LOIRE VALLEYI. Chateau de Villandryundoubtedly the world's most famous Kitchen garden - an extraordinary garden of geometry and symbolism that will take your breath away. On the week-end of the 3rd and 4th of July, participants will attend at Villandry the spectacular " Night of a Thousand Lights " and on the 27th and 28th of September the famous "Days of the Kitchen Garden" also at Villandry. II. Chateau de Valmerthe Renaisance Chateau de Valmer where the making of wine and the growing of hundreds of kinds of vegetables and fruits in a gloriously beautiful and totally organic fashion make for a great stop for all gourmets. The owners , as well as the head gardener are passionate and welcoming and make this visit a very special one! III. Chateau de la Bourdaisierehome of Prince Louis de Broglie, where his creation, the national tomato conservatory, is located with its 600 varieties of what is sometimes called the apple of love. On the 13th and 14th of September visits we will attend here the 10th annual "Festival of the Tomato, Savours and Tastes" IV. Chateau de RivauThe 12 gardens evoke the wonderful stories and legends that literature has provided. This pleasant walk, Gargantua's Kitchen Garden, the Enchanted Forest, the Flowery Meadow, the Delightful Border, the Lovers Wood, the Landscape Balcony, the Cassinina, the Orchard of Paradise, the Petit Poucet's Path and the Secret Garden, are many illustrations of themes from fairytale imagination. VI. Chateau de la ChatonniereHidden away in a secluded valley are the remarkable gardens of La Chatonniere - a series of eleven enchanting terraced gardens. each varying in style and atmosphere. One is struck with admiration by the beauty of the designs, the colors of the leaf-shaped vegetable garden, the patterns of the live willow woven pergolas, and the heady perfume of the 4000 planted roses. MarketsIn Paris, weekly trips to food markets are a way of life - a place to socialize and seek out amazing high quality foods. For us it is also a classroom to learn what to look for when choosing produce and to get a feel of the seasonality in food offerings. A market in May looks totally different than the same in October. We will visit the organic Raspail market every Sunday morning, the organic Batignolles on Saturdays and when classes are offered on Asian, Middle eastern or indian cuisines - we go to the markets where you will really think you have left Paris for another continent . These visits are experiences redolent of spices and perfumes you will not wish to forget. Caroline Pivain franco-american certified guide The Gentle Gourmet B&B |
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