Loire Valley Tour Itinerary : 6 Day Tour

Best Adventures in Loire Valley

Detailed Day-by-Day Loire Valley Tour Itinerary

France with Friends! Tours That Feel Like Traveling With Friends!

The Loire Valley is where our story began 32 years ago—and it remains the heart of our “France with Friends” travel philosophy. The hoteliers, chefs, winemakers, and hosts you’ll meet are among my oldest and dearest friends in France, creating a uniquely personal experience that welcomes you into family kitchens, private wine cellars, historic homes, and cherished hotels.

Beyond magnificent castles, celebrated wines, and memorable cuisine, we bring the Loire’s royal history to life through the fascinating, scandalous, and sometimes delightfully spicy stories of its kings, queens, favorites, and mistresses.

Loire Valley Tour itinerary at a glance followed by complete day-by-day details…

DAY 1 — Welcome to the Loire Valley: Settle in for five nights at one of our friends’ charming 4-star boutique hotels in historic Amboise—either Guillaume and Julia’s hotel or Grégoire’s hotel. No hotel hopping—unpack once for the entire tour. This evening, join our friend Aurélien for a welcome cocktail and scenic Loire River float aboard a traditional wooden toue, followed by a magical, privately hosted dinner on an island in the river. – D

DAY 2 — Chenonceau, Cooking, Wine & Cheese: Discover the beauty of Château de Chenonceau through the powerful women, royal romances, rivalries, and spicy stories that shaped its history. Later, join our friend Chef Damien in his professional kitchen for a hands-on culinary experience, a guided “Tour de France” wine and cheese tasting, and a delightful gourmet dinner together. – B, D

DAY 3 — Chambord, Leonardo da Vinci & Amboise: Explore magnificent Château de Chambord while hearing the fascinating behind-closed-doors stories of King Francis I, Louis XIV, and life at the French court. Return to Amboise for leisure time, artisan shopping, or a visit to Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s final home. This evening, gather at one of our favorite local spots for a festive French-style apéritif dînatoire. – B, Apéritif Dînatoire

DAY 4 — A Private Winery Experience with Friends: Go behind the scenes with our friends Fred and Louisa at their family winery, where Fred’s family has been making wine since 1508. Tour the winery, taste their wines, and enjoy a privately hosted wine-pairing lunch inside their historic family home. This afternoon, choose between a guided visit to the Royal Château of Amboise—complete with more royal intrigue and spicy stories—or leisure time in the village. – B, L

DAY 5 — Villandry & Dinner at Home with Our Chef Friends: Discover the elegant château and spectacular gardens of Villandry, followed by a leisurely afternoon in Amboise for shopping, cafés, independent exploration, or a visit to Clos Lucé. This evening, our lifelong friends, Meilleur Ouvrier de France Chef Christophe and Chef Angélique, welcome us into their family home for a warm, hands-on culinary experience and memorable farewell dinner. – B, D

DAY 6 — Farewell: After breakfast, our tour concludes with a scheduled group transfer from Amboise to the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps TGV station. – B

B = Breakfast · L = Lunch · D = Dinner

Small-Group Travel That Feels Genuinely Personal: Limited to 10–12 guests, our Loire Valley tour is about far more than group size—it is brought to life by our stellar guiding team, including a specialist in 14th- to 19th-century France, the House of Valois kings, and the delightfully spicy history of royal life behind closed doors. Our team also includes a native of the Sologne region whose specialty in historical period pieces, decorative arts, and château interiors complements the fascinating stories you’ll hear.

Ready to experience the Loire Valley with friends? Explore our 2027 tour dates and reserve your place on this unforgettable six-day journey – Click here to see 2027 Loire Valley Tour Dates

  
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 109 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Sue Heffernan 
 
12 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I travelled a lot in my younger years and fell in love with France but I had never been to Provence. No longer a spring chicken and travelling by myself, I was a little daunted and wondered if I would be able to cope.l happened upon “Off the Beaten Path” a boutique tour company who managed to make every day of my tour a day to remember. Phillippe and Chloe filled our days with laughter, wine making lessons, picnics, a macaron cooking class sensational restaurants , village markets and all the while filling us in with the history that only a local of many years can know. I met the most beautiful ,amazing  people of all ages with whom l will keep in touch. Thanks to Off the Beaten Track and a special Thank you to Phillippe for sharing your Provence with me. 😀Sue🇦🇺🦘🐨
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Suzy Shinkle 
 
