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Day 01
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P A R I S to M O N T B A Z O N
 After TGV from Montparnasse station in Paris to Tours (35 minutes), meet escort at train station and transfer to lunch nearby for orientation. In the afternoon, exploring the highlights of Tours. Located near the junction of the Loire and Cher Rivers, Tours is a university town and the typical point of departure for exploring the Loire Valley and castles in the region, but we'll pause for a glipse of a few unique attractions, including the city's wonderful Renaissance and neo-classical mansions (right), which are clustered around the famous Plumereau square, and the Cathedral of St-Gatien.
In the afternoon, transferring to nearby Montbazon (about ten miles) and splendid accomodation at the castle Domaine de La Tortinière. Dinner will be on the premises tonight in the formal dining room of l’Orangery by chef David Chartier. |
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Château La Tortinière 
Domaine de la Tortinière, built in 1861, has a most impressive exterior, an inviting interior, and charming hosts Xavier and his wife Anne. Although, a first class hotel, they set a relaxed and welcoming ambiance as opposed to stiff or formal. Domaine de la Tortinière exudes the feeling of a home with a blend of contemporary and traditional decor with modern and antique furniture. In the drawing room old paneling painted in soft yellows combines with modern sofas and tables and traditional chairs to create a very comfortable room. Bedrooms continue in the same vein with a pleasing blend of traditional and contemporary, and are found in the main château, the adjacent pavilion, a little cottage by the entrance to the property and the recently converted manor where Xavier’s grandparents used to live-the accommodation is spectacular and absolutely gorgeous in the decor as selected by Anne.
In autumn the surrounding woodlands are a carpet of cyclamens, while in summer the heated swimming pool and tennis courts are great attractions for guests. The Domaine de la Tortinière remains a favorite in terms of accommodation, welcome, and charm and its dining room is exceptional. Seasonally, cooking courses are offered that serve as an introduction to regional cuisine and provide the opportunity to dine with the owners. |
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Day 02
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M O N T B A Z O N
 Following a leisurely breakfast, rolling out from the castle for a scenic and leisurely bike ride along the majestic Loire River, passing through charming little villages on quiet, peaceful roads. We continue riding to the Castle of Villandry to enjoy the visit of the château and its splendid gardens. Lunch will be in a small restaurant directly across from the château.
In the evening, listen to a French history expert and learn more about the Medieval Characters.
 A 45 km (27 mi.) ride along the Loire River to Château de Villandry for lunch, then passing through small villages on mostly fl at terrain. A long option towards the Château de Langeais is available. (20 km – 12 mi.)
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Day 02
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M O N T B A Z O N to C H I N O N
 Before breakfast, enjoying breathtaking views of the Loire at sunrise, floating over the countryside in a hot air balloon (about one hour). After the landing, return to the Château for breakfast.
A 45 km (27 mi.) ride along the Loire River to Château de Villandry for lunch, then passing through small villages on mostly flat terrain. A long option towards the Château de Langeais is available. (20 km – 12 mi.)
 Restaurant Le Chai at Manoir de Restigne featuring Michelin Star Chef Damien Cousseau. [website]
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Château de Marcay
Picturesque 15th-century castle-hotel, comprising 33 lodgings (no A/C) with well-equipped modern baths, plus seven accommodations in a 17th-Century outbuilding. Restaurant serves fine regional cuisine. Impressive wine list with more than 700 selections. Cooking classes, outdoor heated pool and tennis. [Website] |
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Day 03
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C H I N O N (Saumner)
A long option towards the Château de Langeais is available. (20 km – 12 mi.)
Le Gambetta is the place to go for an elegant and special meal in Saumur. The locals will tell you it's the best restaurant in town, and once you taste the food you'll agree. Excellent [website] |
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Day 04
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C H I N O N to L E M E R E
 Ride past troglodyte villages and the extraordinary Castle of Azay-le-Rideau, the famous Renaissance masterpiece also known as the "playground of the kings." Be certified as a member of the “Chinon Secret Wine Community” before dinner in the home of Michelin star Chef, M. Rigollet.
