Introduction
Art de Vivre in the Loire.
Price $2,510 (4 Nights) CAD*

The Loire Valley is in central France; just a 2 1/2 hour drive southwest of Paris. This region, particularly the Châteaux Country, gets its name from the River Loire that runs through the entire valley west to the Atlantic Ocean. While this region is known worldwide for its glorious Chateâux, fertile farmland and vineyards, and quaint villages that surround centuries old churches and cathedrals, it also has a rich history that includes Renaissance artists and writers, French leaders and royalty. There are 1,500 castles, manors and old historic houses in the region. The best way to truly experience the Château Country is not the traditional, touristy way. You must see the farms and farmlands, eat the traditional French country cuisine, shop in the open-air markets, visit an authentic boulangerie (bakery), taste the French cheeses and, best of all, sip the vin rouge. Your home for five days will be this lovely B&B Farmhouse, where your hosts Monique and Francois Binet will treat you to a week of their special brand of hospitality. Beautifully situated, the location offers a lovely swimming pool for a relaxing swim, an immense park and endless trails for walking off any extra calories!

Monique and François Binet really identify with their country. Their home, that they designed and built - demonstrates the construction of the beautiful home typical of historic France, which they followed in great detail. The Binet's welcome the visitor as a friend. Every bedroom is unique, all imprinted by Monique's imagination. She knows the right touch to receive a happy smile. As you sip your glass of white wine of the Loire Valley, sitting comfortably by the fireplace in the winter time, you have to think you’ve definitely come to the right place…ahhhhh.

Monique is also very flexible, if you have a special interest in painting, centerpiece floral arranging, or antiques (with visits to local flea markets) this can be paired with cooking lessons. You can spend as much or as little time on other activities. Monique is very well-connected - she can easily arrange a painting session or a floral arranging session and knows just where to go to find antiques (after all, her home is filled with local antiques).

François will go to the wine cellar and return with an excellent selection of Loire wines. Then you’ll be called into the dining room to share your dinner that will be marked by the originality of simple dishes made from quality Touraine produce of the region. As the evening draws to an end, you’ll really feel that your hosts are unique.

This region is known worldwide for its glorious Chateâux, fertile farmland and vineyards, and quaint villages that surround centuries old churches and cathedrals.  It also has a rich history that includes Renaissance artists and writers, French leaders and royalty.

The Loire Valley is in central France; just a 2 1/2 hour drive southwest of Paris. This region, particularly the Chateâux Country, gets its name from the River Loire that runs through the entire valley west to the Atlantic Ocean.