Cultural & Courses
Creative courses in the Loire countryside from writing to cooking
Kristi Anderson, the original owner of the “Tea & Tattered Pages”, a Parisian bookstore, is now organising “FrogBreaks” at her B&B located just 90 minutes of Paris.
Kristi and other writers such as John Baxter and Thirza Vallois offer workshops ranging from 'Travel Writing' to 'The Renaissance'. These ateliers are not just about gaining writing skills but combining interesting leisure activities around the Sologne region. After your morning session, Lunch will be hosted by a local personality and the afternoons will be free to explore the countryside, nearby chateaux and participate in the many sporting and hunting activities.
This is a great opportunity to learn from published writes such as John Baxter -- 'We will always have Paris' and Thirza Vallois -- 'Around and About Paris' as well as enjoy a very special part of the Loire.
You may however prefer one of the cooking ateliers such as -- 'How to Eat like a Wild Man – Elegant Game Cooking' or 'Get Rid of the Stress' by Emily Borel a respected Shiatsu Professional from Paris.
Contact Krisiti direct for more information and exact dates of workshops and cost. The workshops will be held throughout the year or enquire via this site.
www.theamericanfrog.com
15, place de l’église, 45240 Ligny le Ribault
Learn French in the morning, horse ride in the afternoon
What a great way to combine a holiday with a learning experience. The school is situated in Tours, a large town in the Loire Valley. Tours has several language schools and is most respected throughout France for its perfection of the language. These courses are an opportunity to combine learning with your favourite sport. I'm sure there's time for chateau-hopping on the weekend.
The wide open spaces of the Loire Valley favour those who love to go horse riding, and many are only minutes from the centre of Tours.
Le Printemps musical de Saint-Cosme
Now in its 16th year, these symphonies are held over two weeks in March....the 2009 dates to be posted. Over 12 different concerts from young French musicians and international guests performing Brahms to Beehoven, Haydn and Schubert. The concerts are held in the beautiful 'demeure de Ronsard'.
www.lesmusicales.fr
t: 02 47 320 711.
Horse ride for a week in the Loire
Each Summer from May to October, this well known stable provides specialized horse riding groups for up to 8 people. You can expect to spend at least 6-8 hours in the saddle. There's also a special 'teenagers' program. Accommodation and meals is all covered. If you would like more information feel free to contact us via or booking/enquiry form. We will return a no obligation quote.
Ferme du Coteau 37270 Azay sur Cher
Tours Silk production
Tours was once the centre of a rich silk industry introduced by Louix XI. Today one of the last surviving factories remains in production and can be visited but by appointment only.
You will see 250 year-old tools and looms still in use. One fine example of their workmanship can be viewed in the Chateau Villandry's new 'Oriential Room'; a large silk tapestry hangs, commissioned by the chateau's owners. It is quite a work of art.
If you would like a English-speaking tour, book via the Loire Valley Tourism, link below or contact us via our accommodation booking form.
www.ligeris.com
La Manach Plant, Tours
Cooking School at Loches
Why not learn from one of the best chefs in the region. Didier Marque from La Gerbe d'Or has a number of winter ateliers. Advanced booking required. See more information at the website link below for their programme.
www.restaurantlagerbedor.fr
22 rue Balzac 37600 Loches t: 02 47 91 67 63
Learn French in style
Why not make the most of your time in Loire Valley with a French Language course. The Touraine is known to be where French is best spoken so there are numerous schools. One of the best however is CLE (Centre Linguistique pour Etrangers) ideally located in ‘centre ville’.
There are levels and courses to suitable any timetable. Summer courses generally last two weeks or you can choose an intensive 3-month stay. Class groups are small and personal and include a cross-section of ages. In addition to your studies, there are lots of activities around the region exploring the chateaus and of course learning more about the famous cuisine of the Loire Valley. The school can also assist with accommodation anywhere from a two week stay to several months with a host family. Its the relaxed and friendly environment combined with a serious approach to learning that makes this school a little different. Visit their site for more details. To check your level, try their online quiz!
www.cle.fr
7-9 place de Châteauneuf t: 33 (0)2 47 64 06 19
Opera de Tours
This small but very fine Opera House has a varied programme for all ages. A season of Symphonies and Operas commence each September. There are also a number of free recitals and concerts. There is no dedicated website and tickets are purchased via their ticket office at the venue
www.tours.fr
34 rue de la Scellerie Tours t: 02 47 60 20 00