Autumn is the season for going out into the forests of the Loire Valley and foraging for fungi. Many local people are adept at finding the often well camouflaged mushrooms, and because we at Loire Valley Time Travel have lived in the area for a long time, we have picked up a lot of knowledge about wild mushrooms.
The grounds of the Chateau of Azay le Rideau can offer an opportunity for an impromptu fungi lesson. This fine crop of mushrooms are Shaggy Ink Caps, considered a great delicacy in the Loire Valley and they popped up in the chateau grounds in October during a rainy spell. Most foragers make them into risotto. If you visit at the right time you could learn how to confidently identify and cook this species which is safe to eat, as well as lookalikes that are not so edible or have interesting medicinal properties.
To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.