The Forest of Bercy
Famous in this area is the ancient forest of Bercy. As you drive along the roads that skirt this enormous wooded area of 54,000 acres, at certain times of the year you can’t miss the sight of people carrying baskets – they’re mushroom pickers. Everyone is allowed to pick 5kg a day, this ensures the famous funghi are preserved for the future, and prevents anyone picking for business.
In the town of Jupilles you can discover the history of the forest, the oldest part of which dates back to the days of Louis XIV. Indeed his minister Colbert installed the management system that still prevails of planting three beech trees to one oak tree. The leaves of the beech force the oak to grow taller in the search for sunlight, forsaking branches to conserve energy. This produces knotless wood, perfect for making wine barrels, musical instruments and clogs.
At the start of the 20th Century there were 500 clog makers, now there are only two in Jupilles. Museum of wood, Jupilles
The wine route
Le Loir has a meandering wine route with a lot of great choice and some unique wines such as Jasnières and Côteaux du Loir. I stop at the Domaine de la Charriere for a wine tasting and try both of them, Henri V loved them I’m told, I agree with him. The Coteaux de Loir takes me by surprise, a lovely mellow red, that has a hint of pepper. I’m hooked and dismayed when I’m told I can’t just buy it anywhere – it’s okay I say, I’ll just have to come back!
My last night is spent in the friendly Hotel de France, beloved by Le Mans racing drivers and fans over the decade and a little art deco jewel in this pretty, sleepy little town.
Le Loir is a brilliant place to tour with lots of places to stop, explore and discover with some real surprises…
Website for Tourist Office: