Domaine de la Tortiniere enchants from the very first glance because it is the castle we all imagine when we think of those in fairy tales. The silhouette with the two slender towers on the sides and the central body that emerges from the greenery like a large and precious crown immediately immerses you in a fairytale atmosphere. But here reality surpasses fantasy and it was really nice to feel like a prince and princess for a day together with our page boy Otto.
In Touraine in the fairytale castle
In the castle you can experience a magical holiday and a relaxing stay during which you can enjoy the small and great pleasures of all time: perceiving the scents of the countryside, savoring a refined and at the same time genuine cuisine and sleeping in the round tower which houses one of the most beautiful suites of the splendid residence. Just like we did!
The four-star charming hotel is located in Touraine and is housed in one of the most beautiful castles of the Loire which dates back to the Second Empire and stands in the center of a 15-hectare park which descends to the Indre river.
The 32 rooms, furnished with stylish and contemporary elements with which they wanted to restore the luxuries of the past between tradition and modernity, are divided between the central body of the building and the outbuildings.
The pluses? The large heated swimming pool, the terrace overlooking the Indre valley and the wooded park and an excellent restaurant included in the Michelin Guide, housed in the large glazed and bright rooms of the former orange grove.
At dinner, we were spoiled by the exquisite and refined preparations of chef Damien Piochon who, at the end of the tasting, we wanted to meet in person: we were satisfied and accompanied to the kitchen where we were able to offer our compliments to all the staff.
Before dinner we explored the area around the castle, walking among the magnificent centenary trees with a view of the Loire Valley and reaching the banks of the Indre on which it is possible to sail to discover the Loire castles on the boat made available by the hotel for those staying there, as well as the tennis court, billiards and ping-pong table, a beautiful massage room, a sauna and a Jacuzzi.
Unfortunately there was no time to enjoy all the courtesy of the guests of the Domaine de la Tortiniere, but we managed to carve out some time to relax in our large suite on the first floor with the bedroom of the two circular towers of the castle and the living room furnished with great elegance, both illuminated by the large windows overlooking the park.
And how can you give up the pleasure of a Kyr Royal-based aperitif? At the Domaine de la Tortiniere, the aperitif is served on the terrace or in the cozy room dominated by the elegant gray marble fireplace. We opted for this second solution, enjoying the warm afternoon light reflected by the golden glow of the lamps with a refined design.
We have to talk about dinner. We were offered the Le Pressoir menu where we could choose between two entrées, two main courses and two desserts. To taste everything we took both options for every course except for dessert as Michele opted for a cheese platter.
Are you curious? The photos make the idea satisfying at least the visual part, but we guarantee that smell and taste have been amply satisfied! We started with the chef’s welcome, followed by the two appetizers, salmon tartare and chicken mousse with porcini mushrooms. Then I continued with the fish choosing the sea bream fillet, while Michele preferred a more robust beef cheek with Bourguignonne sauce and creamy polenta. To conclude the evening on a sweet note, the lemon cake is perfect, fresh and very light.
After dinner we wanted to enjoy the suggestion of walking in the park and admiring “our” castle in the dark of the evening, even more fairytale-like with its beautiful illuminated towers. Then our “love nest” welcomed us, where our Otto was waiting for us and where our sleep was cradled by the exclusive tapestries on the walls and the refined and elegant atmosphere.
In the morning choosing what to take from the buffet to enjoy our breakfast was a real feat: how can you give up tasting croissants, madeleines, pain au chocolat, plum cakes, organic jams, yoghurt and fresh fruit while sipping an excellent cappuccino?
To greet us before leaving our exquisite guests, Anne and Xavier Olivereau, the third generation who manage Domaine de la Tortiniere with all-French grace and elegance which over time has conquered many personalities, from the Presidents of the Republic Georges Pompidou and Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, to my myth the writer Françoise Sagan, to one of my favorite actresses Audrey Hepburn, up to Gérard Depardieu and Juliette Binoche. And since May of this year, the honor of being guests of this splendid castle has also fallen to us and to our Otto!
Domaine de la Tortiniere
Route de Ballan, 10 – Veigné – France
Info: +33 02 47 34 35 00 – contact@tortiniere.com
www.tortiniere.com
