Cook with a chef at the Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau

The Loire Valley is famous for its chateaux, wine and gastronomy, and one of the most extraordinary ways to experience all three is with a private art de vivre experience which includes a hands-on cooking class with a professional chef (in English) at the Renaissance Château d’Azay-le-Rideau followed by a gourmet, wine-paired lunch. You’ll also have a guided visit of the chateau, and an afternoon exploring the magnificent gardens of the Chateau of Villandry, and transport to and from Tours if you’re based there (or nearby). Guaranteed to create the most wonderful memories to take home from the Loire Valley, family-run tour firm Ophorus are offering this outstanding tour year-round.

A unique experience at the Chateau Azay-le-Rideau

The Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau is a masterpiece of 16th century architecture, rising from an island in the Indre River it is surrounded by a romantic 8-hectare park. Within its walls you can retrace five centuries of history, and discover beautifully decorated rooms with a sumptuous collection of objects, tapestries and furniture. Built between 1518 and 1527, the château was commissioned by Gilles Berthelot, a wealthy financier who served King François I. Inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture, the castle blends French medieval traditions with elegant Renaissance symmetry and the result is one of the Loire Valley’s most graceful châteaux.

Cook with a chef at the Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau

But the real surprise lies beyond the elegant salons… After a guided tour, you’ll head to the historic château kitchens where a professional chef will host a private hands-on cooking class with a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll prepare a gourmet lunch (no experience needed it’s suitable for all levels from beginner to enthusiast), a delicious main dish and classic French dessert (most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if known in advance), whilst learning practical tips and techniques rooted in French culinary traditions, plus discovering a few culinary secrets along the way. Then, in the chateau, you’ll feast on the food you’ve prepared, a leisurely lunch paired with carefully selected Loire Valley wines, including the region’s elegant Vouvray.
This is not simply sightseeing – this is all about participation, flavour and a true taste of the French art de vivre.

The Gardens of Villandry – one of the wonders of France

In the afternoon, your driver-guide will transport you to one of the Loire’s most extraordinary sights: the Gardens of Villandry. The Chateau of Villandry was the last of the grand chateaux built during the Renaissance in the Loire Valley and it is world-renowned for its glorious gardens, considered the finest Renaissance garden in France.

The château itself dates largely from 1536, built by Jean Le Breton, a minister of King François I, and was briefly owned by Jérôme Bonaparte, Napoleon I’s younger brother. The gardens you see today were restored in the early 20th century by Spanish doctor Joachim Carvallo, who recreated the Renaissance designs with extraordinary precision.

Strolling here feels like walking through a living tapestry with spectacular geometric planting patterns featuring rows of vegetables, flowers and hedges that form intricate patterns that change with the seasons. This is gardening elevated to a work of art.

Your driver-guide will then transport you through the scenic Loire countryside back to your base in Tours or nearby. This can even be taken as a day trip from Paris as trains to and from Tours run throughout the day from 57 minutes

The perfect end to a perfect day of discovering true art de vivre – heritage, history, gastronomy and wine, in the most exquisite surroundings.

It’s essential to book in advance as the experience is popular (especially in Spring and Summer). It’s perfect for solos, couples, groups and families, an ideal celebration experience and anyone wanting to experience authentic French art de vivre in a truly unique way.

Find out more and book this extraordinary experience at: ophorus.com/azay-le-rideau- cooking-class

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