11 October 2026
 
 
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+0
Our tour of Provence was a such a memorable, special experience with Off the Beaten Path!! We loved the lovely accommodations, quaint villages and markets, exceptional food and wine and of course our amazing guides, Philippe and Chloe! This is the perfect way to experience the south of France. Everything is taken care of so you can just take it all in and enjoy!!! Highly recommend!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Ray Shinkle 
 
11 October 2026
 
 
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We had an amazing experience. Chloe is a darling young lady who was a delight to be around for 5 days and Philippe is the coolest French dude you’ll ever meet. Both were excellent guides who will take you to some very special places.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Pamela Kaul Gresty 
 
10 October 2026
 
 
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Overall, I thought the trip was terrific. The Off the Beaten Path team was knowledgeable and attentive. Isabelle is a tireless advocate for every traveler, a bundle of energy and extremely knowledgeable about all things French, as only a true person of origin can be. Anne is exceptionally knowledgeable about the history of the area and I wish I could have learned more from her. I thought the trip was well organized thanks to Christy and her remarkable network  and knowledge of the area. My only recommendation would be to add more time for independent wandering of the city. Half a day wasn’t long enough when there’s so much to explore. I had an extra day since my tour started a day after our tour ended so I went to the wine museum and the opera house - both magnificent.  I loved all the wine tastings, our day in Arcachon and, of course,  our most memorable cooking class. I fully suspect that Christy’s relationships make many of these activities possible. Finally, I thought it was generous. There was no skimming on food and wine, which was especially notable and appreciated for we foodies. My sincere thanks to you all. I hope to greet you all in Loire next year ❤️.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Deborah Kahkejian 
 
10 October 2026
 
 
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I didn’t know what to expect. I was a solo traveler on my first tour.  I cannot rave enough about my experience.  Our tour guides, Phillips and Chloe were knowledgeable and met all needs.  The tour itself was Wow.  No worries, wonderful food, beautiful villages, a great experience for all.  I am so grateful that I chose the Off the Beaten Path Provence tour!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Kathleen Chalmers 
 
9 October 2026
 
 
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+8
I went on two tours with OTBP, the Loire Valley and the Provence area tours. Both were spectacular and it was so interesting to experience the difference in cuisine and architecture and landscapes.

Thoroughly enjoyed the itineraries and special dining/cooking with friends offered in each. Guides Summer, Christine, and Remi in Loire; and Philipe, P2, and Chloe’ were so kind, knowledgeable, and such a joy daily. Castles, gardens, wine, cheese, desserts, more wine, more cheese and the Loire, along with spicy stories made this a lovely memorable trip. In Provence, mountaintop vineyards, cliffside villages and a trip to the sea were all breathtaking along with stories of the ancient Roman Empire and Van Gogh. Of course, wine and cheese and herbs and fragrance were Provence highlights. I especially liked having one single home base hotel in lovely Amboise for the Loire tour, and St. Remy de Provence.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Suzanne Day 
 
9 October 2026
 
 
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+0
We were looking for a small group of travelers who wanted to learn about a destination and also enjoy the culture. Off the Beaten Path exceeded our expectations. Summer, Christine, and Isabel provided a lot of information in a delightful manner. French kings, historical chateaus, fabulous food and wine were balanced with sufficient free time so that we never felt overwhelmed or bored. We loved the highly personalized experiences and the central location. We look forward to traveling with OTBP again.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Alexandra Fallot 
 
8 October 2026
 
 
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We had a wonderful experience-super knowledgeable guides sharing their insights, history of the area and favorite dining spots (and shopping spots!).  Loved the personal touches-they knew the people and places we visited so well.  Truly feel like we saw some of the best spots in the area with great guides and a fun group of fellow travelers.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 pam carter 
 
7 October 2026
 
 
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Had a great time. From the first dinner to the last it was a wonderful blend of chateaux, food, wine and lovely company. The tour was well paced and our guides were professional, fun and great company. I would love to go back to the Loire Valley. I would definitley consider doing another Off the Beaten Path tour.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Anne Watson 
 
6 October 2026
 
 
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+7
Summer and the team at Off the Beaten Path were incredible! I cannot say enough good things about them. The tour was very well organized with unique trips including dinner on an island in the Loire River, a special trip to a very cool winery, two exceptional experiences with a Michelin chef and an MOF chef, along with chateau tours galore. Summer has incredible knowledge of French royalty (and salacious gossip!) I truly cannot say enough great things about this group, this tour, or this experience overall. It's simply a MUST!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Detailed Day-by-Day Loire Valley Tour Itinerary

Day 1 — Welcome to the Loire Valley

Amboise · Loire River Float · Private-Island Welcome Dinner

Today’s Experiences

• 2:00 p.m. group pick-up at Saint-Pierre-des-Corps TGV station
• Check-in for five nights at our 4-star boutique hotel in Amboise
• Welcome cocktail aboard a traditional Loire River boat
• Privately hosted dinner on an island in the Loire River

Meals included: Dinner

TOUR BEGINS: Group transfer at 2 pm from St. Pierre des Corps TGV rail station, Tours, France, to the hotel in Amboise.

