Paris & the Loire Valley - The Best of France in One Parfait Getaway!
February 10, 2015Combine a stay in chic Paris with
a few days unwinding in the Loire Valley - the heart of France’s spectacular
châteaux country and a picturesque haven for food and wine lovers.
There are many alluring reasons to visit
Paris. For some, it’s to marvel at post-impressionist art at Musée d’Orsay or
shop at the luxurious boutiques along Avenue Montaign. For others, it’s to sit
in a cosy café and enjoy the French Art
of Living. Whatever your preference, France’s sultry capital has something
for everyone, its iconic sites beckoning you at every turn.
The ‘City of Light’ provides boundless
inspiration - romantic and otherwise. Unfurl a blanket and picnic in the
enchanting Tuileries or Palais Royal gardens. Take pictures on the Pont des
Arts, the famous ‘love-locking’ bridge. Climb atop the impressive Arc de
Triomphe and marvel at unobstructed views of Paris. Stroll through the narrow,
winding streets on the hill of Montmartre or the magical quarter of Marais with
its aristocratic stone mansions. Enjoy an evening bateau-mouche ride on the
Seine as you glide under bridges, past Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel
Tower glimmering in the night sky.
Paris’ café culture is world renowned. Its charming
streets lined with art nouveau cafés and wicker-chairs that spill onto its
old-world streets. Visit the legendary establishments Café de Flore or Café
Saint-Régis. In historic Place de Voyages, picturesque cafés fill the square. Sit
back and take in Parisian society as the smell of fresh coffee and the chatter
of patrons’ echoes throughout.
Chocolate and dessert connoisseurs can
indulge at the renowned Salon de Thé and Pâtissier Angelina; their famous chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) is legendary.
Taste decadent pâtisseries, chocolates and macaron at Pierre Hermé or Ladurée. If
you’re in the mood for a delicious gelato or sorbet, then go to Maison
Berthillon or Amarino.
Loire Valley
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LOIRE
The turreted and ivy-covered DOMAINE DES HAUTS DE LOIRE in Onzain en Touraine is one of the finest classic French châteaux hotels in the region. Its antique-filled rooms overlook 180 acres of glorious forest between Blois and Amboise. This splendid 18th century hunting lodge (built by a publishing magnate with aristocratic pretensions) is now a hotel brimming with attributes: swimming pool, tennis courts, gardens, a pond with floating swans, and picturesque walking trails where guests can rejuvenate in the splendor of nature. Its chief glory is the two-Michelin-star restaurant under the direction of Head Chef Rémy Giraud that serves classic French cuisine with a modern twist using seasonal ingredients; the result is utterly superb. Among his signature dishes is an Aquitaine Caviar, a crunchy eel salad with shallot dressing and a Ligérienne fish soup. The wine list is impeccable, as is the service. For more information, visit domainehautsloire.com.
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INTERESTING FACTS
PARIS
WHERE TO STAY
With more than 170 museums, Paris is a haven
for art lovers. Not to be missed is the Musée d’Orsay located in a former
Beaux-Arts railway station. It houses the largest collection of impressionist
and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world. For older works, visit the
massive centuries-old palace known as the Musée du Louvre. The Centre Pompidou
is the place to go for 20th century art while Musée Rodin is a must to see incredible
sculptures.
For shopping, head to the chic Faubourg
Saint-Honoré district lined with the world’s greatest fashion houses or the
grandiose Avenue des Champs-Élysées. On a cold or raining day, head to the famous
department stores Galleries Lafayette and Printemps.
After a few days of shopping and taking in
the magical city sites it’s time to head out to the countryside to relax and unwind.
Loire Valley
When Parisians want to unwind for a few days
they look no further than the spectacular Loire Valley, an enchanting land of
rolling green hills dotted with historic vineyards, mouth-watering cuisine, fairy-tale
castles and storybook villages. A former playground of the kings and queens of
France, what remains is a treasure trove of magnificent château, symmetrical
gardens and tranquil forests that will take your breath away.
Located two hours southwest of Paris, the
Loire Valley can be easily reached by bus or train. With its scenic, winding
roads that captivate you at every turn, the region is best explored by car or
on bike. And with 500 miles of bike paths, it’s no wonder this UNESCO World
Heritage Site is one the most bicycle-friendly in Europe.
The delightful towns of Tours, Blois and
Amboise provide the ideal base and are brimming with historic fortresses, churches,
museums, quaint shops, cafes, patisserie, and artisan markets for visitors to
explore. We suggest picking up some fresh, delicious local fare from the market
and enjoying a picnic chateau-side.
