A Royal Tour

Enjoy a freshly-baked baguette or brioche for breakfast at Boulangerie Feuillete. The owner, Jean-François, was famous for his macarons well before opening this bakery so, even if it's too early in the day to eat sweets, definitely buy a selection of flavours to eat later.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The Château de Chenonceau is a spectacular sight which rises from the River Cher. Its stunning architecture, as well as its fascinating history, make it the second most iconic castle in France, after the Palace of Versailles.
There’s a lot to discover inside the castle, such as grand galleries and royal bedrooms, as well as outside in the manicured gardens.
Château de Chenonceau is open daily, but opening hours change often throughout the year so check the website and book your tickets in advance.

This rustic yet chic Michelin-starred restaurant has a roaring fireplace to warm you up in cooler months, and a splendid terrace with country views for warmer months. La Boulaye takes a playful and artistic approach to food, changing the menu every week to make the most of what produce is available.
An example of what you might find on the menu is white fish with cauliflower and turmeric risotto.
The restaurant operates from March to November only. Opening hours change seasonally so make sure you book in advance.
If you're travelling at a time of year when Restaurant La Boulaye is closed, Restaurant Le Cheval Blanc is a good alternative. This refined Michelin restaurant is also en route between Château de Chenonceau and Castle Nitray.

Just a short way down the road from La Boulaye is Nitray Castle, which has had a vineyard since the 18th century.
Six varieties of grapes are cultivated at Nitray Castle and wine is produced according to the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée standard, which is essentially a guarantee of the wine's quality. Learn about the castle and the winemaking process before enjoying a tasting.
Booking information can be found on the Nitray Castle website.
Opening Hours: June – September: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sunday: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
October–May: By appointment only. tel. +33247502974
If you're travelling outside Château Nitray’s opening hours and you haven't managed to make an appointment, be sure to visit Château de Villandry.

• It’s famous not only for its Renaissance estate but also for its fantastic gardens. The simple geometric shapes and blooming plants are sure to impress anyone. Château de Villandry is a 40-minute-longer drive on the A85. The château is open year-round, except during some winter periods, while the garden is open to the public every day of the year – please check the official website.

Another unique place to taste some wine is Caves Ackerman. It's part cellar door, part cave, and part art installation. Maison Ackerman specialise in sparkling wine and are the oldest producer of this bubbly beverage in the Loire Valley.
If you're concerned about wine consumption while driving, tastings usually only give small sips of wine and have spittoons available so you don't drink too much.
The caves are open everyday but operating hours change seasonally, so make sure to check the Maison Ackerman website first.

After swirling, sniffing, and sipping plenty of wines, check into your accommodation at Hôtel du Mail and prepare for your evening out.
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Chef Pascal has operated Le Lucullus for 30 years and offers a refined cuisine, made from produce that is exclusively sourced from local markets. That means the menu changes from week to week to accommodate what is fresh and in season.
Simple dishes, such as pork tenderloin with mustard or salted caramel mousse, are artistically transformed on your plate.
Reservations can be made online.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Sunday – Monday: Closed

Possibly the best place to enjoy a glass of wine with amazing views in Angers is Barco Vino. This wine bar is located on a boat, moored on the River Maine, which flows through the heart of the city.
Order a drink and perhaps a charcuterie platter, then sit back and enjoy the view of the castle and cathedral across the river.
Keep up to date with Barco Vino via their Facebook page.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday: 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Thursday – Saturday: 6:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Sunday – Monday: Closed

Enjoy a night of peaceful slumber at Hôtel du Mail. Despite being so close to the city centre, this boutique hotel is located in a quiet, leafy street and retains the atmosphere of tranquility and contemplation it had during its former life as a 17th-century convent. Rooms are decorated in a sophisticated style with patterned wallpaper and chic Parisian-style furniture.
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If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions in this link.