La Loire éternelle…

No matter how often we choose the Pays de la Loire as a destination for our “French on your plate” workshop we always manage to discover new treasures.  This was the case last Saturday when we watched an aerial film showing stunning views of the Loire valley from Nantes to Chambord.

We shared our memories of visits to that part of France whilst sipping a glass of Kir andardais, a local apéritif.  We learnt more about heritage and culture and particularly about the Renaissance days when the magnificent châteaux de la Loire were built one after the other along the river banks of the wild river and François 1 and his sister Marguerite de Navarre enjoyed the company of Leonardo da Vinci.  

 

We mentioned the great literary figures and thinkers who gave the French language its reputation of excellence.  We noted that the region of the Loire is the part of the country where French is said to be the most beautiful and as balanced and perfect as the local weather praised for its “douceur angevine”.  We admired, amongst a few, famous castles including: Chenonceau, le château des Dames, reflecting its arches on the surface of the Loire, Chambord and its spectacular double helical staircase most certainly designed by Da Vinci; the magnificent Château de Blois, François 1's absolute favourite; Amboise where Da Vinci is buried; and the Château de Villandry, the last built in the period with its delightful symmetrical gardens. 

The Loire Valley is like one big garden and the quality of the produce to be found on its thousands open air markets, is outstanding. So are the Loire Valley vineyards and the variety of wines the produce, that we didn’t fail to sample on the night: Touraine, Bourgueil, Vouvray, Sancerre and Chinon.  

On the linguistic side, we analysed and scrutinized recipes and their respective vocabulary. Explained and discussed the various meanings and idiomatic expressions!  

The preparation of the meal under Christine’s expert supervision in the beautiful Lacanche Kitchen at Cook's Barn, went smoothly and we all soon enjoyed getting around the table once more to enjoy all the specialties that had been specially brought from the region for the occasion. 

Apart from the delicious wines there were Rillettes from Le Mans and French “cornichons” for starters, superb regional cheeses such as tomme de Pré en Pail and tomme des Closiers, served prior to the dessert and accompanied by some pain de campagne biologique.

The conversation during the meal was mostly in French, at least at one end of the table! 

We will be in France this summer and can welcome you on the 2nd of August for “La nuit des chimères” in Le Mans, the “place where high speed meets History” as the saying goes….  Why not come and enjoy Les Pays de la Loire with us?  Whatever you do have a great summer!