Château de Pintray

Upstream from Amboise, on the south bank of the Loire, this medieval castle with two massive towers, remodelled during the Renaissance, cannot fail but catch the eye. The edifice peacefully presides over vast formal grounds and staunchly upholds the Loire’s gracious art de vivre. The orangery, part of which is built into the rocky hillside, is the epitome of elegant, and on sunny days it is a treat to sit on the pleasant terrace overlooking the gardens. Chef Arnaud Philippon's cuisine flirts with the zeitgeist: pressed young goat and foie gras, pied bleu mushrooms, wild garlic and mango and co

Hervé and Patricia Chardonneau, a couple of foodies formerly of Casse-Cailloux in Tours, have set up shop in the heart of a wine-growing village. Hervé crafts a hearty, wholesome lineup of traditional French nosh, together with game in season: hare à la royale (a sort of jugged hare), a game pie (oreiller de la belle Aurore), lamb’s brains... His bistronomic approach draws its inspiration from the seasons. Fine wine list with a focus on organic and natural wines. Separate wine bar.