Fishers, Markets and Modern Art

Established in 1994, the Quesneau family business produces a range of delicious, jarred, fish and seafood products sourced exclusively from the Loire River using traditional tramail nets. In this shop, you can discover their range of products including rillettes, terrines and pates made from pike, eel, trout, and catfish, as well as specialities such as ‘crumbled scallops flambeed with beaten pears’.
This is a wonderful place to shop for gifts and souvenirs as well as supporting local fishing traditions.
Note the shop opens at 10am Tuesday to Saturday until 12pm then again at 3-7pm. It is closed Sunday and Monday.

The village of Saint Dye Sur Loire was ‘born’ in the 16th Century when the construction of the nearby Chateau de Chambord in 1519 required a small port to where materials could be transported. Today the village is better known as the starting point for river trips in traditional fishing boats, or ‘gabare’.
There is ample parking at the church.

This 1-hour Traditional Boat Trip runs daily from March to October and is a great way of seeing the surrounding small towns and villages from a different vantage point.
Note that the trip needs to be booked in advance. Book online.

The small city of Tours is considered to be the gateway to the chateux of the Loire Valley but is also a ‘must-see’ place in its own right. With its grand, half-timbered houses leaning into the narrow, cobbled streets and its hidden squares, the historic district is particularly delightful to explore.

This is a classic French bistro with an outside terrace on Place Plumereau – reputed to be the prettiest square in France - and a wonderful place for lunch and people spotting.
Note the restaurant is closed on Sundays and only open from 2pm on Mondays.

The city’s original covered market was built here in 1861 on the site of an existing outdoor market in the heart of the historic district. It remained in situ until 1976 when it was demolished and replaced with a modern building in 1980, which still stands today.
This ‘modern’ market now houses some of the finest gastronomic producers and retailers in the city. While you’re wandering around, make sure you check out some of these small shops: Rodolphe Le Meunier – has won both best Cheesemonger of France and World Champion Cheesemonger; Palais de Epices – for one of the most extensive collections of spices; Maison Caffet – for handmade chocolates and delicious pastries.

You won’t find this small attraction on many Loire Valley tour itineraries, but it is something that shouldn’t be missed. The Terrestrial Helix of Orbiere is an ‘archi-sculpture’ constructed by Jacques Warminski, a Polish-born artist from nearby Angers, in 1993, on the site of an abandoned troglodyte village. The sculpture took 5 years to complete and is an incredible place to explore. Above ground, you’ll see an organically shaped amphitheatre around which are strange, stone-carved creatures and shapes. Down the staircase is a central area from which a number of openings lead to underground caverns which are intricately carved with geometric patterns.
The site is open daily from 11am-7pm and tickets can be purchased at the entrance.

This is a fantastic restaurant and winery that serves an imaginative and seasonal tasting menu. Reservations are recommended for this popular place. Book online.
Note that dinner is served from 7:30-9pm and the restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays.

This is a comfortable, contemporary-style hotel in the small Medieval town of Clisson.