France Foodie Retreat 2027

Solstice Foodie Retreat – Loire Valley, France at Château de Ternay

May 17-23, 2027 · Six Nights · Twelve Guests

Join Us in France

Spend six nights with Marnie and Patrick at Château de Ternay, a privately owned château set among vineyards, forests, and 111 acres of parkland. Lovingly cared for by the same French family since 1606, it’s a place to settle in and experience the warmth of a historic family home.

Our days will unfold around food, wine, and the pleasures of rural France. We’ll browse a lively farmers market, wander through villages, have dinner at a One Michelin Star restaurant, explore historic Chinon, and drink  local wines, have cocktails in the caves behind the Chateau de Terney and see, experience and explore the real Loire Valley away from the crowds.

A plated gourmet dish featuring a roasted bird with a dark red sauce, served with green beans, potatoes, and carrots on a blue and white patterned ceramic plate, set on a dining table with wine glasses in the background.
A plated gourmet dish featuring a roasted bird with a dark red sauce, served with green beans, potatoes, and carrots on a blue and white patterned ceramic plate, set on a dining table with wine glasses in the background.
A group of people celebrating with drinks and toast at an outdoor dining table set in a stone chateau courtyard in front of a grand Gothic-style building, with a white dog lying on the grass nearby.
A group of people celebrating with drinks and toast at an outdoor dining table set in a stone chateau courtyard in front of a grand Gothic-style building, with a white dog lying on the grass nearby.
A group of people gathered around a table in a warm, rustic setting, engaging in a wine tasting. In the foreground, a man with white hair and glasses is pouring white wine from a dark bottle into a glass held by another person wearing a beige cap.
A group of people gathered around a table in a warm, rustic setting, engaging in a wine tasting. In the foreground, a man with white hair and glasses is pouring white wine from a dark bottle into a glass held by another person wearing a beige cap.
A group of people gathered in a dimly lit stone tunnel, holding candles and drinks around a small table in a rustic, cave-like setting.
A group of people gathered in a dimly lit stone tunnel, holding candles and drinks around a small table in a rustic, cave-like setting.

Food and Wine are at the Heart of the Loire Valley Retreat

Meals & Cooking Classes
Meals are at the heart of the retreat. Our private chef will prepare seasonal French meals throughout our stay—all thoughtfully paired with Loire Valley wines. You’ll also take part in hands-on cooking classes, learning the art of French pastry, classic sauces, and fresh pasta.

A group of people gathered around a long dining table lit by numerous candles in a dark, elegant room. The table is set with wine bottles, glasses, plates, and a floral centerpiece with pink and purple flowers.
A group of people gathered around a long dining table lit by numerous candles in a dark, elegant room. The table is set with wine bottles, glasses, plates, and a floral centerpiece with pink and purple flowers.
A plated gourmet food dish featuring a flaky pastry stack topped with mushrooms, red fruit, and sauce, set on a blue and white ceramic plate at a dining table.
A plated gourmet food dish featuring a flaky pastry stack topped with mushrooms, red fruit, and sauce, set on a blue and white ceramic plate at a dining table.
Four women standing together in a rustic stone room holding wine glasses, with candles in the foreground and a shield emblem on the wall behind them.
Four women standing together in a rustic stone room holding wine glasses, with candles in the foreground and a shield emblem on the wall behind them.
An outdoor evening wedding reception scene with a group of guests seated around a dining table lit by candles, set against a sunset sky over a grassy field.
An outdoor evening wedding reception scene with a group of guests seated around a dining table lit by candles, set against a sunset sky over a grassy field.

With Just 12 Guests

With only 12 guests and exclusive access to Château de Ternay, this is a true escape—a chance to slow down, savor the moment, and create lasting memories in one of France’s most charming areas. (see photo gallery below)

These retreats have sold out in years past, so make sure to reserve early.

The Forever Memory Retreat

Retreat Dates
May 17th-23rd 2027 ( Six Nights) Our only Loire Valley Retreat for 2027. 

What’s Included

  • Six nights of accommodations at Château de Ternay
  • Daily breakfast
  • Lunches and dinners prepared by our private Chef Romain, paired with local wines
  • Evening cocktails and a welcome reception
  • A visit to a local farmers market
  • Dinner at a one-Michelin-star restaurant
  • A French pastry class at the château
  • A private tour of Château de Ternay
  • A visit to Fontevraud Abbey
  • A tour of Château de Chinon
  • Wine tasting at a local winery with a troglodyte cave
  • Round-trip group shuttle service from Saumur train station (Gare de Saumur)
  • All entry fees and local transportation for scheduled activities
  • Special surprises and thoughtful touches throughout your stay!