Arrival in Amboise

Our Loire Valley tour begins at *2:00 p.m. at the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps TGV station, where we’ll meet for our scheduled group transfer to Amboise.

We’ll check into one of two charming 4-star boutique hotels owned by our local friends—either Guillaume and Julia’s hotel or Grégoire’s hotel. Both are ideally located in the heart of historic Amboise village.

There’s no hotel hopping on this tour. Unpack once and settle in for all five nights.

*Details on where we meet at the station are included in the detailed tour information package we send you thirty days before the tour departure date.

Evening on the Loire River

Later this afternoon, we’ll travel along the Loire River heading to the port of Chaumont-sur-Loire, where we’ll meet up with local friend Aurelien along the banks of the Loire River. Aurelien and his team welcome us aboard their traditional wooden, flat-bottom boat, called a “toue,” a uniquely designed boat adapted to the river that has been used for transportation on the Loire River since the Middle Ages.  

These flat-bottomed boats have navigated the shallow waters of the Loire for centuries. As we float peacefully downriver, we’ll enjoy a welcome cocktail and introduction to the week while taking in the surrounding landscapes, wildlife, and château views.

DINNER: Our boat ride leads us to a private island in the middle of the river, where one of our favorite regional chefs will prepare a privately hosted welcome dinner exclusively for our group. Think of it as an elegant Loire Valley interpretation of an African bush dinner—intimate, atmospheric, and wonderfully unexpected.

After dinner, we’ll continue downriver toward Amboise, where the Royal Château appears above the village—especially magical when illuminated by the colors of sunset.

Day 2 — The Women of Chenonceau Castle, Cooking Class, Wine & Cheese, and Dinner at Damien and Keaw’s Family Home

Château de Chenonceau: Guided Tour & Spicy Stories · Cooking at Home with Our Chef Friends Damien and Keaw in Their Family Home, Followed by a French Wine and Cheese Discovery in their Wine Cellar · Dinner Together Around the Family Table

Today’s Experiences

• Guided visit to Château de Chenonceau and its gardens with spicy history about the influential women of the castle
• Independent lunch in Amboise
• Hands-on culinary experience with our Chef friends Damien and Keaw at home
• Guided “Tour de France” wine and cheese discovery and tasting in their historical wine cellar
• Gourmet dinner around the family table

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

BREAKFAST

Morning at Château de Chenonceau

This morning, we visit the magnificent Château de Chenonceau, one of the Loire Valley’s most beautiful and historically fascinating castles. A castle brought to life by women, this castle represents the most significant accomplishments of royal women during the French Renaissance. Enjoy little-known stories of the most powerful and influential women at the French court, spicy stories of queens and their love affairs, royal seduction, secret world of favorites and mistresses, the first-ever fireworks display in France, extravagant parties and deception, and how royal debt led to the negotiation of a marriage to save the castle from being confiscated by the French state.

LUNCH:  Enjoy an independent lunch at a local restaurant in Amboise, known for its charming streets and delicious cuisine.

A Culinary Afternoon at Chef Friends Damien and Keaw’s Historic Family Home

This afternoon, our friends Damien and Keaw welcome us into their beautiful family home, built during the period of the French Revolution, for an intimate and wonderfully personal culinary experience.

We’ll gather in their kitchen for a relaxed, hands-on cooking class with Chef Damien, whose culinary career has taken him around the world before bringing him home to his native Loire Valley. Together, we’ll prepare dishes for our evening meal, learn new techniques, and enjoy plenty of conversation and laughter along the way. No previous cooking experience is necessary—just bring your appetite and enthusiasm!

Wine and Cheese “Tour de France”

Following our cooking class, we’ll head into the family wine cellar for a delicious “Tour de France” through French wines and cheeses. Damien and Keaw will introduce us to a carefully selected variety of regional cheeses, sharing their origins, traditions, and distinctive flavors, each paired with complementary French wines.

APERITIF & DINNER: We’ll finish this memorable experience with an aperitif before gathering around the family table to enjoy the wonderful dinner we prepared together—an evening of delicious food, excellent wine, and warm Loire Valley hospitality.

