,©Ad2T, ©E.Sander, ©L.de Serres, ©C.Mouton ©F.Delong, ©Cyril Chigot_ADT Touraine, ©Château de la Ferté- Saint-Aubin, ©FSL, ©Chateau de la Bourdaisiere,©J-C Coutand DOWNLOAD FREE Pictures FOR THE PRESS Solo trip along La Scandibérique

©D.Darrault, ©BestJobers, ©F.Delong, ©Château de Saint-Brisson

UNESCO world heritage, châteaux and boating as a couple

©DNC_L.de Serres, ©D.Darrault, ©J-C.Coutand, ©C.Mouton, ©Gillard et Vincent, ©V.Treney Hand in hand in the land of fine wines

©J-C.Coutand, ©Histovery, ©Château du Rivau, ©T.Martrou, ©Cave de laSibylle

La Loire à Vélo as a family, from Orléans to Blois

©D.Darrault, ©L.Letot, ©E.Vandenbroucque, ©Château royal de Blois Canoeing, cycling, food and drink, from Chartres to Dreux

©A.Lombard, ©C.Mouton, ©A.Verger, ©Ferry Van der Vliet, ©J.Damase, ©M.Lefrançois

A girls’ city break for Le Printemps de Bourges.

©V.Treney, ©D.Darrault, ©Ad2T, ©Enseigne malin, ©E.vandenbroucque A quiet visit to tucked-away gardens in Berry

©Le Jardin de Marie, ©P.Forget, ©V.Treney, ©C.Mouton, ©T.Vincent Birds, vegetarian cooking and horse riding in Brenne.

©D.Darrault, ©G.Martin, ©J.Suyker, ©ADTI Gastronomy and art of living

©J-C.Coutand, ©M.Perreau, ©ADT37 Interloire, ©I.Bardiau, ©D.Darrault, ©Y.Hervet, ©V.Treney, ©Aurore Nguyen_Château du Rivau

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