Loire Valley 
The region called the "garden of France" lives up to its name, with an abundance of farm-fresh products: poultry, game and fish, vegetables and fresh fruit including berries, pears and apples, and of course the famous "Tarte Tatin". Hunting season puts regional game on the tables: deer, boar, duck, pheasant and quail. Early crops find their way to the best restaurants in Paris.
Cheese
Chateaux are not the only thing that the Loire Valley takes very seriously. The gastronomy of this region is also very important for maintaining its own uniqueness. The Loire Valley boasts a number of mouth watering cheeses, 5 of which are certified local products. Here are some of the Loire Valley's cheeses that must be sampled:
Sainte Maure du Touraine, from the Tourraine region, is a soft cheese made of goat's milk and has a very distinct and flavorful taste. Unlike most goat cheeses which are soft and spreadable, Saint Maure is crumbly, hard and tangy due to the fact that it is aged. This cheese is characterized by its log shape and its moldy ash coating.
Pouligny St. Pierre is a cone shaped goat cheese that has a sour yet nutty flavor. This cheese is perfect for spreading
Crottin de Chavignol is perhaps the region's most popular goat cheese. This goat cheese is shaped like a small cylinder and comes from the small town of Chevignol. Whether you spread it on a roll or bake it as a topping for your salad, this goat cheese still has a lovely nutty and mild taste.
Wine and spirits
A region bordered by many vineyards results in delightful and extremely varied wines: the fruity reds of Chinon, Bourgueil, Touraine, Valencay, the dry white Cheverny,the flinty Sancerre, the sparkling Vouvray...
Special offering
Rich and varied charcuterie, including terrines, potted minced pork from Tours, local Poulet en barbouille and Carpe au vin rouge; white asparagus and tasty mushrooms. Dozen of varieties of the famous Chevre cheese. Sweets include gateau pithiviers (almond cream in a buttered puff pastry) and the renowned tarte tatin, a caramelized apple tart cooked upside down.
Region Highlights - Gastronomy, Sports and Leisure, Tours of the Loire Valley, Art & Culture, and Directions to the Loire Valley .
