Gastronomy
The local area is well known for good food at reasonable prices and a typically french atmosphere. The lunch-time menus are an experience not to miss, with a good selection to choose from. There is plentiful choice of restaurants with fine cuisine, some excellent markets to buy fresh produce and two nearby market gardens for local produce.
Local Produce
There are two excellent market gardens in Parcay les Pins, so its easy to stock your larder! Close by at Vernantes is a well stocked supermarket.
Mushrooms — the mushroom caves near Saumur house the largest exhibition in Europe of wild mushrooms and fungi – over 200 species – and also produce a vast quantity of mushrooms to send all over the world.
Pommes tapees — a local gourmet speciality prepared in a tuffeau oven which is situated in a cellar-cave.
Asparagus is a local delicacy which is grown in the fields nearby and available directly from the local producers.
We can provide you with free-range eggs and fresh vegetables when in season from our garden. We also keep a stock of local wines, which we are always happy to talk to you about!
Markets
You could visit a market almost everyday if you wished!
- Sunday
- Langeais — a large bustling market near the chateau.
- Monday
- Château La Valliere
- Tuesday
- Bourgueil — an event not to be missed. Good food and plenty of character.
- Wednesday
- Giseux
- Vernantes
- Thursday
- Chinon — good restaurants and an historic setting.
- Le Lude — stalls amongst winding historic streets.
- Friday
- Noyant — small, but full of local colour and characters.
- Saturday
- Saumur — some fine produce and interesting stalls, all situated in the old quarters.
- Parcay — small, but part of our village life.
Wine
Wine tasting is an informative and pleasant pastime, and part of learning about the rich culture and history of the Loire Valley. We know an excellent French guide with a good command of English to take you to some of the lesser-known and best vineyards in the region. Half-day tours are available to Chinon, Coteau du Layon, Saumur and Anjou Villages. Please ask for more details when you make your booking.
The local wines are good and plentiful – Bourgueil, Saumur Champigny and Anjou Rouge are just some. There are 24 appellations, red, rose and white – and sparkling versions of all three – plus some little known and interesting dessert wines.
The local sparkling wine, Saumur Brut, is widely recognised and enjoyed. A visit to see this being made is well worth while.