After arrival at the Château du Rivau, we'll enjoy an introduction and tasting of Loire Valley wines, from Muscadet to Sancerre, Anjou, Chinon and Vouvray, to mention just a few of the best-known names.
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Château du Rivau
 With its majestic keep and its protective drawbridge, the Château du Rivau seems to come straight out of a fairy tale. Its shape is reminiscent of 13th century fortified castles as suggest the square layout one can still discern. The square shaped keep was the heart of the castle’s fortification. Yet the Rivau was one of the first ornamental castles to be built: its cheminees, wide windows and frescos endow it with a harmonious style. In the dining hall of the Feast of Belshazzar, a biblical episode of the Feast of Belshazzar was depicted over the fire mantelpiece by a Flemish master of the 16th century. According to the Bible, the son of King Nebuchadnezzar had violated the sacred vases of the temple of Jerusalem. [website] |
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Day 05
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L E M E R E to N O I Z A Y
 Early today we pass by the birthplace of Rabelais, to whom we raised our glasses during initiation into the Wine Brotherhood. We continue our ride out into the nearby Chinon Forest and en route, we’ll catch a glimpse of the splendid Châteaux d’Ussé, near the confluence of the Indre and Loire rivers. Then we cross the Loire at its confluence with the River Vienne, to ride through the lush countryside on the north bank. For lunch, we’ll enjoy a degustation of some of the best wines in the Bourgueil appellation—at the famous Domaine de La Chevallerie (right) with the winemaker from the domain, Stéphanie Caslot. All together we get to play sommelier and select the bottles we would like to drink with our picnic lunch, which will be served directly in the wine cave or in the vineyards if the sun is with us!
After this memorable experience, we’ll drive one hour east from western Tours in a private coach in time for tonight’s dinner, which will be in the spectacular Château de Noizay’s formal dining room— recently honoured by the famous French Gastronomic guidebook: Gault & Millau.
Château de Noizay Menu |
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 Château de Noizay
This remarkable castle, located in the Vouvray wine appellation and overlooking the village of Noizay and the Loire Valley, began its construction in the 26thC and was finally finished a full century later. Owner Mme. William recently transformed the castle into a Relais & Châteaux property, maintaining the French idea of luxury and “rafinement.” [website] |
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Day 06
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N O I Z A Y
We’ll begin our last day in the Loire with a lovely ride through forests, alongside rivers, and by charming villages. En route, we’ll catch a glimpse of both splendid Châteaux d’Amboise, including the Château du Clos Lucé in which Leonardo Da Vinci worked for the King François 1er. Then, we head off south towards the famous Château de Chenonceaux and the Cher River (above). Another splendid lunch is en route in one of the Renaissance villages along the way. Tonight Mme. William, the owner of the Château de Noizay, will host a private dinner for us in the 18thC library to celebrate our last dinner in the Loire.
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Beaune, and environs, the focus of our touring boasts no less than 15 Michelin starred restaraunts.
Besides great mustard, the local dishes of Burgundy include coq a vin and boeuf bourguignon; both of which are made with local red wine. The beef is provided by Charolais cattle which are the local breed. Another resident is the humble vineyard snail, which is used to make their famous escargot. |
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Day 07
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T O U R S to D I J O N (via P A R I S)
 After a scenic breakfast on the terrace, enjoying our last moments at the Château before preperation for departure. Mid-morning, return to Tours train station to board the TGV returning to Paris (about 35 minutes). After arrival at the Montparnasse station, transfer by taxi to Gare de Lyon to board ongoing TGV.
After a picturesque journey on the TGV fast train from Paris Gare de Lyon (1hr 20 mins), you will be met in the afternoon at the Dijon TGV platform and transit by private car to the Château to settle in to your room and enjoy the tranquil surrounding of the property. Aperitif will be served in the lounge or terrace to discuss the coming week; we will then enjoy a wonderful dinner in the Château dining room overlooking the park.
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Château Hotel André Ziltener, rue de la Fontaine, Chambolle Musigny, Burgundy
 Stylishly appointed 18th-century mansion- hotel tucked behind lofty walls in a vineyard-surrounded wine hamlet on the fabled “Route des Grands Crus,” 20 minutes north of Beaune.
