Bon appétit aboard the C’est La Vie

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Renowned the world over for its gastronomy, France is famed for both the quality and diversity of its cuisine.

A source of national pride, France’s epicurean offerings are in constant evolution; with focus on both haute cuisine and humble dishes, where the simplicity and freshness of ingredients cause the palate to sing.

As you drift through the Loire aboard the C’est La Vie, gourmet dining is at the heart of your barge cruise experience (accompanied, of course, by the finest of wines), complementing the scenic views savoured by your eyes, with a tantalising tour of the Loire’s tastiest treats for your tongue.

Here, we explore the links between three popular ingredients to the Loire region, and our chef’s interpretations of these in our varied onboard menu.

Goats cheese

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Goats cheese

Goats cheese is a staple of the Loire region, the tangy cylindrical, crumbly moist morsel beloved by so many cheese connoisseurs. The Loire Valley produces a range of iconic AOC varieties including Crottin de Chavignol, Sainte-Maure de Touraine (mild, rich and coated in edible ash), the aromatic and succulent Selles-sur-Cher, the truncated pyramidal shaped Valençay and pungent Pouligny-Saint-Pierre.

Showcasing one of the Loire’s most mouth-watering offerings, is our starter of Roasted Jerusalem Artichoke velouté, with a poached egg and a sprinkling of goats cheese.

Guinea Fowl

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Guinea Fowl

With vast forests in the region, game is a firm favourite in the Loire Valley. From pheasant to venison, wild boar to guinea fowl, simple, slow cooked meats accompanied by fine local wines and the freshest of vegetables are a mainstay of French fare.

Aboard the C’est La Vie you can look forward to feasting on a main course of Pan Roasted Breast of Guinea Fowl, Forest Mushrooms, Sweet Corn Purée and Braised Lettuce.

Strawberries

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Strawberries

Rich in flavour and texture, the verdant Loire is famed for its fresh ingredients, and homegrown regional fruit and veg.

Look out for the intensely aromatic and highly prized Mara des Bois scarlet red strawberry, prized by gardeners and epicureans alike, and often showcased in the farmer’s markets in the height of summer.

Local strawberries are a highlight of our dessert menu – and no barge cruise would be complete without these ruby red flavour bombs. Our chef loves to pair a crop of local strawberries with Caramelised Almonds and Almond & Polenta Cake.

Wine

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Wine

It is impossible to choose one wine in a region famed for such beauties as Menetou, Pouilly-Fumé, Quincy, Reuilly, and Sancerre; it would be akin to asking a mother to single out her favourite child.

With a wine for every occasion, aboard the C’est La Vie, we offer a selection of exquisite wines to accompany our carefully conceived menus.

As for your preference, climb aboard the C’est La Vie and discover it for yourself…