The ultimate epicurean destination, the Loire
Valley has a long history of incredible gastronomy and superb wines. Its bounty
of local fresh ingredients used to prepare traditional French country dishes
fit for royalty. Savour specialties like the region’s famed goat cheeses, white
butter sauce, freshwater fish, rillettes
pâté, fouace bread, charcuterie, game from acres of forest,
and delicious Tarte Tatin that have long delighted palates across France.
The Loire Valley is also home to many
excellent wines. Look for dégustation
(tasting) signs throughout the region. Enjoy an aromatic glass of local
Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé wine, arguably the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world.
There are also many historic wineries. Explore the mysteries of the Wine
Grower’s Brotherhood at Chinon’s Caves Painctes where former quarries were converted
into wine cellars during the 15th century. In Vouvray, visit the Cave
Touristique, its atmospheric cellar makes a great sparkling Vouvray and classy,
dry Chenins.
With over a thousand châteaux strung across the
Loire Valley, the greatest challenge for any visitor is how to choose, so it’s good
to be discerning. The romantic Château of Chenonceau with its breathtaking galerie de bal that spans the River Cher
will enchant you, as will a boat ride along the Cher and a night walk through
the illuminated garden accompanied to music. At the Chaumont-sur-Loire attend
the annual International Garden Festival. Stand in awe at the imposing Château
de Chambord; it is a masterpiece of French renaissance architecture with its elaborate
rooftops. An enjoyable way to take in its splendor is by horse-drawn carriage. There’s
also the gracious Villandry with its famed decorative Renaissance gardens and the
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau built in the centre of a romantic park. In summer,
transport yourself back in time at one of the famed château son-et-lumière (sound-and-light)
show.
Lovingly referred to as “the Garden of
France”, a magical way to see the beautiful Loire Valley in its entirety is via
hot air balloon ride or helicopter tour. The bird’s eye view of these
architectural masterpieces is postcard perfect, so pack your camera!
The best time for travellers to visit the Loire
Valley is from May to October.
LOIRE
WHERE TO STAY
The turreted and ivy-covered DOMAINE DES HAUTS DE LOIRE in Onzain en Touraine is one of the finest classic French châteaux hotels in the region. Its antique-filled rooms overlook 180 acres of glorious forest between Blois and Amboise. This splendid 18th century hunting lodge (built by a publishing magnate with aristocratic pretensions) is now a hotel brimming with attributes: swimming pool, tennis courts, gardens, a pond with floating swans, and picturesque walking trails where guests can rejuvenate in the splendor of nature. Its chief glory is the two-Michelin-star restaurant under the direction of Head Chef Rémy Giraud that serves classic French cuisine with a modern twist using seasonal ingredients; the result is utterly superb. Among his signature dishes is an Aquitaine Caviar, a crunchy eel salad with shallot dressing and a Ligérienne fish soup. The wine list is impeccable, as is the service. For more information, visit domainehautsloire.com.
WHERE TO EAT
Dine in an 18th century castle with a
magnificent cellar of 20,000 bottles at Origan in Château d'Artigny. Try their hare
royale stuffed with foie gras and truffles.
In the heart of Tours you will find the La
Chancelière by Michelin-star chef Olivier Arlot. His cuisine is simple yet
creative using local fresh ingredients. A fine example is the veal in
pistachio-oil-flavored jus.
INTERESTING FACTS
- Renaissance writer Rabelais was born here.
- Joan of Arc led French troops to victory in the Hundred Years’ War in the Loire.
- The Cradle of the French Language, Loire residents speak the purest French.
- The tombs of Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitaine are here.
- The 15th century manor house, Clos Lucé in Amboise is where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years.
PARIS
WHERE TO STAY
Paris’ historic palace hotels are legendary
for knowing how to roll out the red carpet and the opulent LE MEURICE is one of the city’s finest. Opposite the beautiful
Tuileries gardens and close to the Louvre, the hotel offers breathtaking views
of Paris’ spectacular skyline and features marble bathrooms, fine linens,
antique furnishings, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a luxury spa. Within
walking distance of Paris’ most iconic sites, it is the picture-perfect setting
to sip champagne and watch the sun set over the most romantic city in the
world.
WHERE TO EAT
For an impeccable dining experience head to
anyone of the Michelin-starred restaurants housed in the city’s spectacular
palace hotels; Le Meurice, Shangri-La Paris, Plaza Athenee, and Le Royal
Monceau among them. If you’re a fan of Asian food, the Shangri-La’s Shang
Palace is home to the only Chinese restaurant in France awarded one Michelin
star.
Dine on oysters and wine at L’Auberge Dab, an
elegant Parisian brasserie serving traditional French food and fresh
full-flavoured shellfish in a warm and intimate setting.
Enjoy a meal of steak frites at the ever
popular Le Relais de L’Entrecôte. This 80 year old traditional Parisian restaurant
serves the perfect Parisian meal.
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