Loire Valley Foodie Retreats 2026

 

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

Solstice Foodie Retreat in the Loire Valley

Join Us in France
Join Marnie from Solstice Foodie Retreats  for a relaxed and inspiring 5-night retreat in the Loire Valley, based at the privately owned Château de Ternay—a centuries-old estate surrounded by vineyards, forests, and 111 acres of peaceful parkland. Still owned and lovingly run by the same French family since 1606, the château offers a rare chance to experience life inside a historic home that feels both grounded and magical.

This experience is about slowing down and connecting—with local and seasonal meals by Chef Alexis, Local Loire Valley wines, and the charm of rural France. You’ll visit vibrant farmers markets, explore quiet villages, tour historic châteaux like Montreuil-Bellay and Chinon, and enjoy a wine tasting in an underground cave where people once lived.

Meals & Cooking Classes
Meals are at the heart of the retreat. Our private chef, Alexis, 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.

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 corners. (see photo gallery below)

Retreat Dates
• May 21–26, 2026
• September 10–15, 2026
(5 nights / 6 days)

Retreat Pricing (per person):

• €2,350 early bird (before September 1, 2025)

• €2,500 regular rate (double occupancy)

• €2,250 per person for 4 guests sharing the Family Suite

• €4,500 for single occupancy

What’s Included

• 5 nights of accommodations at Château de Ternay

• Daily breakfast

• Chef-prepared lunches & dinners with wine pairings

• Evening cocktails

• Welcome champagne reception

• Guided excursions:

  • Thouars farmers market visit

  • Cooking class with market ingredients

  • French pastry class at the château

  • Private tour of Château de Ternay

  • Picnic at Château de Montreuil-Bellay

  • Visit to Fontevraud Abbey

  • Tour of Château de Chinon

  • Wine tasting in a troglodyte cave

• Roundtrip group shuttle from Gare de Saumur

• All entry fees and local transport for scheduled activities

• Special surprises and thoughtful touches throughout

Sample Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome

• Group shuttle from Gare de Saumur (arrive by 3 PM)

• Check-in and explore the grounds

• Champagne welcome

• Gourmet dinner by Chef Alexis with wine pairings

Day 2: Market Day & Cooking Class

• Breakfast at the château

• Visit Thouars Farmers Market

• Lunch and cooking class

• Private château tour

• Gourmet dinner by Chef Alexis with wine pairings

Day 3: Château Picnic & Abbey Visit

• Breakfast at the château

• Morning leisure time or pool swim

• Visit Château de Montreuil-Bellay for picnic

• Tour of Fontevraud Abbey

• Gourmet dinner by Chef Alexis with wine pairings and seasonal cocktails

Day 4: Pastry & Wine Day

• Breakfast and lunch with wine at the château

• Pastry class

• Afternoon wine tasting at a local winery

• Leisure time

• Gourmet dinner by Chef Alexis with wine pairings

Day 5: Chinon & Cave Wine Tasting

• Breakfast at the château

• Explore Château de Chinon & village with local guide

• Lunch at a local café

• Visit troglodyte caves and wine tasting

• Farewell gourmet dinner by Chef Alexis with wine pairings

Day 6: Departure

• Breakfast

• Leisure time and departure

• Shuttle to Gare de Saumur

Room Options

• Tour Landry Room: 1 Queen, for 2 guests, terrace access and valley views, private bath

• Piolant Room: 1 Queen, for 2 guests, tower room with hydro-massage shower, valley views, private bath

• Arsac Room: 2 Twins, for 2 guests, park views, fireplace, private bath

• Tour Ronde: 1 Queen, for 2 guests, countryside views, fireplace, private bath

• Family Suite (Suite d'Avelon): 1 Queen + 2 Twins, for 4 guests, separate bedrooms, living room with fireplace, private bath

Sample Menu Highlights by Chef Alexis

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.

Pricing, Currency & Payment Policies

Retreat Pricing (per person):

• €2,350 early bird (before September 1, 2025)

• €2,500 regular rate (double occupancy)

• €2,250 per person for 4 guests sharing the Family Suite

• €4,500 for single occupancy

Currency & Payment Details:

• All retreat prices are listed in Euros (€).

• Guests paying in U.S. dollars (USD) will be charged based on the daily exchange rate at the time of payment.

• Payment methods accepted:

  • Zelle

  • ACH bank transfer

  • Check (USD only)

  • Credit card (with a 3% processing fee)

Payment & Cancellation Policy:

• $750 deposit per person required to reserve your spot (non-refundable)

• Balance due 4 months prior to the retreat start date

• Cancellations made within 4 months of the retreat are non-refundable

• If your spot is filled from the waitlist, you will receive a 50% refund (valid up to 4 months before the retreat)

To reserve your place or ask questions, contact Marnie directly:
marnie@solsticesavorypies.com | +1-530-409-2097

Getting to Château de Ternay

By Train from Paris:

From CDG Airport:

• RER B train to Gare Montparnasse (~1 hr)

• TGV to Gare de Saumur (~2 hr 10 min)

From Orly Airport:

• Orlyval tram to Antony, then RER B to Gare Montparnasse (~45 min)

• TGV to Gare de Saumur (~2 hr 10 min)

Total travel time ~3–3.5 hrs | Cost: €45–€80
Purchase tickets at sncf-connect.com or thetrainline.com

By Car:

• From CDG: ~340 km / 3.5 hrs via A10 and D759

• From ORY: ~305 km / 3 hrs 15 min via A10 and D759

Free parking available onsite.

Château Address:
9 Rue du Château, 86120 Ternay, France

Located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, near Saumur, Chinon, and Thouars—right in the heart of Loire Valley wine country.

Please Note:
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.

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

The Entrance of Chateau de Terney

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

The 111 areas 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.

The Family Room 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!

Part of the Family Room Suite, this separate room has these two twin beds can be combined to create a spacious bed for a couple—flexible comfort for any stay.

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

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

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

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.

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.

Entrance to the Family Room Suite

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

 

Birdseye views of the Chateau de Terney Estate and its woods.

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.

Chateau de Terney seen from the front entrance of the estate.

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