Ten guest quarters (no A/C) feature antique furniture and lavish marble baths. Wine bar serves simple meals but there are numerous restaurants nearby. [website] |
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Day 08
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D I J O N
 Market day in Dijon's Les Halles - Burgundy's largest market place designed by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, to create the menu for this evening’s dinner. Prior to our afternoon cooking class, we will stop off on the Route Des Grands Crus for lunch at the quirky Le Bar A Vins in the village of Gevrey Chambertin, home to many of Burgundies Grands Crus.
Stéphane Derbord Very comfortable restaurant A very good restaurant in its category (Micehelin 1 star) 10 pl. Wilson F - 21000 Dijon Distance : 36 km In this elegant, contemporary, flower-decked restaurant, Stéphane Derbord animatedly revisits regional market sourced cuisine. His dishes blend finesse and precision, enhanced by a fine wine cellar (some old and renowned vintages).SpecialitiesCannelloni d‘escargots de Bourgogne, croustille à l‘ail et persil. Sandre rôti, réduction d‘aligoté à l‘estragon. Meringué au cassis et poivre de cassis. [website] |
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Day 09
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D I J O N to B E A U N E
A early morning walk or bike ride along the canal de Bourgogne before heading into the kitchen to commence the mis en place for this evenings dinner. After lunch Alexandre will present a wine masterclass in the Château cellar to explain the complexities and appellations of the Cote de Nuits and the Cote de Beaune along with several tastings.
Dining tonight in nearby Chagny (14 kilometers) at Maison Lameloise (below).
Maison Lameloise Top class comfort and pleasant restaurant Exceptional cuisine (Michelin 3-star), worth a special journey 36 pl. d'Armes F - 71150 Chagny Distance : 14 km Supported by a talented team, Éric Pras creates subtle dishes and revisits the classic staples with which this illustrious establishment made its name. [website]
Supported by a talented team, Éric Pras creates subtle dishes and revisits the classic staples with which this illustrious establishment made its name. A big name in French gastronomy, which continues to dazzle. The ideal place for a truly memorable dining experience.SpecialitiesFoie gras de canard en robe de pomme de terre et chou à la vapeur. Pigeonneau rôti au pralin d‘amande, mousseline de chou-fleur (juin à sept. ). Variation autour du chocolat: croustillant, crémeux et en émulsion. |
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Day 10
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B E A U N E
 This morning is market day in Beaune, where we will design tonight's menu and purchase the wonderful produce that is so famous here at the vivid and busy market. The afternoon is spent in the Château kitchen working with your our chef, culminating in a fabulous dinner at the Château accompanied by wonderful Burgundy wines from the Cote de Nuits and Cote de Beaune, selected by our resident sommelier, Alexandre Philippe. |
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 Bourgogne Grand Cru
And what about the wine? Well, in Burgundy it is easy to know what varietals you are enjoying, as almost all reds are made from Pinot Noir, with the whites being Chardonnay. But just because the vines are all the same doesn’t mean that the end products will be. With some of the best wine-growing terroir in all of France, Burgundy can produce some truly amazing wines.
The Côte d’Or is part of the Burgundy region and starts just below Dijon. Apart from the type of grapes grown, Burgundy differs from Bordeaux in another way. In Bordeaux, it’s all about the name on the label. Lynch-Bages, Petrus, Mouton-Rothchild etc. So, where Bordeaux is all about the Château, Burgundy is all about the where. The Côte d’Or has two main regions, the Côte de Nuits to the north and the Côte de Beaune to the south. In terms of hierarchy, Burgundy wine is classified according to region i.e. Burgundy (Bourgogne), then by district, Côte d’Or then onto village, e.g Gevry-Chambertin and further up to a particular vineyard.
