Chateau du Pray

Nesting in a wood, perched on the terraced slopes overlooking the Loire river, the Château de Pray, named after Geoffroy de Pray in 1244, is truly majestic. The towers bear witness to its past role as a stronghold.

French love cheese.

First, it is surprising for us that raw milk cheese is not allowed in many countries. We just do not understand as nobody died because of cheese in France since so many centuries. That must be a kind of protection to the local “cheese” that these countries produce…

The all thing is in about the magic of a meal and for us it is extremely important to cook and please our friends and family with the best of what we have, Sitting at a table for a lunch or a dinner is a kind of religious thing. We usually offer a appetizer, a main course and then a green salad and some cheeses followed by a dessert. We do take time for a meal. We had previously laided a nice table and after an aperitif we invite our guests to go to the table. (no phone please).

Before all of that we went to the market or our favourite stores to purchase what we need to make sure you will get the very best. So buying cheese is part of the shopping. I must confess that most of the cheese store are so pretty. The selection we get to please you must be completed by some various cheeses. Let say three different will be the minimum. Of course some beautiful bread and great wine to go with.

We always go for soft cheeses and for sure get at least a strong one for the amateurs. Sometimes the cheeses are pricy and we believe it is an honor to offer you them. We make sure that our kids try everything and they will make later on their own choice. But they tried. I heard few times, some tourists saying “I do not like chesse”. When you then ask “Have you tried?” the answer was no. So why do you say that you do not like it if you have never tryied. During my career as a butler, I had a very famous American guy who requested to try a few real cheeses. He felt in love and even went to the strongest one. I was thrilled.

I do love nearly all of them. I miss them so much as I do now spend my life in Mexico. I did miss them when I was living in the US. When I do return to France for a trip I then do an orgy of cheeses.

my favorite…

Once more, nobody died because of the cheeses and I suggest to you to try them when you will visit France.

Krug, do you like finesse ?

Krug Grande cuvee is the real Archetype of the philosophy of this Champagne company and the savoir faire of pasionate people at Krug.

Moret sur Loing, France.

The picturesque medieval town of Moret-sur-Loing is a former bastion lying at the edge of Fontainebleau forest and on the quiet water of the river Loing. It inspired many Impressionist painters, in particular Alfred Sisley who spent the last 20 years of his life there. The most beautiful view is from the old bridge or the right bank of the Loing river.

Restaurant “Le Chantefable” in Paris.

Located in the district of the 20th arrondissement of Paris, you can find the French bistro Le Chantefable.This Bistrot will welcome you in a peaceful and warm setting in a retro and woody style décor.

During the beautiful days, you will for sure enjoy the terrace and spend a meal under the sun.
Really pleasant staff are welcoming you and for your plates, the chef showcases the French cuisine by drawing on the large gastronomic tables while adding a zest of his personality.

I ordered a very typical Harreng with a potatoe salad that was very very nice. The Duck confit was extremely good as well and my Creme Brulee was to die for. All the other dishes we had there were so good as well.

The Chantefable also has a wine rich menu that will appeal to sommeliers and wine lovers alike. We picked up a cheap one, Chateau Clement Termes and it was extremely nice.
With friends or family, it’s the perfect place to feast on good, rich and tasty dishes.
The good humour and warmth of a typical French bistrot are at the rendez-vous and warm the atmosphere in this friendly place. Cherry on the cake, dinner for three for around 100 euros, wine included.

The is where to go if you wish to do like the French and enjoy a really awesome dinner.

Le Domaine des Hauts de Loire.

Located on the wine road and at the heart of Loire castles in the midst of greenery, the Domaine des Hauts de Loire welcomes nature lovers that dream of retiring in a haven where a cosy and warm atmosphere dominates. A four star establishment, this “Relais & Châteaux” has become a true institution of French tourism.

Amboise is such a charming little town.

Amboise is incredibly charming and very popular to the visitors of the Loire Valley. What brings them here is its historical links to the French Royal Family, its markets and a little surprisingly perhaps, its connection with Leonardo de Vinci.

It’s an easy base for discovering some of the other major Chateaux of the Loire valley. The city of Tours and the Chateaux of Chenonceau, Chaumont, Blois and Chambord are near Amboise.

The town still retains its medieval feel and has plenty of good restaurants and cafes to relax in and sample the local wines and produce of the region.

Amboise’s main draw is its chateau but the town has much more to offer.

Twice a week, there is a wonderful market on the riverside. You will find Wines, cheese, meat, fruits and vegetables from the local farmers, along with clothes and alive chickens or ducks.

Amboise is a serene, easygoing town, true to the image of splendour that characterised that blessed era.

King Francois 1st, invited Leonardo da Vinci to stay in Amboise and gave him the Manor of the Clos-Luce, he promised him a pension, with the only requirement of devoting some of his time to conversation and companionship.

You can visit my posts about the Chateau and as well the Clos-Luce…

Bovino’s in Playa del Carmen and Cancun.

I would recommand you to go there , only if you are very hungry. In Playa del Carmen, on 10 th avenue and just accross Coco Bongo, or in Cancun there is this nice Brazilian style restaurant, and soon you enter, you understand that it will be great.

Visit Figeac.

Figeac is a medieval town in the Lot department of the Midi-Pyrenees, about 70 kilometres east of Cahors on the River Célé. It is a lovely town that you must visit when you are in the region!

Chateau Haut-Brion.

Haut Brion is the oldest of the Bordeaux classed growths, the inventor of a new style of wine in the 17th century, the world’s first luxury brand.