Tours Gourmet Food Walking Tour Discover Touraines Flavors

The Tours Gourmet Food Walking Tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich culinary heritage of Touraine. Visitors can expect a delightful journey through the region’s finest gastronomic delights, from a traditional French breakfast to a gourmet lunch and a wine tasting. With expert guidance, you will enjoy the flavors and culture of the Loire Valley, uncovering the secrets that make this destination a true haven for foodies.

Key Points

• Explore the gastronomic heritage of Tours through a full-day gourmet food walking tour, priced from $38.06 per group (up to 2) and available in English and French.
• Experience a traditional French breakfast at a local bakery, featuring freshly baked pastries, crusty baguettes, and robust coffee.
• Discover the vibrant Halles de Tours market, sampling regional specialties like Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine goat cheese and learning about local food culture.
• Indulge in a gourmet lunch at a renowned local restaurant, showcasing locally-sourced ingredients and the flavors of the Loire Valley.
• Enjoy an afternoon wine tasting at a Vouvray wine cellar, learning about the winemaking process and discovering the unique expressions of the Chenin Blanc grape.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour

The Tours gourmet food walking tour is a full-day experience that allows visitors to explore the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Priced from $38.06 per group (up to 2), the tour is available in English and French. Guests can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Reservations can be made with a pay-later option. The tour focuses on local food spots and markets, offering a traditional French breakfast, regional specialties like Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine goat cheese and rillettes, a gourmet lunch, and an afternoon of wine tasting in a Vouvray cellar.

Traditional French Breakfast

The tour begins with a traditional French breakfast at a local bakery, where visitors can savor fresh pastries and aromatic coffee.

The breakfast spread typically includes:

Freshly baked croissants, pain au chocolat, and other buttery viennoiseries, crusty baguettes with rich, creamy butter and preserves, robust espresso or aromatic filter coffee.

• Freshly baked croissants, pain au chocolat, and other buttery viennoiseries

• Crusty baguettes with rich, creamy butter and preserves

• Robust espresso or aromatic filter coffee to accompany the pastries

This quintessential French breakfast experience sets the tone for the day’s gourmet food exploration, allowing participants to enjoy the region’s culinary heritage from the very start.

Exploring Halles De Tours Market

Next, visitors explore the Halles de Tours market, a vibrant hub showcasing the region’s gastronomic heritage.

They sample regional specialties like Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine goat cheese, rillettes, and artisanal charcuterie. The market offers a chance to take in the local food culture, with stalls brimming with fresh produce, baked goods, and specialty items.

Guides provide insights into the significance of these regional delicacies, their production methods, and how they’ve shaped the culinary identity of Touraine.

Exploring the market’s lively atmosphere and tasting its bounty is a highlight of the gourmet walking tour.

Visiting a Fromagerie

After exploring the vibrant Halles de Tours market, the tour then takes visitors to a top fromagerie.

Here, guests have the opportunity to sample a selection of matured cheeses exclusive to the Touraine region:

1. Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, a soft-ripened goat cheese with a distinctive log shape and a delicate, tangy flavor.

2. Crottin de Chavignol, a small, cylindrical goat cheese with a firm texture and a nutty, earthy taste.

3. Brie de Preuilly, a soft, creamy cow’s milk cheese with a delicate, slightly fruity aroma.

The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to discover the rich diversity and exceptional quality of Touraine’s renowned cheeses.

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Discovering Tours’ Rillettes

After exploring the vibrant Halles de Tours market, the tour then heads to a traditional charcuterie to discover Tours’ renowned rillettes.

Rillettes are a pâté-like dish made by slowly cooking meat, typically pork, in its own fat until it’s fall-apart tender.

Visitors learn about the unique preparation process that gives rillettes their rich, velvety texture and deep flavors.

They’ll sample several varieties, from classic pork to more creative takes like duck or wild boar.

Understanding this local specialty is an essential part of appreciating Tours’ gastronomic heritage.

Gourmet Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Following the discovery of Tours’ renowned rillettes, the tour then transitions to a gourmet lunch at a renowned local restaurant.

This locally-sourced, seasonal meal highlights the flavors of the Loire Valley, blending tradition and innovation.

The menu features:

1. A starter of freshly shucked oysters paired with a crisp Vouvray wine.

2. A main course of pan-seared duck breast with a cherry reduction, served alongside roasted root vegetables.

3. A decadent chocolate mousse for dessert, complemented by a glass of sweet Vouvray wine.

The gourmet lunch provides a refined culinary experience, showcasing the best of the region’s gastronomic heritage.

Vouvray Wine Tasting

Capping off the gourmet lunch, the tour moves to a Vouvray wine cellar for an afternoon of wine tasting.

Guests learn about the winemaking process, from grape to bottle, as they sample the region’s renowned white wines. The tasting showcases sparkling and still Vouvray varieties, each offering a unique expression of the Chenin Blanc grape.

Guests learn about the winemaking process as they sample the region’s renowned white wines, showcasing the unique expressions of Chenin Blanc.

With guidance from the knowledgeable winemaker, participants discover the rich flavors, aromas, and complexities that typify the Loire Valley’s winemaking traditions.

It’s a fitting finale to a day immersed in the gourmet heritage of Tours and the surrounding Touraine region.

Gourmet Dinner Recommendation

To cap off the gourmet walking tour, the organizers recommend a dinner at a renowned local restaurant that highlights the flavors of the Loire Valley.

The dinner features:

1. A menu showcasing traditional dishes with a modern twist, using the finest local ingredients.

2. An extensive wine list featuring the region’s renowned Vouvray and other Loire Valley varietals to perfectly pair with the meal.

3. An elegant, cozy atmosphere that complements the gourmet dining experience.

This dinner ensures a fitting finale to a day spent exploring the gastronomic delights of the Tours region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Accessible for People With Dietary Restrictions?

The tour accommodates people with dietary restrictions. They can notify the tour operator of any special needs, and the itinerary can be adjusted to suit their preferences.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. The tour provider offers flexibility to accommodate group needs, such as adjusting the itinerary or schedule to suit dietary requirements or preferences.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Price?

The price of $38.06 per group (up to 2 people) is inclusive of all fees and taxes. There are no additional charges or taxes that customers need to pay for this tour.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for the Tour?

The tour price does not include any additional fees or taxes. While the website doesn’t mention any discounts, it’s always worth asking the tour operator if any special offers are available at the time of booking.

What Is the Minimum and Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour accommodates groups of up to 2 people. There’s no minimum group size, so solo travelers can also join the experience.

Recap

The Tours Gourmet Food Walking Tour offers a delightful way to explore the rich gastronomic heritage of Touraine. Priced at $38.06 for up to two people, the tour includes a traditional French breakfast, a visit to the Halles de Tours market, a gourmet lunch, and a wine tasting, immersing participants in the flavors and culture of the Loire Valley under expert guidance.

You can check if your dates are available here: