Expert: Terry Casey - 6/24/2009

Question
Hi Terry:
Lisa in NC again.  Started fresh question as too many follow-ups in last series!  I was afraid the options would be limited in Sarlat -- not the area's expertise.

So, is it reasonable to try to fit in a 'tasting' (neither husband nor daughter would want to spend hours touring a vineyard) in our 2 days in the Loire Valley?

We're arriving in St Pierre des Corps via TGV from Paris.  We have a car rented at St. Pierre des Corps heading to Chenonceau for our inn.  Only doing Chenonceau and evening tour Azay-le-Rideau for castles b/c we don't want to run ragged!  

Know of any good options in or around those areas?  Thanks so much.
Lisa

Answer
Hi . . . again . . . Lisa!

There are many shops and places around for wine tastings in the Loire.  Again, it's not the "big deals" you might have in California's Napa Valley or in Reims/Champagne Country or Bordeaux.  

DINING:  Assuming you're not looking for the high-end, pricy places, the great news is that most any place will be very good to great to excellent. It's hard to have a bad meal in France!! The secret is to do some asking where you are staying and/or of others you meet there for their local suggestions. Then apply the eyeball test! If it looks touristy and the people sitting there (or the staff) are bored and uninterested, then that place probably should be avoided. If it looks like there are locals there and/or they are enjoying it, then it will probably be very good. Or maybe even better!

In the charming town of Chinon, there was its main old hotel in the heart of the town that had a great dining room.  

What exact budget range and quality level are you seeking in the Loire for dining?

Here's a good "balancing suggestion" for saving your dining budget. Grab your lunch at one of the many bakeries/boulangerie/patisserie shops. Most are very cute and wonderful. Great breads! Get a sandwich, pastry, drink. Maybe some cheese. Other nice fresh things. Maybe spend only $4-5-6 a person. Eat in a park area or bench or the country side. Like a little picnic! Saves money and time during a busy day. Allows a little more budget for dinner in the evening.

FINAL KEY POINT: Read up, in advance, with such books (maybe from your library) as Eyewitness France (great maps and pictures) . . . or the Michelin Green books . . . to help you target what you most want to see and enjoy to fit your needs and taste. Don't wait until you get there to decide what you want to do. And be flexible. There could be strikes, rain, etc. that will require you to be able to adjust quickly to take advantage of your best available options each day.

Added questions?

ENJOY!  Merci Beaucoup!

Thanks.  Terry Casey in Columbus, Ohio