The Good Life France Magazine




The Good Life France Magazine brings you the best of France - inspirational and exclusive features, fabulous photos, mouth-watering recipes, tips, guides, ideas and much more...


Published by the award winning team at The Good Life France

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2 years ago

Issue No. 14

From Paris to the Loire Valley, and everywhere in between, how to live like a millionaire in Nice on a budget, French island hopping, a fairy tale chateau and Monet's Garden in Giverny. Everything you want to know about France and more.

Gardens of

Gardens of Chaumont-sur-Loire Think Kew Gardens meets Chelsea flower show with French flair and a stunning chateau thrown in for good measure. Set in enormous grounds the annual Festival International des Jardins is an unmissable event showcasing the work of gardeners, architects and designers. Unlike Chelsea Flower Show, this event lasts from April to November meaning far less crowds. Somewhere special... Head to the restaurant Vincent Cuisiner de Campagne (19 rue de la Galottiere, 37140 Ingrandes-de-Touraine) where chef Vincent prepares daily deliciousness using only seasonal, local food produced in his garden or close by. There's a maximum of 10-12 guests for each service so book ahead - it's worth it. facebook.com/galotiere You really need a whole day here to enjoy the permanent and temporary gardens that change each year. It is immense - and not to be rushed. Take a picnic or enjoy lunch in the pretty restaurant. It's makes for a relaxing visit in which you can truly appreciate the surroundings and the chateau. www.domaine-chaumont.fr

Loire Mushroom caves Deep inside the cool dark Caves des Roches at Bourré something is growing... slowly, silently and surely. These are several famous funghi farms of the Loire Valley and this is one of the best. Here they pick 1000kg of mushrooms a week, grown in 12km of galleries on seven levels. They thrive in a natural atmosphere which ensures the most taste; they’re delivered all over France and around the world. The special Pied Bleu mushrooms grow here – destined for the very best restaurants. Oyster, Shitake and Paris button mushrooms are quite a sight to see, growing from the damp blocks that imitate a woodland setting - the smell is incredible, earthy and mysterious. There's another secret in these caves: a giant sculpture of a medieval village carved in the stone by former mushroom pickers during their breaks. It's closed to the public as the stone discolours if touched, and they want to keep the sculpture safe for future generations. Take a one hour tour, and don’t miss the chance to buy the freshest mushrooms. Take them home and fry them in butter with a little seasoning and some grated fresh garlic - absolutely delicious, a taste of the Loire. www.le-champignon.com Practical information: Discover loads more things to to in the Loire at www.valdeloire-france.com; www. anjou-tourisme.com; angersloiretourism.com; www.ot-saumer.fr; www.tourainevalley. com and www.coeur-val-de-loire.com