A Family Adventure in the Loire Valley

A Fond Farewell to the Loire Valley

As our family adventure in the Loire Valley draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we’ve shared. Today was a perfect culmination of history, relaxation, and a touch of modern art. It’s hard to believe our eight-day journey is already at its end, but I know we'll carry these memories with us for a lifetime.



Our final day began with a delightful breakfast at Restaurant Le Château de Pray. This place is something special. Just a short drive from Amboise, the Château de Pray is nestled in a wooded park. The setting was lovely, and the food was exceptional. Émile, of course, was most excited about the pastries, while Sophie and I savored the strong French coffee. It was the perfect way to start our last day in the Loire Valley.


Experience exquisite French cuisine and breathtaking views at Restaurant Le Château de Pray in Amboise.

After breakfast, we set off for Château & Thermes de Saint-Denis sur Loire. The allure of thermal baths was too tempting to resist, especially on a chilly January morning. Saint-Denis-sur-Loire is a charming village with a fascinating history. Did you know that in Celtic, its original name, Voginant, meant sacred fountain? The village has been known for its thermal waters for over a millennium. Imagine, people have been coming here for centuries to experience the healing properties of these waters! Even Catherine de Medici and Marie de Medici visited the Château back in the 16th century.


Experience the allure of the Château & Thermes de Saint-Denis sur Loire, a historic castle offering stunning gardens and rejuvenating thermal baths in the heart of France.

Exploring the Château & Thermes de Saint-Denis sur Loire was a unique experience. The chateau itself has seen many changes over the centuries, from its medieval origins to its Renaissance transformation. The Hurault family expanded the chateau in the 14th century, adding a medieval style. During the Renaissance, it was transformed, and in the 18th century, it took on a neoclassical style. Today, the site offers a glimpse into its rich history and the lush flora that thrives thanks to the abundant water from the park's springs.



We strolled through the gardens, imagining what it must have been like during the Belle Époque when the thermal baths were in their prime. Although the original thermal baths are no longer in operation, there was an interesting exhibition detailing the history of the baths and plans to restore them. Émile was fascinated by the old photographs and stories of people seeking cures in the mineral-rich waters. I found myself wishing we could have experienced it firsthand. It's easy to picture the avenue filled with people looking for a cure.



    

    Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the quiet corners of history, where the echoes of the past resonate with the promise of the future.
    

Next on our agenda was a walk along the Levée de la Loire. These dikes, initially constructed from wood and earth, date back to the 12th century in the Anjou region. Their purpose? To hold back the river's flow and prevent flooding. Walking along the top of the levee, we had panoramic views of the Loire River and the surrounding countryside. The winter landscape had a stark beauty, with bare trees lining the riverbanks and mist hanging in the air. It was a peaceful and contemplative experience, a chance to reflect on our journey and appreciate the natural beauty of the Loire Valley.


Explore the stunning trails of Levée de la Loire, a hiking paradise along the picturesque banks of the Loire River, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.

Émile, ever the curious explorer, was fascinated by the river. He peppered me with questions about its length, its history, and the wildlife that calls it home. I did my best to answer, drawing on my own knowledge and supplementing it with information from my trusty travel guidebook. I really should have remembered to pack those binoculars, though! We could have done some proper bird watching.



For lunch, we headed to Auberge Pom'Poire. This charming auberge is located amidst the orchards of the Azay-le-Rideau area. The restaurant focuses on regional products, and the atmosphere is trendy and convivial. We enjoyed a delicious meal featuring local specialties, including rillettes, goat cheese, and, of course, a tarte aux pommes. The service was excellent, and the staff were friendly and welcoming.


Experience exquisite French cuisine at Auberge Pom'Poire in Azay-le-Rideau—a perfect blend of fine dining and cozy hospitality.

After lunch, Sophie had the brilliant idea of visiting La Tour d'Or Blanc de J.M. Othoniel in Amboise. This modern art installation is a tribute to the region's viticulture, and I must admit, I was intrigued. Jean-Michel Othoniel, the artist behind the tower, is renowned for his contemporary works found in cities like Barcelona, Montreal and even Versailles. The tower, inaugurated in 2021, stands proudly near the Loire River, a contemporary beacon paying homage to the area's winegrowing traditions.


Explore La Tour d'Or Blanc de J.M. Othoniel, a captivating cultural landmark in Amboise, France, blending contemporary art with historical charm.

The tower itself is a striking structure, combining steel, aluminum, and stained glass. It's designed to reflect the light and colors of the Loire Valley, creating a shimmering effect that changes throughout the day. As we approached, Émile was immediately captivated by its height and the way the sunlight danced on its surface. I found myself appreciating the way the artist had incorporated local references into the design, drawing inspiration from the landscape and the region's architectural heritage.



It's fascinating to learn that the tower's creation was a long and collaborative effort, involving local winegrowers who wanted a symbol to honor Amboise's viticulture. The project faced funding challenges and took over a decade to come to fruition. The final push came with support from the State after a conversation during President Macron's visit in 2019 for the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci's death. It’s a testament to the community's dedication and the importance of art in celebrating local identity. It was really something special to see the amount of happy locals there at the tower.



Our final dinner in the Loire Valley was at Restaurant du Château de Rochecotte. This gastronomic restaurant is located in a magnificent wooded park, overlooking the Loire Valley. The setting was magical, with the chateau illuminated against the night sky. Inside, the restaurant was elegant and refined, with two beautiful dining rooms each having its own style. The menu featured regional specialties, and the chef's creations were both innovative and delicious.


Experience exquisite haute French cuisine at Restaurant du Château de Rochecotte in Coteaux-sur-Loire – a true culinary gem amidst stunning landscapes.

As we savored our meal, we reminisced about our adventures over the past eight days. We had explored magnificent châteaux, wandered through charming villages, and indulged in the region's culinary delights. We had laughed, learned, and created memories that would last a lifetime. I am going to miss this, but I know we will be back.



As I write this, back in our cozy guesthouse, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this incredible experience. The Loire Valley has captured our hearts, and I know we'll be back to explore more of its hidden gems. Tomorrow, we will be heading back to Paris to catch our flight back to Montreal. It will be nice to be back home, but I will truly miss the French countryside.