Spring Break in Loire
The Loire Valley in March
Following the success of our October breaks we have decided to institute a Spring break in the Loire following the same format.
March can be a delight here in the Western Loire, generally the days are sunny and the nights are warm enough to sit outside until reasonably late. Sadly, however, no-one can ever guarantee anything and, as we all know, the climate is a totally different thing than the weather. You could spend a week here in wonderful weather whilst the guests before or after get the short straw of a sudden cold or wet snap, 'c'est la vie' as one says. But there are things we can do about it. Firstly, there is the region itself, around our village of Le Puy Notre Dame and, indeed all the wine areas along the Loire, the slopes are tinged with bright green as the vineyards start to dress themselves in their spring colours. The winemakers have more time to do tours and tasting than during the grape harvest itself, (normally mid to late September) and generally the whole region is calm and welcoming 
before the summer tourist rush commences. We' will also invite you to share a three course meal with us on arrival complete with aperitifs'. In addition, if you are interested in wine, we will take you on a fully escorted tour of a local, award winning winery where you will have the opportunity to buy some of the award winning wines if you wish. Finally we have arranged with Jean-Yves the owner of our excellent village restaurant, Le Bouchon Ponot, to give you a free aperitif when you order one of several value for money menus which are available.
Please do not hesitate to Contact us for further information
Spring Break in the Loire Including Meal on Arrival
This is one of our main courses. It's our version of the French classic dish, "Pigeon Roti aux Petits Pois". The pigeon rests on a bed of petits pois cooked with garlic, shallots, bacon and fresh mint from the garden. It is accompanied by a purée of potatoes and celeriac.
By March most of the historic and famous landmarks of the Loire will be open with many concerts taking place in such atmospheric places as the Royal Abbey of Fontenvraud, the Chateau at Angers etc.. The historic towns like Chinon, Saumur and Angers are quieter too, giving the traveller lots of time to investigate the nooks and crannies whilst the roads around the villages, never exactly hectic at the best of times, are almost devoid of traffic except for the tractors and vineyard machinery occasionally heading off to the vines.
Prices
Just €320 for the one bedroomed Le Chenin Gite and €420 for our two bedroomed gite, Le Sauvingon. Including aperitifs and three course meal on arrival plus optional escorted visit to local award winning winery. Of course you still have access to all the gite facilities including free use of bikes, wifi and pool, (subject to weather). etc
Le Puy Notre Dame is classified as both a "Petit Cité de Caractâre" and a "Village de Charme". Both these prestigous awards reflect both the history and the unique character of the village. The largest producer of wine in the Saumur appellation, the quality of its product is now recognised by the award of its own appellation, "Saumur-Puy Notre Dame". Our gîtes are situated on the edge of the village, within walking distance of the bakery, bar and restaurant and, at the same time, being adjacent to the rolling wineyards. For a more intense introduction to the food and wine of the region see our Short Wine Breaks
