best restaurants in the Loire valley
 

my wife and I will be in the region of Amboise and Saumer mid-to-late June - we are slow foodies and would love your recommendations of good places to eat

merci

It's a bit of a hike from Agers and Saumur, but le Cheval Blanc in Bléré is worth the drive.

I first had rillettes in the Loire valley. Shredded pork potted with its own juices (that means "fat" in my world.) Incredible.

David, I didn't know you were there, I could have set up a meeting with friends.

Hey Cigale!


I don't get to the Loire valley enough. Of course I don't get to Europe or France enough either! :-)

ttt

Jean Bardet.

You might consider the restaurant at LeChoiseul hotel in Amboise. An interesting blending/mix of flavors on unusual serving pieces. Some would say it is Zen meets the Loire. Excellent service and a nice view of the river. "Dress code" the night we ate there ranged from coats and ties (us) to shorts, sandals, and grey socks. As with any decent eating establishment, the staff treated everyone, and their money, with equal, and absolute total, respect.

Le Pavillion des Lys on Rue d'Orange in Amboise

Jean Bardet at his Chateau Belmont on the outskirts of Tours.

Le Cheval Blanc, for which St Cirq will have my eternal gratitude. We return for a three night stay this summer.

ttt

Many thanks to those who recommended Jean Bardet and le Cheval Blanc. We ate dinner at both and loved each. Our dinner experience at Jean Bardet was much superior to our dinner at Jean Georges in NYC in May - much better atmosphere, service, food. le Cheval Blanc too is now one of our favorites.

After visiting the gardens at Villandry we had a delightful lunch at L'etape Gourmande, a farm based restaurant about 1.5 km south of town. Much of the food is grown on the property - fresh goat cheese [and goat], fresh fruits and vegetables. The staff were delightful too.

In Amboise our favorite for breakfast was the wonderful Bigot, right on the corner below the chateau. The owner is charming and her pastries are exceptional. Most days we bought some freshly made macaroons to tide us over until lunch. Yum!!