France has a well-earned reputation for its obsession with food and wine, and that is no less true here in the Loire Valley. Local specialities include 'terroir' dishes - made with respect to their origins in the land and water - these include terrines and patés made from game and wild boar, the freshest river fish, and a broad range of goats cheeses.  The markets are the theatre of everyday life in small French towns where sellers passionate about their produce regale their customers with tastings, recipes, serving suggestions and accompaniments...

Many food producers sell direct to the public from their premises including goats cheese from Vazereau just 2kms from Chargé.  The majority of the wine makers also sell direct, the widest selection appear on the road through Cravant Les Coteaux from Chinon.  The best local markets include Chinon (every Thursday) and Bourgeuil (every Tuesday).  Here at Château de Chargé, we provide a fully equipped kitchen and barbecue for our guests to use if they wish to prepare their own meals.  We also provide 'table d'hôte' meals for adults and children on reservation.

There is a wide range of restaurants in and around Chinon offering everything from traditional local fare, to 'special occasion' restaurants, and a mixture of foreign cuisines. In Chinon's medieval town centre, Le Chapeau Rouge, Les Annees Trente and L'Ardoise are among the 'must try' restaurants for food fanatics.  Good every day choices with a realistically priced 'menu du jour' and 'plat du jour' include the Café des Arts and the Café de la Paix, while the Jeanne de France Pizzeria is sure to please the younger members of your family.

We will be pleased to advise our guests on their choice of restaurant in Chinon or further afield, and to make table reservations.