Itineraries for Your Trip to Loire Valley
3 Days in Loire Valley for Foodies
From our earliest family trips to France to making my own home in the Western Loire years later—French food has always had a hold on my heart. And if you’re looking to experience French gastronomy, there are few better places to do so than the Loire Valley.
Some of my most-loved French delicacies come from the Loire Valley—creamy goat’s milk cheeses, sweet tarte Tatin (a supercharged version of Normandy’s apple tart), and chunky rillette (shredded meat paté), and some of France’s finest rosé wines. Inspired by my own favorites, this 3-day itinerary guides you to the region’s most memorable foodie experiences.
Most French restaurants don’t have air-conditioning, so slap on that sunscreen and join locals on the terrace instead.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a wine-tasting tour of the Loire Valley vineyards.
The Loire Valley brings two things to mind—magnificent châteaux and wine—kick off your tour by combining the two. The Château du Petit Thouars near Chinon hosts foodie tours, including an epicurean discovery tour and a picnic amid the vines. Alternatively, pair a Château de Chambord tour with a Michelin-starred lunch.
In the heart of the Loire Valley, Tours is a gastronomic center with restaurants, bakeries, and food shops. Head to Les Halles de Tours, the covered food market for Tours nougat, rillette (shredded meat paté), Orléans vinegar, Touraine wines, and goat’s milk cheeses such as Bûcheron and Fleur de Sologne.
To the east, the city of Orléans has plenty for foodies. The first stop is Les Halles Châtelet, the covered food market, followed by Martin-Pouret, the legendary producer of Orléans finest vinegar. Plan ahead for a table at La Parenthèse, one of Orléans’ most popular restaurants—reservations are essential.
In the heart of the Loire Valley, Tours is a gastronomic center with restaurants, bakeries, and food shops. Head to Les Halles de Tours, the covered food market for Tours nougat, rillette (shredded meat paté), Orléans vinegar, Touraine wines, and goat’s milk cheeses such as Bûcheron and Fleur de Sologne.
The westernmost city along the Loire River, Nantes has a creative, eclectic food scene that is best experienced with a local guide. Admire landmarks like Château des ducs de Bretagne and Les Machines de l'Île on a walking tour, stopping to explore Bouffay district restaurants, visit Talensac Market, and sample Curé Nantais cheese, gâteau nantais cake, and my favorite, kouignettes pastries from Maison de Larnicol.
The vineyards around Nantes are renowned for white Muscadet wines, a varietal from the melon de Bourgogne grape. Head into the vineyards of Sèvre et Maine for a tasting tour—the perfect end to your Loire Valley trip.
