Our day ended in Saumur where we will spend 2 nights with the Loire Valley Tour 2024 by ombiasy WineTours in June 2024.
tripsavy.com (Mary Anne Evans)
Saumur lies on a beautiful stretch of the western Loire valley between Tours and Angers before the mighty river flows into the Atlantic at Nantes. It’s a glorious area known for its odd troglodyte dwellings built in the limestone cliffs by our oh-so-distant ancestors.
Saumur is famous above all for two things: its excellent sparkling wine (you can visit many of the producers), and its military associations. Here you’ll find the Armoured Corps Academy and the French Cavalry Academy, housed in two-story gracious 18th-century buildings around a dusty square that is now a car park.
Start by strolling through the medieval streets that run from the river to the Eglise St-Pierre. Set in a delightful square the Gothic church is surrounded by wood-framed buildings that now house cafes and restaurants.
The château of Saumur stands above the city. Its fairytale white towers, delicate stone tracery, and mullion windows were depicted in Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, the 11th century illuminated manuscript that is reproduced everywhere. It is a book of hours, a collection of prayers for the canonical hours, created between 1412 and 1416 by the Limbourg brothers for John Duke of Berry.
Today the château is best viewed from the outside. Built in the second half of the 14th century by Louis I, Duc d’Anjou it was once a magnificent structure. Today much is closed for restoration though there is a museum of decorative and fine arts which you can visit....
...Walking around Saumur you’ll soon see its military roots in the open parade grounds surrounded by 19th-century barracks and the huge school for training horses.
The National Riding School (Le Cadre Noir) is just outside the main center of Saumur, a car journey or a taxi ride away. This 300-hectare estate is where the elite come to train under expert Ecuyers (riding instructors).
It was founded in 1815 after the Napoleonic wars had destroyed so much of the French cavalry to train both riders and horses for yet more warfare. Discipline and hard work, practice, and understanding are the mainstays of the school, which is much the same as it was in the days before tanks took over from horses....
...L’Alchimiste is the best restaurant in Saumur, with a small garden for summer dining. It’s central and the chef uses good local ingredients to produce some great specialties. ...
tripsavy.com (Mary Anne Evans): L’Alchimiste is the best restaurant in Saumur, with a small garden for summer dining. It’s central and the chef uses good local ingredients to produce some great specialties.
Wine: Domaine Du Petit Bondieu
Domaine du Petit Bondieu: Domaine du Petit Bondieu was founded by Jean-Marc Pichet, father of current owner and winemaker Thomas Pichet, nearly 50 years ago. Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, this award-winning estate extends 25 hectares in the Bourgueil and 4 hectares in Chinon and produces Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc using exclusively organic and biodynamic farming practices.
The old vines planted on clay-limestone soil at the top of the slopes, give wines of a good density. The tannins are present and at the same time supple and silky.
After
eighteen months aging, six of which in barrels, this Cabernet Franc
reveals a nose with aromas of black fruits evolving towards a spicy
touch of cloves. Cuvée with good aging potential, which will go wonderfully with red meats and game.
AOP BOURGUEIL red Cuvée Couplets - Magnum 2018: 2 stars in the Guide Hachette 2021, 75cl 2019: 1 star Guide Hachette 2022, 2020: 2 stars Guide Hachette 2023
Menu L'Experience
Amuse bouche
Le rouleau de printemps qui s'était trompé de saison
Ou
Noix de Saint Jacques en bouillon automnal, écrasé de topinambours et sorbet d'huîtres
Filet de cabillaud en cuisson douce condiment de fenouil et citron confit
Ou
Magret de canard caramélisé, poivre Tchuli et chutney de coingsxxx
Assiette de fromages
Ou
Tarte croustillante aux clémentines, sorbet amande, miel et fleurs d'oranger
Ou
Le moelleux de Lydie au thé matcha, coeur coulant au chocolat
See: Announcement: Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours (Sunday, June 09 - Thursday June 20, 2024)
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