Sample Daily Itinerary

This is a sample of what your retreat could look like. Activities and the order of days may change as plans are finalized.

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome

  • Group shuttle from Gare de Saumur (please arrive by 3 p.m.)
  • Check in and explore the château grounds
  • Champagne welcome
  • Dinner with wine pairings

Day 2: Market Day & Cooking Class

  • Breakfast at the château
  • Visit the Thouars farmers market
  • Lunch and a cooking class
  • Private tour of the château
  • Sunset cocktails and dinner with wine pairings

Day 3: Fontevraud Abbey & Michelin-Starred Dinner

  • Breakfast at the château
  • Free time or a swim in the pool
  • Explore Fontevraud Abbey before dinner
  • Dinner at a one-Michelin-star restaurant
  • Enjoy more time exploring the abbey grounds after dinner

Day 4: Pastry & Wine

  • Breakfast and a pastry class at the château
  • Lunch with wine
  • Afternoon tasting at a local winery
  • Free time, followed by dinner at the château

Day 5: Chinon & Cave Wine Tasting

  • Breakfast at the château
  • Explore Chinon and its château with a local guide
  • Lunch at a local café
  • Visit the troglodyte caves for a wine tasting

Day 6: A Day to Savor

  • Breakfast at the château
  • Time to relax and enjoy the grounds
  • Explore local caves and wines
  • Farewell dinner

Day 7: Departure

  • Breakfast and free time before the group shuttle back to Gare de Saumur

We visit the medieval town and castle of Chinon where Joan of Arc treated with the future king of France.

Sample Menu Highlights 

Starters:

  • Asparagus with mousseline sauce
  • Poached egg with mushrooms and forest emulsion
  • Foie gras terrine with red wine shallot confit

Mains:

  • Duck breast with carrot-orange purée
  • Loire river fish with ratatouille
  • Seven-hour lamb shoulder with Dauphinois gratin

Cheese Course:

  • Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine mousse with roasted figs

Desserts:

  • Vanilla millefeuille
  • Choux with lemon cream
  • Strawberries poached in red Chinon wine

Menus vary by season and availability.

FIVE ROOMS, EACH WITH ITS OWN CHARACTER

A classic vintage bedroom featuring a wooden bed with white and navy bedding, a dark wood chest, a fireplace with a gold mirror, and green patterned curtains by a large window.

Chambre de la Tour Ronde

The Tour Ronde Room offers sweeping views of the château’s 111-acre park, blending comfort with timeless beauty.

Tour Ronde bathroom
Tour Ronde room video

A vintage-style bedroom with a red upholstered bed, matching red and pink chairs, dark red curtains, a wooden table in the foreground with a statue, and warm yellow walls.

Chambre de Polant

Located on the first floor of one of the Château's towers, Room Piolant features a king-size bed and antique furnishings—inviting you to rediscover the charm of a bygone era.

Polant Room second view
Polant room video

A vintage-style bedroom interior with two wooden beds, patterned canopies, a large ornate rug, a desk with red upholstered chairs, hardwood floors, and a window with sheer curtains.

Chambre d'Arsac

The Room d'Arsac features two double beds and overlooks the peaceful park and historic stables.

Room d'Arsac second view
Room d'Arsac video

A grand, elegant bedroom interior with a double bed, wooden herringbone floor, ornate white walls, sheer curtains, a chandelier, and multiple antique-style chairs and tables.

Chambre Tourlandry

The Room Tour Landry offers sweeping views of the valley, making it a serene and scenic retreat.

Tourlandre bathroom
Tourlandre room video

An ornate vintage bedroom with a four-poster canopy bed, floral wallpaper, green drapes, a blue throw blanket, two pink armchairs, and a large patterned rug.

Suite d' Avelon

The Suite d' Avelon is a two-bedroom suite that accommodates up to four guests. With its charming interiors and sunset views, it feels like stepping into a period film. Perfect for 4 friends sharing two rooms!

Avelon Suite bathroom
Avelon Suite second room
Avelon Suite video
Avelon Suite second room video

THE NUMBERS

Double occupancy · Early bird
€6,500 for two guests
Approximately $7,395 USD

Double occupancy · Regular price
€7,000 for two guests
Approximately $7,964 USD

Family Suite · Four guests
€12,000 total · Approximately $13,652 USD
One queen bed and two twin beds that can be joined to make a queen. All four guests share one bathroom.

Single occupancy
€5,500 · Approximately $6250 USD

Early bird pricing ends October 31, 2026.