Grand Cru is often thought of as a sign of quality, but it’s really a measure of the potential of the land the grapes are grown on. Many vineyards in Burgundy are split into subplots or allotments and have multiple owners, some only owning a small row so it’s very hard to pick a wine based purely on village or even vineyard, you sometimes need to know the exact producer. By reputation the top three villages in Burgundy’s Côte d’Or are Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanee. |
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Hostellerie De Levernois, Route De Combertault, Levernois, Beaune
 Gourmet sanctuary in a pretty parkland setting with huge cedar trees, formal French gardens and a rushing creek, 10 minutes outside Beaune. Twelve bright and spacious rooms with parquet flooring, warm paneling and rich fabrics are situated in a garden pavilion; six are in the main building; and eight other chic lodgings combining tradition and modernity are in the “Meix des Glycines,” a recently acquired 18th-century structure. The stately white villa houses a luncheon bistro with a riverside terrace, and a gourmet dinner restaurant that opens onto the park and serves seasonal regional cuisine backed by an extensive wine list. [website]
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Day 11
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Beaune
 An easy start to the day; late morning we visit the 14th century Hospice of Beaune (Hotel-Dieu) where you will have time to wander through the Salle des Pauvres (the hall of the poor), the rooms of Sainte-Anne, Saint-Nicolas, Sainte-Hughes and Saint-Louis as well as the fully restored kitchen. After a gorgeous lunch at local favorite, Ma Cuisine, you will have time to explore this historic town in the afternoon. With time to refresh back at the Château we will dine out this evening enjoying another dinner accompanied by wonderful wines from the Cote d'Or.
Hostellerie de Levernois | Fine cuisine inspired by culinary classics, served in a modern setting. In an elegant 19C building, the contemporary-style dining room looks out over the French-style garden. Wine tasting cellar and shop.SpecialitiesRisotto carnaroli au vert, cuisses de grenouille et escargots de Bourgogne. Boeuf charolais en poitrine poivrée et carottes fondantes au cumin. Soufflé chaud au Grand Marnier, sorbet orange sanguine. [website] |
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Abbaye de la Bussiere, La Bussiere sur Ouche, Dijon  Manor house-hotel, once the country residence of the bishops of Dijon, providing a convenient base from which to tour Burgundy’s great wine towns, including Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle- Musigny, Pernand-Vergelesses, Aloxe-Corton, Meursault and Beaune. Set amid a walled 15-acre park, the magical three-story 14th-century mansion is constructed of mellow golden limestone and topped by a steep slate roof. The hotel’s 17 rooms have been individually decorated and furnished with fine antiques, while atmospheric public areas include a galleried Great Hall.
The menu at the property’s main restaurant displays a shrewd synthesis of French tradition and the modern demand for lighter and healthier eating. As elsewhere in the hotel, service in the restaurant is exceptional. The hotel’s Michelin-starred chef, Emmanuel Hebrard, produces some truly spectacular Burgundian cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients. There are two restaurants – the lunchtime Bistro des Moines is relatively informal, while the Gastronomic is less a restaurant than an experience. At £72 (€89), the “menu de l’abbaye” is not cheap, but you’ll experience top-notch gastronomy. [website] |
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Day 12
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Beaune
 After a leisurely start this morning we travel to the Abbaye de la Bussiere for a personal tour and then enjoy a four course lunch; if the weather is kind we will dine on the terrace overlooking the manicured gardens. Late afternoon we will visit Le Ferme de Poiset, (a goat dairy) who make and supply chevre to many restaurants all over France. After seeing how the chevre is made we will enjoy some of their produce in the 300 year old farmhouse dining room. Departing Le Ferme de Poiset we'll enjoy a picturesque drive back to the Château for apertif and a light dinner.
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Day 12
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Beaune
 This morning we will enjoy a private wine tasting in the Cote de Nuits, followed by a wander through the vins and lunching in Gevrey Charmbertin – home of the many wonderful Grand Crus of the Cote d’Or. With the afternoon free to enjoy the garden and grounds of the Château prior to heading into the Dukes of Bourgogne city, Dijon, for a farewell dinner.
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Day 13
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Depart
to Burgundy
After a leisurely breakfast we bid farewell to the Château and travel back to Dijon for your onward journey and reflect on the past weeks.
Merci beaucoup and bon voyage! |
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