I was chatting with the maitre-d' at a local restaurant here in Canada earlier this week, and it turned out he comes from a village near Blois, close to where we'll be staying in August. He mentioned a lovely farm somewhere between Cheverny and Chenonceau, where one can sample their many cheeses, sitting amongst their goats. It sounds too charming to miss.

Does anyone out their happen to know of this farm, and a more precise location? Thanks for your help.

Topping this since we'll be in the Blois area in less than a month..I'd like to know also.

TTT

don't know one you're talking about but have visited several fromage de chevre farms and tasted the cheese fresh and saw the goats and bought some rounds - looking for ubiquitous "fromage de chevre" signs along the route. Near Saumur look for "champignons" signs to tour mushroom caves and taste the product, and, of course, buy.
Here's hoping someone will give you exact info on what you want.

Well - I don;t mind looking at a goat if I have to - but I'm certainly not planning on sitting among them (do we all get the same kind of chairs - how does that work with the goat's front feet?) no matter how good the cheese.

looks like mcburja got your goat!

PalQ is right about there being a number of chevre farms advertising their wares around that area. But if you're not eager to hang with the goats, virtually any decent restaurant in the area will be happy to serve you their chevre sampler platter. I ordered this a few times, and was glad I did.

You simply cannot believe the sheer variety of goat cheeses available there until you see/taste it for yourself! Pair it with the right wine, and you'll be in <strike>hog</strike> goat heaven.

Hey! How come my html didn't work? Oh well...just imagine the word "hog" crossed out.

Back now from France, and here's the name of this wonderful goat farm and restaurant:

B. et A. Montferrier
Domaine De La Giraudiere
37510 Villandry
Tel 02 47 50 08 60
Fax 02 47 50 06 60

www.letapegourmande.com

As I mention in my trip report - you may want to make reservations ahead of time. A lovely spot, complete with enormous wicker globe with white doves under the mulberry trees in the courtyard. Quite lovely spot, with excellent food and charming service.

If you search on "L'etape gourmande" you'll also find additional (positive) feedback on this lovely farm restaurant.

Hi mc,

Did you sit among the goats?

Hi mcburja. I leave Monday for a trip through France. A few days will be spent at a goat farm in the area you mention. Here is the web site:

http://www.lalionniere.fr/

Ira - as it turns out, the goats were penned up nearby, but at least while we were there, not wandering loose. Perhaps it would be too upsetting for them, seeing their relatives being served on a bed on endive.

McBurja, do make me feel envious and share what you ate (if you remember)... One of the things I enjoyed about this place was that, whilst it put on no airs and graces or pretences, it's menu was still quite innovative and certainly didn't follow the somewhat limited and same-same approach that most restaurants in the region follow (not that I'm complaining as I really enjoy those menus too). I liked the quirky dishes and the familiar, friendly, warm service.