USD amounts are estimates based on the September 28, 2026 exchange rate of €1 = $1.1377. The amount charged in USD will depend on the exchange rate on your payment date.

Payment & Cancellation

A $750 nonrefundable deposit per person reserves your place. The remaining balance is due four months before the retreat begins.

We accept Zelle, Wise wire Transfer, Checks in USD, and Credit Cards. Credit card payments have a 3% processing fee.

Cancellations within four months of the retreat are nonrefundable. If you cancel earlier and we fill your place from the waitlist, you’ll receive a 50% refund.

Questions or ready to book?
marnie@solsticesavorypies.com
+1-530-409-2097

Loire Valley Retreat Logistics

Once your reservation is confirmed, we’ll provide complete travel information, including directions for arriving by car or train and details about our shuttle service to and from Saumur Train Station.

Whether you're flying from the United States, Canada, Australia, or elsewhere, we're happy to help you plan your journey.

Need advice on flights, train tickets, hotels, rental cars, or how to extend your stay in Scotland? We're happy to share our favorite recommendations and help make your trip as seamless as possible once you reserve your spot.

Our goal is simple: from the moment we greet you in Oban until we say goodbye seven days later, all you have to do is relax, enjoy, and immerse yourself in the beauty, history, and incredible food of the Loire Valley.

Guests must be 16+ years. Some rooms require stair access. This is an active retreat with walking and uneven terrain. If you have mobility limitations, this may not be the best fit.

Photos and video may be taken during the retreat and used for promotional purposes by Solstice Savory Pies and Solstice Foodie Retreats. By attending, you consent to being photographed unless otherwise requested in writing.

See the photo gallery below of Château de Ternay and the surrounding areas we'll explore during our time in the Loire Valley:

The Great Kitchen at Chateau de Terney where we will have cooking classes.

The 111 acres of grounds surrounding Chateau De Terney ( your playground for the week)

The Inner Courtyard within the castle. We'll enjoy a dinner or two under the stars here.



The limestone caves at the base of Château de Ternay, originally quarried to build the château itself. You can explore some of the caves that still hold wine barrels from ages ago.



Peaceful views from the front of the property—perfect for unwinding with a glass of wine beneath the trees.

Exploring the château’s 111-acre grounds feels like stepping back in time—where King Henry IV once walked and truffles are still hunted today.

With its charming interiors and sunset views, it feels like stepping into a period film.


Settle in with a good book or enjoy a game of cards in the cozy living room.

Take a refreshing swim, then wander through the limestone caves nestled beside the pool.

Enjoy Breakfast and dinner in one of the two dining rooms.

 

Fresh spring flowers bloom beneath the castle walls and near the limestone caves, adding bursts of color to the historic landscape.



Limestone caves of the Loire Valley are now a part of people’s homes, wine storage, or even artisan workshops—blending history with everyday life.


Spring flowers from one of the many wineries in the Loire Valley.

Dining al fresco in Chinon a town we will visit during your stay, savoring local pâté and asparagus gazpacho, perfectly paired with crisp Chinon blanc

Wander through charming villages, sipping local wines and discovering hidden gems in art galleries along the way.


We’ll visit a local farmers market—because French farmers markets are truly among the best in the world, bursting with seasonal produce, artisan cheeses, and vibrant culture.

We’ll explore the limestone caves of the Loire Valley—once used as homes and still used today for storing wine. We’ll walk through a local vineyard to see how the grapes are grown and learn about Chinon Blanc and Cabernet Franc, the signature varietals of this historic wine region.

 

We’ll visit the medieval town of Chinon and its iconic château perched high above the village, offering sweeping views of the Vienne River. A private guide will lead us through its rich history, followed by a leisurely traditional lunch with local wine at a charming café in town.


We’ll take a guided tour of Château de Montreuil-Bellay, a magnificent medieval fortress with 15 towers and centuries of history—then enjoy a peaceful picnic on the château’s scenic grounds.

We’ll enjoy relaxed midday picnics with local wine throughout the retreat—perfect moments to slow down, savor the flavors of the region, and take in the beautiful surroundings.

We’re so excited to welcome you to the Loire Valley and can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with you.

This retreat has been thoughtfully curated by Marnie Coots, founder of Solstice Savory Pies and the curator and guide behind Solstice Foodie Retreats. With a passion for food, storytelling, and meaningful travel, Marnie creates immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences that connect people to place through flavor, history, and beauty.

If you have any questions or want help deciding if this retreat is right for you, feel free to reach out directly:
marnie@solsticesavorypies.com | 530-409-2097