Accueil The Mag 5 culinary specialities from the Loire valley to try
What better way to find out more about the beautiful region of the Loire Valley than to sample the local culinary specialities? To help you, here are our top 5 picks of culinary specialities from the Loire Valley!
The unmissable Tarte Tatin from Sologne
You may already know the famous legend of the Tarte Tatin. Tarte Tatin is the star dessert of the Sologne region, and an integral part of traditional French gastronomy, particularly in the Loire Valley. According to legend, it was in Lamotte-Beuvron that one of the Tatin sisters came up with this delicacy following a clumsy mistake. In her haste, she forgot to put the pastry in the bottom of the tin and decided to put it on top instead… Ta-da! The result was a stunning tart with tender, caramelised apples! Now that you know the legend, here’s the reality. This delicacy was a traditional upside-down apple tart, a favourite of the inhabitants of Sologne and Orléans, which the Tatin sisters are said to have made famous. So, believe whichever story you prefer, but don’t miss out on this unmissable culinary speciality from the Loire Valley!
D. Darrault CRT Centre-Val de Loire
The famous Tours rillettes
A speciality of Tours gastronomy you just can’t miss, Tours rillettes will delight your taste buds. The recipe for these famous rillettes was initially used as a way of preserving meat and was adapted by traditional pork butchers in the 19th century. You may be wondering what’s so special about the famous Tours rillettes? A selection of noble cuts of meat, such as ham or loin, slow-cooked before a final blast at high temperature. With a dry texture, brown colour and great taste of browned meat, Tours rillettes are a must-try speciality from the Loire Valley.
Ferry Van Der Vliet-ParisFvdV
The famous Orléans vinegar
The port of Orléans, a vital stop-off point for boatmen on their way to deliver wine to Paris, was as the birthplace of its famous vinegar. Orléans vinegar was made from the wines that had “turned” during the voyage and is an essential speciality of the Loire Valley. Today, Martin Pouret, master vinegar-maker since 1797, represents the famous Orléans vinegar. It is now available in a wide range of flavours, much to the delight of connoisseurs. To enhance your sauces, dress your salads or flavour your desserts, Orléans vinegar has plenty of surprises in store.
Martin Pouret studioc
The essential goat’s cheeses
C. Lazi
You can’t miss it: the culinary specialities of the Loire Valley go hand in hand with goat’s cheese! Our beautiful region boasts 5 delicious goat’s cheeses with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.
Crottin de Chavignol
An AOC cheese since 1976 and PDO since 1996, the famous little Crottin de Chavignol has everyone in agreement. Aged for a minimum of 10 days, it can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a white wine from the region, such as a Sancerre. It is guaranteed to delight the palate!
Sainte-Maure de Touraine
Have you ever tasted goat’s cheese with a rye straw running through it? It is the famous Sainte-Maure de Touraine. This special feature is a sign of traceability and quality. Enjoy on its own or with a glass of dry white Touraine or a glass of light red Chinon. The opportunity to discover a perfect duo from the Loire terroir.
Pouligny-Saint-Pierre
Pouligny-Saint-Pierre can be recognised by its pyramid shape, which, according to legend, was taken up by the locals to represent the church tower of the eponymous village. Two types of maturing give it different flavours. Enjoy it with a white Reuilly, for example.
Selles-sur-Cher
Don’t miss out on one of the Loire Valley’s essential goat’s cheeses: Selles-sur-Cher. With its pebble shape and light, ashy, natural rind, this famous regional cheese can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a glass of red or white Cheverny.
Valençay
A delicious goat’s cheese, the Valençay pyramid shares its name with the famous wine. Legend has it that Talleyrand had the top cut off so as not to remind Napoleon of his defeat in the French campaign in Egypt. It’s delicious served with a glass of Valençay.
The famous Mazet Praslines de Montargis
Praslines de Montargis are irresistible delicacies from the Loire Valley, made to a recipe that has remained unchanged since 1636. Let yourself be tempted by these incomparable toasted and caramelised almonds with their shiny brown colour. At Maison Mazet, you will find Praslines de Montargis, handcrafted with respect for tradition, among many other confectionery products. A chance to discover one of the Loire Valley’s must-try delicacies!
C. Lazi
Thematics