Day 3 — Chambord, Leonardo da Vinci in Amboise and Village Life

Château de Chambord · Amboise Village · Clos Lucé & Leonardo Da Vinci · French Apéritif Dînatoire

Today’s Experiences

• Guided visit to Château de Chambord
• Independent lunch at Chambord
• Leisure time and artisan shopping in Amboise
• Optional visit to Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s final home
• Hosted French-style apéritif dînatoire

Meals included: Breakfast and apéritif dînatoire

BREAKFAST.

Morning into Early Afternoon at Château de Chambord

Today we travel to Château de Chambord, an extraordinary Renaissance masterpiece created during the reign of King Francis I. Its soaring towers, monumental architecture, and celebrated double-helix staircase are impressive—but Chambord’s greatest intrigue lies in the people who inhabited its royal world.

You will be introduced to the fascinating past of Chambord Castle and the region as it existed during the reign and presence in the Loire of the House of Valois and early Bourbon kings.  We share stories about two of France’s most influential Kings, Francis I and Louis XIV, their royal lifestyles, contributions, and personal guests at the castle, as well as steamy stories of what went on in the personal lives of the kings, queens, and the French court behind closed doors at the castle.

LUNCH:  Independently at Chambord Castle.

Late Afternoon Arrival Back to Amboise Village – Leonardo Da Vinci & Clos Lucé

Upon returning to Amboise, enjoy time to explore the village at your own pace. Browse artisan boutiques for French-made scarves, jewelry, handbags, and regional specialties.

You may also visit Clos Lucé, the final home of Leonardo da Vinci. Explore the home where he lived and worked, discover full-scale models inspired by his inventions, and wander through gardens celebrating his extraordinary imagination.

A French Apéritif Dînatoire

This evening, we’ll gather at one of our favorite local spots in Amboise for a hosted apéritif dînatoire.

More generous than a cocktail hour but more relaxed than a formal dinner, an apéritif dînatoire brings friends together over drinks and an abundant selection of savory bites. It’s a fun, convivial French tradition—and one of our favorite ways to spend an evening together.

Imagine yourself here: Explore our 2027 Loire Valley tour dates and join us for magnificent castles, memorable cuisine, local friendships, and the delightfully spicy stories of French royal life –  Click here to see 2027 Loire Valley Tour Dates

Day 4 — Fine Wines, Old Friends & Royal Amboise

Welcome to Our Friends Fred & Louisa’s Home & Winery (making wine since 1508) · Visit and Wine Tasting · Lunch at Our Friends’ Family Home · Guided Tour of Château d’Amboise

Today’s Experiences

• Private winery tour and tasting with our friends Fred and Louisa
• Behind-the-scenes introduction to Loire Valley winemaking
• Privately hosted wine-pairing lunch in their family home
• Guided visit to the Royal Château of Amboise
• Independent dinner in Amboise

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

BREAKFAST.

A Private Wine Experience with Friends at their Family Winery

This morning, our friends Fred and Louisa welcome us to their family winery and historic home for one of the tour’s most personal experiences. Fred’s family has been making wine in the Loire Valley since 1508. Having grown up in the family business, he learned every aspect of winemaking—from tending the vines and managing the vineyard to production and bringing each vintage to market.

This is a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes and witness the labor of love this couple has poured into their passion for wine-making. We’ll also taste a selection of their established favorites and newer releases.

Lunch at the Family Château

To top off this exclusive experience, we’ll continue with a traditional French apéritif in the sitting room of their 18th century château home before gathering around the family dining table for a privately hosted wine-pairing LUNCH.

Your Choice This Afternoon

Mid-Afternoon return to Amboise, choose the experience that best suits you:

OPTION 1 —   Guided Visit of Amboise Royal Castle & Gardens

Conclude the day with a guided visit of the fairy tale Royal Castle of Amboise. You’ll be led through the grand halls, the lush gardens, and the royal chambers, hearing stories of love, heartbreak, vengeance, gore, and power struggles that echo through its walls. The castle, a spectacular masterpiece, reflects all of the refinements of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. It embodies the qualities of a traditional French royal castle.

Amboise, a place of strategic importance during the reign of the Valois Kings, holds a special place in history. As we journey through its past, accompanied by intimate stories of the private lives of the French Kings, Queens, and their courts, we discover that there was so much more to royal life than military campaigns and political allegiances. This personal connection to history will engage and intrigue you.

Option 2 — Remainder of the Afternoon at Leisure in Amboise

Enjoy the afternoon at your own pace. Browse the boutiques, relax at a café, stroll beside the Loire, or simply savor the atmosphere of this charming historic village.

DINNER: Independent this evening. Enjoy a sunset stroll along the Loire River, a cocktail overlooking the Amboise Royal Castle (we’ll share the spot for it), and indulge in a delightful dinner at one of the many favorite places in Amboise.

Read my blog post about Anne de France: More than a Royal Daughter, A Legacy of France’s Most Powerful Woman Despite Never Being Queen (opens in a new window)

Day 5 — The Gardens of Villandry and Dinner at Home with Friends

Château de Villandry · A Leisurely Afternoon in Amboise · Hands-On Cooking · Farewell Dinner

Today’s Experiences

• Visit Château de Villandry and its celebrated gardens
• Independent lunch in Amboise
• Leisure time for shopping, cafés, or Clos Lucé (if you missed the opportunity earlier in the week)
• Hands-on culinary experience “cooking at home” at our chef friends’ family home
• Gourmet farewell dinner with friends Christophe and Angélique at their family home

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

BREAKFAST.

Morning at Château de Villandry

This morning, discover the timeless beauty of Château de Villandry, one of the Loire Valley’s most captivating destinations. While its elegant Renaissance château is a delight to explore, it is the extraordinary gardens that leave a lasting impression.

Wander through exquisitely designed ornamental gardens, vibrant kitchen gardens, tranquil water features, and fragrant pathways, where every season unveils a new masterpiece of color and texture. A visit to Villandry is more than a tour of a château—it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the beauty of the French countryside, and experience one of France’s most breathtaking gardens.

LUNCH: Enjoy an independent lunch at one of the charming local eateries on return to Amboise.

A Leisurely Afternoon in Amboise

After an independent lunch in Amboise, enjoy free time to shop, relax at a café, or continue exploring the village. Guests who have not already visited Clos Lucé earlier in the week may choose to spend the afternoon discovering Leonardo da Vinci’s final home and gardens.

Dinner at Home with Our Lifelong Friends – This evening embodies everything we mean by France with Friends.

Our lifelong friends, acclaimed chefs Christophe and Angélique, will welcome us into their family home for a relaxed, hands-on culinary experience and farewell dinner.

Christophe holds the prestigious title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France and has worked alongside his friend, celebrated chef Alain Ducasse. Angélique is an accomplished chef and culinary professor in the Loire Valley. Together, they share a genuine passion for French cooking and hospitality.

Over a glass of wine, we’ll help prepare a gourmet apéritif and dinner inspired by regional Loire Valley recipes, including the beloved Tarte Tatin.

No cooking experience is necessary, and everyone may participate as much or as little as they like. If cooking is not your thing, simply enjoy the wine, conversation, and pleasure of spending an evening at home with our French friends.

We’ll gather around the family table for cocktails, dinner, and a final toast to our time together. It is a warm and wonderfully personal way to celebrate an unforgettable week in the Loire Valley.

Read my blog post about The Enigmatic King Henri III: A Tale of Love, Obsession, and the Court of Mignons (opens in a new window)

Day 6 — Farewell to the Loire Valley

After breakfast, it is time to say au revoir to Amboise and the friends we’ve made along the way.

Our scheduled group transfer departs the hotel at 9:30 a.m. and arrives at the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps TGV station at approximately 10:00 a.m.

Earlier or later private transfers may be arranged separately. Please contact us for additional information.

Meals included: Breakfast

Have a group your own group of friends or family, and want to make this tour a private departure? Email us at christy@traveloffthebeatenpath.com for details.

Download Our Loire Valley Tour Brochures

• Loire Valley Tour Brochure (PDF)

Come experience the Loire Valley with us! Spend six unforgettable days discovering magnificent castles, sharing meals in our friends’ homes, and experiencing the region through the lifelong relationships we have built over the past 32 years – Click here to see 2027 Loire Valley Tour Dates

Walking & Mobility

Our Loire Valley tour combines sightseeing, cultural activities, culinary experiences, and leisurely exploration. Although the itinerary is not strenuous, guests should be comfortable with a moderate amount of walking and standing throughout each day.

Activities include:

• Walking through villages, château interiors, and gardens
• Navigating stairs, cobblestones, and occasional uneven surfaces
• Standing for short periods during historical presentations
• Walking between our vehicles and the sites we visit

Elevators and escalators are generally unavailable at the historic châteaux. Guests who are comfortable with these everyday mobility requirements should be able to participate in and enjoy the tour.

Our France with Friends Travel Philosophy!

Immerse yourself in local culture spending time with our local French friends in combination with visiting castles, learning the crazy, creepy, and salacious stories of French history, and savoring local wines and exquisite cuisine while staying in one exceptional hotel for our 6 days together in Loire Valley, France…