Off the Beaten Path in the Loire
October 5 - 11th, 2022
This chateau dates back to pre-revolution days. The incredible 17th century interior was spared because the owners were not “Nobles” as were the spectacular gardens and pigonier.
Manoir de la Blondellerie, our home in the woods shared with the Chateau Chambord.
Rest for a moment under the trees, turn your gaze to the impressive 16th century chateau built for Francois 1er, or look behind you to the rolling lawns and hills. The only sound you will hear is the wind in the leaves above you and birdsong.
The extravagance of a bygone era comes to life in this beautiful chateau. Each room exceeds the previous one.
Fall is the time of Brahm, mating season for some 700 stag living in the forest within the walls of Chambord. Witnessing the movement of the herds and hearing the mating calls of the stag at dusk is a rare and privileged event that you will experience in a private horse drawn carriage. This is just one of the extraordinary moments we will share Off the Beaten Path.
The adventure begins the moment you step from the car at Le Manoir, our home for the next six days. This stately, old school, traditional manor house was built in 1752 on the ruins of a 15th century chateau. Le Manoir sits regally beside a lake on 200 hectares of wild landing forrest shared with Chateau de Chambord.
You will have ample time to wander the grounds of our manor home; walk around the lake, sit under the trees and daydream, explore the 18th century tobacco drying house, or just say hello to the chickens.
Our daily expeditions will be to rarely visited and mostly unknown Chateaus. These incredible beauties are begging to be appreciated - so let’s go!
We will begin with a classically “feminine” chateau, favored by Catherine de Medici, and, one of the earliest chateau in the Loire to produce of wine. The vast gardens are dreamy, and the chateau overflows with giant arrangements plucked from them; but it’s the kitchen that is the real dream here!
Next is the beautiful, truly undiscovered, Italianesque chateau near Amboise which was built in 1515 to house France’s first Orangerie. Inspiring to marmalade makers and gardeners alike, it will feed your secret desire to live in an ancient stone manor. This beauty opened to the public in 2019 after 5 years of restauration and many decades of neglect.
We’ll explore (my favorite) a truly impressive property who’s gorgeous 17 & 18th century interiors survived the French Revolution solely because the owners “were not nobles”. Tucked in a small village, the original winery, gardens and orchards are impressive feats of planning and maintenance… all discretely thriving behind stone walls.
You’ll also marvel at the hundreds of royal faces covering vast, remarkable halls in the greatest portrait gallery chateau in all of Europe. And finally, you’ll discover the magical estate, beloved by Captain Haddock in the Tintin book series, which has been owned by the same family for 600 years!
Because local foods are also an obsession of mine, we’ll dig into what the season has to offer: game, wild mushrooms, seasonal cheeses and more. We’ll enjoy lunches out in small cafes that I’ve vetted, and have an Apero Dinetoire at my favorite spot on the Loire with owners Stephan and Fanny. Dinners will be at home and I’ll be cooking. You’re welcome to roll up your sleeves to join in an informal cooking class, or just sit back, watch and sniff as our meal comes together while sipping a glass of local wine. All recipes will be provided.
Accommodations are “family style”. There are 3 rooms with queen/double beds and 2 rooms with twin beds. Our group is small so don’t miss out.
Cost:
1900.00 Euros per person, double occupancy
2500.00 Euros per person single occupancy
For full itinerary, questions about our stress free cancelation policy, what’s included and what’s not please hit the button below to request more information. I’ll be thrilled to send it!
