Family Adventure in the Loire Valley: A Journey Through History and Nature

Castles, Couture, and Culinary Delights

Today was all about venturing off the beaten path and discovering some of the Loire Valley's lesser-known treasures. It’s amazing how much history and beauty can be found in unexpected corners, and I’m so excited to share our experiences with you.


Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Auberge du Prieuré. The morning air was crisp, and the aroma of fresh pastries and strong coffee filled the cozy dining room. After fueling up, we set off for our first destination: the Château de Sully-sur-Loire.


As we approached, the Château de Sully-sur-Loire emerged majestically from the landscape, with its high towers and vast moat reflecting the morning sun. This medieval fortress, dating back to the 14th century, is one of Loiret's most visited monuments, and it's easy to see why. We wandered through the castle, imagining the lives of the Dukes of Sully and other illustrious figures who once walked these halls. The architecture was fascinating, with each stone telling a story of battles, celebrations, and centuries of history. I was particularly captivated by the wall hanging depicting Psyche; the artistry was simply breathtaking. Andreas, ever the history buff, was engrossed in the strategic design of the fortress, pointing out the arrow slits and rampart walk. Sophie, meanwhile, enjoyed exploring the towers and imagining what it would have been like to live in such a grand castle.


Experience the charm and history of Château de Sully-sur-Loire, a magnificent Renaissance castle in the heart of the Loire Valley.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found not in the grandest monuments, but in the quiet corners where history whispers and beauty unfolds.

After immersing ourselves in the medieval ambiance of Sully-sur-Loire, we drove to Château & Thermes de Saint-Denis sur Loire. This site has a history stretching back over 1000 years, initially known for its thermal waters since 895 when it was named “Voginantus,” meaning “sacred fountain” in Celtic. The castle itself has evolved through the centuries, with medieval origins expanded during the Renaissance and later updated in the 18th century with a neoclassical style. Catherine and Marie de Medici were among those who visited to experience the healing waters. The gardens, currently undergoing restoration, were particularly interesting to me, with their Renaissance-inspired designs and lush greenery. It’s inspiring to see the dedication of the owners in bringing back the original beauty of the gardens, especially given the challenges they face, such as the pyrale infestation affecting the box trees.


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.

While at Château & Thermes de Saint-Denis sur Loire, we learned that in the 16th century, the royal court often visited Saint-Denis to benefit from the thermal waters. Even Henri II and his son Henri III visited the site. This area was very important to the druidic tribe of Carnutes.


For lunch, we had a delightful meal at Restaurant du Château de Rochecotte. This restaurant is part of a hotel that was once an 18th-century château overlooking the Loire Valley. The setting was superb, surrounded by 25 hectares of vineyards and parkland. The restaurant itself was elegant, with a terrace offering stunning views. The food, while beautifully presented, was perhaps a bit too focused on fussy presentation rather than the dishes themselves, but overall, the experience was enjoyable.


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

After lunch, I was eager to indulge in a bit of retail therapy, so we headed to La Boîte A Couture. Now, finding a couture shop in a small town is always a delightful surprise. While the shop itself was charming, I couldn't help but notice that it was more of a general sewing and alterations shop rather than a high-fashion couture house. Nevertheless, I enjoyed browsing through the fabrics and notions, picking up a few unique buttons for future projects. It reminded me of my own little floral design business back in Bonn and the joy of finding those perfect little details that make a project special.


Discover the elegance of lingerie and personalized clothing services at La Boîte A Couture in Joinville.

Our final culinary experience of the day was at Restaurant le 36 for dinner. This restaurant, nestled in the Hotel Choiseul, offered a beautiful dining room set between stone and greenery, creating a charming ambiance. The gourmet French cuisine, inspired by the chef's travels, was a treat. We savored the flavors of the Loire Valley, accompanied by a selection of local wines. It was the perfect way to end a day filled with exploration and discovery. Andreas and I enjoyed a quiet moment, reflecting on the day's adventures while Sophie sketched in her notebook, capturing the essence of the beautiful surroundings. The service at Le 36 was excellent, and the staff made us feel incredibly welcome.


Experience authentic French cuisine with stunning river views at Restaurant le 36 in Amboise – where every meal is a celebration.

As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the Loire Valley, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family. Each day of this trip brings new adventures and unforgettable memories.


Tomorrow, we plan to visit Château du Rivau and Roseraie du Château. I'm particularly excited about the Roseraie, as I’m keen to see the variety of roses and perhaps gather some inspiration for my floral designs. And, if time allows, we might just sneak in a visit to the Sauvage bar. Until then, good night from the Loire Valley!