Land of the Loire

After a few days in Paris, we head to Pays de la Loire, the land of the Loire, to experience the rustic countryside. Russell and I stayed in the town of Ingrandes at the Hotel Le Lion d'Or right next to the Loire River, which used to be an old priory dating back from the mid-1600s. Ingrandes used to serve as a border town between France and Bretagne (Brittany), before Bretagne became part of France in the 1500s.

We were taken care of by Russell's friend Ninie, a musician who lives in the small town of La Chapelle St Sauveur a few miles away. She and her daughter Margot took us to see different sights in the area. Ninie also took us on a day trip to see the seaside resort town of La Baule, Le Pouliguen, and the medieval fortified city of Guerande (which is renowned for its sea salt). She taught me how to make traditional Breton-style buckwheat galettes, as well as beurre blanc sauce. And while Ninie & Russell played music, Margot taught me words for different animals and colors en Francais. Click HERE to see Ninie rocking out at her house.

Click HERE to see our photos from the Loire River Valley.